Yesterday, Alison and I had the privilege to visit an awesome new specialty food store in Grand Rapids called The Cheese Lady. From the moment you open the door and breathe in the delightful aromas, you know you have found someplace quite special. Add in old wooden floors and ceilings, artistic displays, very friendly staff, and you have the recipe for a great new business in town.

The Grand Rapids location has been open for about four weeks and is situated at 315 Fuller Street, N.E., just a bit south of I-196. Given how busy the store was while we were there, the new location has been a big success. Congratulations!

The original store (opened in 2004) is located on Terrace Street in Downtown Muskegon and a third site (openedin 2011) is on West Q Avenue in Kalamazoo (Texas Township).

The varieties of cheese at The Cheese Lady are second to none and are constantly changing. We sampled several types of Swiss cheese as well as two fruit cheeses. All were delicious. Each of the stores also carry a wonderful selection of cutting boards, crackers, baskets, and other cheese cuisine items. We came home with several items and will be regularly shopping at the local Cheese Lady store.

So, if you live in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, or Muskegon, or the next time you traveling in West Michigan, just smile and say, “cheese please.” I am certain The Cheese Lady will have everything you are looking for and then some.