It's expensive. But it's worth it. If you want to bring an delightful hostess gift, or impress your guests at your next party--this is the place to go.

Just what makes this place so special? From their website:

We love supporting the American cheesemaker, as well as other artisan food producers nationwide and smaller production traditional cheeses worldwide. We forge relationships with small farms, cheesemakers, importers, and distributors to bring you the finest cheese and specialty foods available. Our goal is to curate the best examples of classic European cheeses we can find and the most delicious New World cheeses being made today. The cheese has to be delicious but equally important it must be made in traditional ways and honor the animals, the land and the people who work it.

We believe the food system in this country needs improvement, and by supporting the cheesemakers who do things right, we can affect change. We want to help family farms and help preserve traditional foods, not large corporations. It is food that is healthier for us, better for the environment and supports our rural communities.

Their staff is friendly, helpful, and passionate about their products. They're generous with the samples so you can find just what you need. They've got a well-stocked pantry if you need some crackers, pastas, olives, oils, dried fruits, and so on. They've also got a suprisingly creative and quite delicious selection of artisinal chocolate.

And for the true cheese-enthusiast, they offer classes as well as occasional cheese-focused trips. They were named by Wine Enthusiast as one of the ten most iconic cheese shops in America last year. What's not to love?

Email: laura@fairfieldcheese.com

Telephone: 203.292.8194

Website: fairfieldcheese.com

Images: Travelocity