Lou Decruss wrote:

> On Mon, 23 Feb 2009 21:51:25 -0600, Sqwertz >
> wrote:
>
> >There's only one American brand left and it's harder to find than
> >the stuff from Germany.
> >
> >BTW: Did y'all know that the culture for making Limburger is the
> >same bacteria that gives sweaty armpits and rotten feet their
> >distinctive smell?
> >
> >http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limburger_cheese
>
> I knew even before clicking the link it was either Monroe or New
> Glarus. In that area even the gas stations and truck stops on main
> roads have little cheese shop areas you can buy it at. Monroe is the
> home of Swiss Colony. Their yearly clearance sale is a foodies dream.
> It's a 2 1/2 hour drive but well worth having a fun day and it's
> beautiful up there.


It's popular to deride Swiss Colony but my family and friends like their
stuff and so I spend a good amount of money with them around the holidaze
and for birthdays, etc. I have gourmand friends - including chefs - who
spend big bux at foofie cheese places but they still like their Swiss Colony
that I gift them with. A few years back the mother of one of my chef
friends worked in the customer service dept. of SC around xmas, she did it
to get outta the house during winter and also for the employee discount,
which was IIRC 30%. I took advantage of it several times, my friend would
order for me through her mom. Alas, SC closed their Monroe customer service
center, I don't know where it is now...

I have friends who every summer and fall go up to Monroe and environs to
camp and go "cheese - hopping", they always have a blast. This year I hope
to join them, it's a lovely area up there...not FLAT and BORING like
Illannoy.


--
Best
Greg