Great American Cheese Collection (Pictures)

Great American Cheese Collection



First stop on my Saturday (yesterday) expedition to the southwest side was Great American Cheese Collection, at which I arrived following a 1.5 hour bus ride – transportation time longer than I’d expected. I arrived about 45 minutes prior to closing so there was sufficient time to study the approx. 20 cheeses on display (a large quantity of varieties of gouda), taste a few and converse a bit with Linda the “Sales Representative.” The fig salami sold-out prior to my arrival and a replenishing of the supply is expected at the end of the coming week. I purchased about $25 in cheeses, representing 3 varieties. The most interesting (I haven’t eaten the sample yet) seemed to be the “Sunset Bay” ($40/lb.), from the state of Oregon – a goat milk cheese with a center vein of smoked paprika.

Goat Milk Cheese with Smoked Paprika Center Vein



If I’d have traveled so long/far just for this stop at GACC I would probably have returned home disappointed. I sensed there wasn’t much available at the warehouse I couldn’t find, or find similarly pleasing, at sources closer to where I live. The day was a good one, however, largely because of my visit (after stopping at GACC) to Zaragoza Restaurant (about which I’ve posted a report on the “Eating Out” forum).

Great American Cheese Collection
4727 S. Talman
Chicago, IL 60632
773-779-5055
Website: http://www.greatamericancheese.com
Hours: Saturday Warehouse Sales: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

I took my inaugural trip to the warehouse today. A little smaller than I expected, but maybe that's because there was a large group from Dill Pickle Co-op entrenched at the sampling table. There are some truly top-notch cheeses. My personal favorite was the Feliciana Nevat, creamy, full and light. It was revelatory. The prices vary, from $4 fresh ricotta to an award-winning $36 goat cheese with cinnamon rind (Astrea).