Eastern Standard focuses on New World fromage.
Bina Osteria
New this season, Bina Osteria offers the Affettati & Formaggi Bar. The menu features freshly sliced prosciutto di Parma, aged cheeses such as the goat’s milk Capra Sarda, house-made ricotta, and enticing pairings like wildflower honey with toasted pistachios and butternut squash caponata with toasted hazelnuts. 581 Washington St., 617-956- 0888; binaboston.com
Browne Trading Market
Nothing better complements the largest selection of wines in Portland than handpicked gourmet cheeses. This specialty market, nestled in the Old Port district, boasts a wide variety of artisanal cheeses sourced domestically and internationally. 262 Commercial St., Portland, ME, 207-775-7560; brownetrading.com
Davio’s
Davio’s best-kept secret is its divine cheese, which is listed only on the bar menu but can be served in the dining room on request. The seasonal cheeses, which currently include blue cheese from Great Hill Dairy, cremont, and Asiago, are served with spiced almonds and crostini. 75 Arlington St., 617-357-4810; davios.com/bos
Eastern Standard
Start or end your meal with Eastern Standard’s new tableside cheese cart. The program’s emphasis on New World domestic producers will have you snacking on fleur du maquis (coated in rosemary, juniper berries, and bird’s-eye chili) and barkwrapped Harbison. 528 Commonwealth Ave., 617-532-9100; easternstandardboston.com
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| Cart right: the offerings at L’Espalier |
L’Espalier
A tableside trolley displays 30 carefully sourced cheeses highlighting maître d’ and fromager Louis Risoli’s affection for New England products. Selections change daily and represent various themes, such as Spring Brook tarentaise at three ages. Risoli will lead a threecourse meal with a cheese tasting on December 13, featuring English and American artisanal cheeses. 774 Boylston St., 617-262-3023; lespalier.com
Marliave
Enjoy the international flair of Marliave’s menu of French, Italian, and New England cheeses, sourced from the South End Formaggio. Try the popular robiola due latte with house-made fig jam, lavender honey, and cranberry-walnut bread. 10 Bosworth St., 617-422-0004; marliave.com
No. 9 Park
Cheese lovers get excited at the sight of No. 9 Park’s cart wheeling its way through the cozy restaurant. The knowledgeable servers will give you background and flavor profiles on each cheese before you make your selection. Diners’ favorites include beringse witte from Belgium and the Swiss försterkäse Krümmenswil. 9 Park St., 617-742-9991; no9park.com
Troquet
Troquet was one of the first restaurants in Boston to offer tableside cheese service. Sample the seasonal selections in multiples of three, with accompaniments such as quince paste, fruit, and raisin-walnut bread, and pair your plate with a glass of staff-recommended wine. 140 Boylston St., 617-695-9463; troquetboston.com
La Voile
Le Plateau de Fromage offers cuts of classic aged French cheese served on Italian-cut marble, with options such as fig chutney, honeycomb, and onion confit. The bartenders will pair your cheese with the perfect wine or cocktail (try a glass of sweet red Maury wine with the Camembert). 259 Newbury St., 617-587-4200; lavoileboston.net
Wasik’s Cheese Shop
For more than 45 years, the Wasik family has churned their dairy devotion into a livelihood, offering some 200 cheeses. Each is cut to order and comes with an ale or wine pairing recommendation. 61 Central St., Wellesley, MA, 781-237-0916; wasiks.com
