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We often think of a cup of coffee as company for our dessert plate, something bitter to break the sweet. But what many are now discovering is that our friend coffee can break the back of just about anything rich, including cheese! Imagine your favorite cheese, maybe it's velvety and slightly sweet, or sharp and requires a little bit of dental work. Now, chase it with a bright and slightly acidic blend of coffee or maybe a satisfyingly smooth dark organic roast with a wonderful smoky aroma. The coffee's bitterness immediately goes to work on the rich texture of the cheese but what's left after swallowing is a combination of flavors that you might not have expected!
Bitter and sweet are obvious friends but the relationship of coffee and cheese is much more complex. It's more about underlying flavor and texture. Cheese, like coffee, is anything but simple when it hits your palate. It can be sweet and fruity or nutty and smoky to name drop some flavors. Also, keep in mind that while all coffee is made from water, different roasts tote different weights on the tongue. Try sipping skim milk and then a little half and half and you'll see what I mean. The possibilities here are endless.
What's even more exciting is that while pairing coffee and cheese has been an uncommon and underutilized foodie adventure in the past, with any luck it's soon to be the next big thing! Next time you stop by your local cafe for a shot of espresso, bring along a snack of some fresh green grapes and some of your favorite cheese. Your taste buds will delight and you may even find that your cookie habit may be dismissed. Ok, maybe that's pushing the envelope, but it's not a stretch to say that coffee may be the new Cab at your next dinner party!
As tempting as Whole Foods is, try these places for your next cheese pairing:
Gino's Italian Imports
3422 N Harlem Chicago, IL 60634 (Dunning)
Miara's Bakery Deli and Beverages
7051 W Addison Chicago, IL 60634 (Dunning)
Fox & Obel
401 E Illinois Chicago, IL 60611 (River East)
Pastoral Artisan Cheese (2 locations!)
2945 N Broadway Chicago, IL 60657 (Lakeview)
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53 East Lake Street Chicago, IL 60601 (Loop)
What about coffee you ask? Try something new. Run from the Green & Black and buy a sampler pack of a brand you haven't tried, something with a flavor beyond bitter campfire.
Some better bitters:
Julius Meinl - Viennese coffee at its finest!
visit www.meinl.com for locations
Caribou Coffee - many locations for your convenience, but still great quality coffee!
visit www.cariboucoffee.com for locations
The Coffee & Tea Exchange - plenty of variety and completely local!
visit www.coffeeandtea.com for locations
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