The Chalet (Binny's) Gold Coast R.I.P.

While walking by last week, I noticed that this outpost of The Chalet (Binny's) enterprise appeared to have closed its doors for good. The space was nearly empty and a sign on the door encouraged patrons to visit the other remaining locations.

The Chalet (Binny's) R.I.P.
40 E. Delaware

E.M.

Aww...that makes me sad.

That Chalet, while ridiculously overpriced at times, did have one of the most knowledgeable cheese guys in town. I remember, years ago, someone telling me -- "Go see the Cheese Guy at the Chalet -- he knows everything!". He was the first to tell me the tale of the demise of Liederkranz and referred several tasty cheeses to my attention. They had a great chocolate section -- I remember tasting Valrhona there for the first time.

I often picked up interesting small house champagnes there.

The landscape always changes, doesn't it?

I was just there a few days before New Years buying wine for a dinner party--I can't believe that it is gone. Their staff were always incredibly helpful and well informed! I hope they have all found great placements elsewhere. Could the new market across the street have something to do with this, I wonder?

Truly a hidden gem, my wife and I would describe Chalet as "our little wine shop." It was so intimate, with some of the most friendly staff in that neighborhood. Sometimes, my wife would stop in after work and next thing you know, we would be having wine and cheese for dinner.

We have moved now, but it makes me sad that it is closing. Chalet was one of those perfect little "city" stores.

From Chicago Magazine's e-mail blast:

The Chalet Wine & Cheese Shop (40 E. Delaware Pl.) closed at the end of 2006, and its stock and staff have been split up by Binny’s locations in River North and Lake View (note: Binny’s owned The Chalet).

BTW - There was a Chalet in Highland Park, which became a Binny's.

Regards,