How to Buy Cheese in Indianapolis

Why be satisfied with boring, grocery-store cheddar? Hoosier foodies know there are plenty of places in Indianapolis to sample and buy international and artisan cheeses. Whether you’re a cheese expert or a dairy novice, here’s how to get started.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Frasier’s Gourmet Foods, on East 96th Street, stocks a wide variety of cheeses, as well as the crackers, quince paste, chocolate and other items you’ll need to go with it. You’ll be offered free samples on request, and the staff will happily slice or grate the cheeses to your specifications.
2. Vine & Table Gourmet Market in Carmel (formerly Khan’s Marketplace) has an even wider selection of cheeses--possibly the best selection in town--as well as all of the accoutrements. It’s also a great place to order a cheese platter for your next party.
3. The Cheese Shop, in the Fashion Mall at Keystone, is another good option for artisan and international cheeses. Don’t miss the store’s signature, hand-made Sicilian cream cheese dip, which is usually available for sampling.
4. In your quest for the perfect international cheese, don’t forget local, artisan favorites. Traders Point Creamery, on the city’s northwest side, offers several award-winning cheeses, including a wonderful raw-milk Fleur de la Terre. Pick up a wedge at the farm store, at the weekly on-site farmers market or at grocery stores across town.
5. Visit Indianapolis farmers markets to connect with other local dairies and learn more about their products. That’s how we discovered Capriole Farms, which offers outstanding raw milk cheeses, including our favorite: goat cheese Fromage a Trois.