Some diners find themselves so enamored of a particular cheese from the cart that they ask the waiter to take the balance of that cheese home. Those who want to duplicate the Ritz cheese course at home aren't likely to find many of these cheeses in local groceries. The Ritz Dining Room and similar restaurants have already snapped up the full production of most of these rare American beauties. But occasional examples of the French offerings, such as triple-cream Explorateur and hearty Reblochon appear in cheese sections at gourmet food emporiums. Stegner's cheese course is not inexpensive.
Generous portions make four sufficient for all but the most cheese-obsessed diner.
Sliced apple and pear provide palate cleansing, and dark fruit bread and rolls from the Red Hen bakery accompany the cheese course. As lines between mainstream and art movies blur, Chicago's theaters adapt to survive. It seems to be a classic case of David vs. Goliath. Brand new giant cineplexes have moved into town, challenging the small art houses that once had the art film audience to themselves. But don't expect the small theaters to go away any time soon.