Benton Brothers Cheese

We were very sad when Forster's Fine Cheeses closed its doors in 2007. Another Kerrisdale landmark gone. Watching renovations through the picture window, however, we were cautiously optimistic. Another cheese shop seemed to be taking shape.

How glad we were when we stepped into the newly opened Benton Brothers Fine Cheese. The sophisticated interior was matched by the impressive selection of cheeses from all over the world, including many from Canada and British Columbia. The collection of accompaniments, from patés to olives to crackers, while not especially extensive due the size of the shop were nevertheless expansive.

Over the years we have visited many times, with and without the kids in tow, and have never experienced less than stellar service. When they are helping you with cheese, it's as if you are the most important thing in the world to them at the time.

Fast forward to yesterday. Usually, when we enter a restaurant or shop, the staff are either indifferent or curious about my photo-taking. The odd place raises a stink and basically loses our business forever. The men at Benton Brothers, however, were fabulous. Not only were they accommodating, but they actually brought cheeses out for me and offered suggestions for photography when I got home with my purchases.

The above photo shows the three cheeses I ended up bringing home. At the bottom is a Colston Basset Stilton. At the top left is a Berthaut Epoisses, Affiné au Chablis, and at the top right is a Swiss Cave Aged Gruyère. A close up of Berthaut Epoisses follows.

Here some other photos we took of the various cheeses they have at Benton Brothers.

They happened to have a selection of olive oils out for tasting.

Ask about the background of any of their cheeses, and inevitably they will describe the source, the production method, an interesting anecdote, or any number of pertinent facts.

The attention to detail is masterful.

If you love cheese, you won't be disappointed by a visit to one of the best cheese shops in all of metro Vancouver.