Torontonians can now be treated to a Traiteur, a French-style deli/bistro experience without having to venture to France. Chabichou , a cheese shop extraordinaire, recently opened its doors at 196 Borden Street in the Annex. Nestled between funky Kensington Market and Honest Ed’s, this hip location is a treat to the taste buds.

Partners Whitney Brown and Laurent Brion, a self-taught chef with more than 20 years experience working in restaurants in Paris and the former chef of Teatro, decided to follow their passion for delicious French food and scrumptious cheese and open this niche boutique. These two have great taste and are also the masterminds behind Tati Bistro, located two blocks east of Chabichou.

“We both have a connection to France. Laurent grew up there and I lived there for a couple of years.  Our passion for French culture made us open Chabichou. We wanted to treat cheese-lovers and cheese-novices to a Traiteur-style boutique,” said Brown.

The main attraction at Chabichou is its abundance of cheese choices. The shop is named after Chabichou, a traditional soft and creamy French goat’s cheese that Brion used to make in France. With more than 61 varieties of cheeses available and more being added to the list daily, this is a cheese-lover’s paradise. Some of the regional cheeses you’ll find hail from France, Italy, Quebec, Niagara and the Netherlands.

With the concept of high-end cheeses, delicious appetizers and mains-to-go, Chabichou is the perfect stop on your way to work to indulge in a tasty croissant or baguette with your morning coffee. At lunch, grab a Croque Monsieur then pick up Gratin Dauphinoise and other prepared foods on your way home from work for an easy meal. This quaint shop pays homage to old world charm. A couple of tables line the store to create a perfect resting spot for enjoying a cup of coffee, a grilled Brie sandwich and to people watch. With soft French music playing in the background one can easily imagine themselves on the Avenue Des Champs Elysées in Paris.

Some of the homemade dishes available are Escargot; Boeuf Bourguignon; Gravlax Maison; Chicken Chasseur; Duck and Orange Terrine; Creton Pork Pâté and Foie Gras Maison.  Other treats offered in-house are Double-Smoked Bacon; Prosciutto and other varieties of high-end meats. Other indulgences include Crème Brulée, a variety of butters (which are locally made) and Crème Fraiche -- who doesn’t love to top off their soup with a special dab of heaven?

Chabichou serves a variety of artisan breads, including French baguettes, demi baguettes, sour dough and olive loaves. The dough comes from a variety of bakeries and the breads are baked daily in house.

Brown and Brion are doing their part for the environment and enabling patrons to reduce their carbon footprint by supporting a unique milk program with Hewitt Dairy. Patrons pay a $2 deposit with purchase and return their used glass bottles to exchange for refills. Hewitt will then pick up all used containers and take them back to start the process all over again. This program is a new twist on the ‘50s milkman.  

Chabichou is open daily – Mondays from noon to 6 p.m., and Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Located at 196 Borden Street (Annex)

For more ifnormation, 647-430-4942 or visit www.chabichou.ca