Make Every Meal an Adventure!

The Food Dude

This month, we're gonna have a little departure from the Food Dude norm.  Remember last month?  Wingman Amo and I were in Benoit and visited the Avalon for lunch.  This month we will talk about a serious food destination that is NOT a dining or drinking establishment.  This is what happened just before we went to lunch...

Wisconsin is a cheese state and proud of it.  Given that fact, I'm still not sure why our capital is in Madison.  It should be in Benoit.  Why? Because that's where you'll find the Benoit Cheese shop.  Here's a few points to back up my proposal.

It opened in 1973, the Benoit Cheese Shop is a co-operative owned by a group of dairy farmers.  Its sole purpose is to "Sell Great Cheese at a great Price to promote Consumption".  For 39 years they have held true to their mission.

"No one does what we do," states David Johnson, General Manager, "We cherry pick the very best cheese Wisconsin has to offer and offer it at these prices.” And believe me, David knows cheese. I was flabbergasted to learn that the same cows in the same pasture can produce a different taste to the cheese depending on the time of year their milk is harvested. It's these types of details that make a visit such an adventure!

Benoit Cheese has roughly 150 different varieties (and counting) available. With so much to choose from, how does one make an educated selection? Simple: “You can sample 'til ya get silly,” says Jill Jones, Sales Manager. Yes! No more guessing what your cheese will taste like. On this particular trip, Amo and I tried about 20 different kinds of cheese. Not only was it fun for our palettes, it was educational. These people know their cheese!

Having a party? They can put together a wonderful array of cheeses that will truly impress your guests and pair them with your food and/or wine. Special events and fundraisers? The gang at Benoit Cheese is a fantastic (and creative) partner to make it unique. Own a restaurant? Benoit Cheese works with commercial accounts to offer your customers the very best in Wisconsin products.

Not only have I learned a lot, Ihave made some new friends; Foenegreek Gouda (an Amo favorite), Mango Fire (nice kick), Smoked Bacon Cheddar, Raspberry Sartori, just to name a few. “I love this place,” says Amo as he picks up yet another sampling, “You can't beat their service.” He pops the sample into his mouth and smiles. When Amo gets that smile on his face, you know he's happy.

Let me add, they also carry other farm fresh Wisconsin products (meats, milk, eggs) and keep expanding their product lines. So, call your state representatives and let's put forth a motion to move the capital to Benoit. After one visit, you'll be convinced it's the right thing to do.

Check out their ads here in the Bottom Line and find them online: www.benoitcheese.com

Now get out there and make everymeal an adventure!