Reader’s Choice

Marion Street Cheese Market

Marion Street Cheese Market stocks about 150 cheeses at any given time, and counter people focus loving care on the critical handling of this living food, speaking knowledgeably about the many variations on “milk’s leap toward immortality.” Just as important, they’re eager to offer samples. Owner Erik Larson has worked to bring in a steady flow of the region’s best from producers like Prairie Fruits Farm, Bleu Mont Dairy, and many more. The fromage is cut to order—precuts are verboten—ensuring that customers get these distinctive midwestern productions at their freshest. This summer the market will migrate kitty-corner from its current location into a spectacular new space that will offer an even larger selection of cheese as well as produce from local growers, plus breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are plans to transform the old space into a small butcher shop (something Oak Park hasn’t had in a long time).  101 N. Marion, Oak Park, 708-848-2088, marionstreetcheesemarket.com. —David Hammond

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