Cheese & Provisions Opens Today

2015 has proved to be a particularly good year for Denverites who love cheese, as we’ve seen an influx of cheese-focused shops and eateries popping up all over town. First it was New World Cheese on Colfax Avenue, then Mell’s Cheese in LoHi, and, as of today, we can officially add Cheese & Provisions in Sunnyside to the list.

While all of these spots offer first-class fromage, Cheese & Provisions has a unique angle. Unlike New World and Mell’s Cheese, C&P doesn’t offer a bistro or cafe. (Don’t worry, there’s still wine and beer.) Owners Steve and Kim Duty have chosen instead to devote the shop to showcasing artisan cheeses from Vermont alongside a curated selection of groceries and accoutrements, many of them local. The small but stylish space will also host educational experiences like cheese classes, tastings, and pairing events.

As it turns out, the couple is uniquely qualified to provide customers with cheese education. Before opening C&P, the pair owned and operated True Ewe Farm, an artisan creamery and cheesemaking operation in Virginia. “We eventually realized that we’d rather be behind the counter selling cheese instead of making it,” Steve says. The couple’s firsthand experience in the industry gives them an incomparable appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into cheesemaking. Their goal at C&P is to tell the stories of the artisans whose cheeses they stock.

Glance into the cheese case, and you’ll see some Old World classics, local favorites like Buena Vista’s Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy, and an array of new-to-Colorado cheeses from small producers in Vermont, many of which have never previously made it west of the Mississippi. In many cases, the Dutys have sourced these cheeses via direct relationships with the farmers themselves. “Prior to opening we did a cheese tour of Vermont, driving around to the farms and hanging out with the farmers,” Kim says. Esteemed names like Spring Brook Farm, Woodcock Farm Cheese Company, and Parish Hill Creamery may be unfamiliar to you, but feel free to engage the Dutys in conversation and ask for a taste. They’ll be happy to oblige.

Pair your unique cheese selections with local products like Jojo’s Sriracha, Modern Gingham Preserves, and Nita Crisp Crackers, and you’ve got the makings of a winning holiday cheese plate. Or, for a truly unforgettable holiday gathering, let the Dutys compose the perfect cheese and charcuterie board for you.

2432 W. 44th Ave., 303-330-2248