Thursday 10th of December 2009 10:42:49 AM

link

08/09: Scaled back beer selection, seems like they are discontinuing their large bottle program unfortunately. Maybe 30 beers total now, just the top sellers. Port Wipeout IPA was on tap.

02-16-2009
Stopped here today for dinner, it was an impressive experience. First and foremost, they make a focused effort to incorporate craft beer on their menu, and offer pairing advice. Amazing cheese selection here, from Winnimere, to Red Hawk and many others that were new to me. The retail beer cooler had just about everything that was on their list at the bar, roughly 50 beers. All quality US craft offerings, many from Founders, Bells, and Victory. Ommegang Biere de Mars, Jolly Pumpkin Luciernaga, and several other gems. The taplist in the cafe is limited to 5 beers, but they are quite varied and rotate often.

Currently on draft: Ommegang 3 Philosophers, Rock Bottom Abbey Ale, 2 Bros. Northwind, Metropolitan Dynamo, and Bear Republic Racer 5. 12 oz.

Bottles: DFH 90, Raison, Corsendonk Xmas, Founders Breakfast & RIS, GL Ed Fitz & Dort, GI Pere Jacques & Matilda, 3F RtB & GB, 2 Bros Nothwind, Ebel's, Domaine DuPage, Lagunitas Pils, IPA, Hairy I-ball, DH Crooked, Amber & Perkulator, Bells 3rd Coast Old Ale, Winter White, & Hopslam, Brooklyn Brown & Monster, Rogue Brutal Bitter & Mocha Porter, Trois Pistoles. 750s: Rodenbach GC, Dupont Cider, Lost Abbey Judgement Day & Avant Garde, Port Santa's LH & Hop-15, Ommegang Bdm, JP Bam, Luciernaga, & Biere de Mars, Flossmoor Brown & IPA.

The atmosphere is upscale in the cafe/restaurant, but I wouldn't feel out of place stopping here for a beer after work. It's very close to the green line Harlem/Lake stop. Most of the beer was in a cooler, with a warm shelf of mixed singles. Past the deli counters there was a bar and dining area with a modern feel, lots of wood and a copper colored tiled ceiling. The food was really excellent, I tried a charcuterie plate, and others had a special prixe fixe dinner. They offered a beer pairing with the courses for $18, each one was on tap specifically for this menu. On the dinner menu there were a handful of specialty entrees, and sandwich options on the lunch menu. The coppa and heirloom prosciutto were very tasty, as was the Red Hawk washed rind cheese from Cowgirl Creamery. Service was attentive and helpful, they brought a bottle chiller and an extra tasting glass, which was nice. I'll return when in the area. This is a unique place, definitely one for beer/cheese geeks, and also for those seeking high quality dining, and/or artisan deli goods to take home.

Friday 30th of October 2009 12:56:29 PM

link

This person needs 3 or more reviews on the site for their scores to start counting.

Originally a fine cheese shop, MSCM morphed into a shop/cafe in 2008. Eight well-chosen taps, good bottle selection, proper handling and glass--a great place to have a beer, with or without a meal. My recent meal included a warm goat cheese salad, rabbit pot pie, with NB Wild Fall, and an Allagash White. Upscale, but comfy atmosphere, and cheese, beer and wine to go, too. Right next to the Metra and the CTA.