theBrideScoop

Man does not live by bread alone. Truer words have never been spoken. However, add cheese, charcuterie and wine to the mix, and I can probably thrive happily ever after! That is why it is remarkably fortunate that I live in Chicago, the home of Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine. If you have never experienced the magic that is Pastoral, you are missing out. Let me show you into the world of delicious Old World style nosh.

Cheese Selection at Pastoral (Photo from www.pastoralartisan.com)

Pastoral reminds me of the small markets of my European childhood, the kind where shop keep knows you by name and saves your favorite morsels for you. These are the shops you visit daily to get the freshly baked bread for dinner, while picking out a great bottle of wine to go with the pate and cheese du jour. For me everything slows down when I enter Pastoral. I love taking my time browsing here, asking questions, tasting things, reading labels, picturing myself in Paris. With that ripe French cheese and a bottle of French vino, you might just think you ARE in Paris!

Wine & Beer at Pastoral (Photo from www.pastoralartisan.com)

Why do I love Pastoral? Let me count the ways. One would be hard pressed to find staff more knowledgeable about their products. Need an assist in dinner party planning and wine pairing? Looking for a very specific cheese? Have a guest with food allergies? Just ask. The folks who work here will be more than helpful.

The cheese stands alone here, it needs no embellishment. Cheese tasting at Pastoral should be on everyone’s bucket list. In fact, if I ever do bite the bullet and get hitched, private Pastoral cheese tasting will be a part of my Most Epic Bachelorette Party. Meanwhile, I will settle for the best cheese board in town, carefully selected for me by the folks at Pastoral. Some fresh bread. Salumi. Some wine to wash it all down. Maybe some olives. Or fancy fig preserves. In fact, I just had an idea: how about a Pastoral-centered dinner party?

Anyone up for a nosh? Meet me at Pastoral, the place where time stands still.

Hungry? Want more? Follow me on Twitter at Gourmet Rambler.

Written by Food Editor ~ Gourmet Rambler

Tatiana is better known by her twitter handle, Gourmet Rambler. She is a bon vivant and a connoisseur of all things delectable ~ whether a gorgeous bottle of wine, an exquisitely elaborate meal, fresh farmer’s market produce or unique and unusual ingredients. Tatiana is an adamant advocate for the artistry of a chef, local and seasonal products. A chef once said: “There is a way that everyone else eats. And then there is this whole other world of how Gourmet Rambler eats.” Lover of Chicago, experienced diner, wine maven and home chef. Sassy and stubborn. That is why we love having Gourmet Rambler as our Food Editor!

Tatiana is a contributor to FOOD FRIDAY on theBrideScoop where she writes about her dining adventures.

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