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Chabichou
Category: Food Specialty Food Cheese Shops Cheese Shops [Edit]
196 Borden StToronto, ON M5S 2N3
(647) 430-4942
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 7 pm
Sat-Sun 9 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
10 reviews for Chabichou
10 reviews in English
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Review from J C.
Toronto, ON
8/28/2011
I live down the street and absolutely LOVE this place. My only complaint is that it closes at 7pm and I cannot always make it in time to buy my bread and cheese after work - which isn't really a complaint at all.
Their sandwiches look great, but I've never actually eaten in this cute little store. I always stop by on my way home to buy some good quality cheese, pate, salami and bread to enjoy with some wine, either by myself or with friends. They've got all the makings of a good chacutterie platter. The prices of the cheese are reasonable, especially for a gourmet shop on harbord (where there are no other grocery stores). I frequently buy Beemster (both the extra old and the goat cheese beemster which they introduced me to), Etorki, Manchega and aged cheddar. The prices were comparable shops such as Alex Farms (the etorki was actually much cheaper here) and Global Cheese in Kensington. I don't actually know how much the more regular cheeses, like the mozarellas, fetas, goat cheese, etc are - I usually get those from the larger cheese shops in Kensington. This is not to say that Chabichou does not have its variety of cheeses, I just usually like to treat myself to different, more distinct cheeses while shopping in Chabichou. Yes, the cheese may be a bit on the pricey side, but I am a sucker for fancy cheeses.
I am not a smoked meat expert so I cannot comment much. The raclette was tasty and prosciutto was not too fatty. The duck rilette is DELICIOUS -- both with and without pistachio. I sampled the pork pate and wasn't too impressed - but at least I discovered that while sampling instead of after purchasing. I'm still trying to make my way through their assortments of prepared meat products. The guy told me they are all made in house by the chef's of 'Tati' - their sister store. Overall, they have an impressive selection of jams, meats, sauces and soups. They even have blood sausages that you can purchase.
I have only ever had pleasant exchanges with the people who work there. I like to try different cheeses and all of them have been knowledgeable, friendly and most importantly, unpretentious. I'm not going to lie, I was a little intimidated the first time I went because I don't know many specifics about cheese. I know what I like but also love getting recommended new things, which these guys were more than happy to do. One day I will have a sandwich that they make, but up until now, I have only bought tasty bread, cheese and meat to assemble into a delicious gourmet sandwich for lunch the next day. -
Review from Lisa C.
Toronto, ON
10/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love this place! I generally pick up a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch (they let you choose your own bread, cheese, and extras for a very reasonable price), but they've also got some delicious quiche, soup, and other sandwiches as well as a variety of cookies and croissants.
While waiting for your food, you can linger on the patio in good weather or browse the array of cheeses and gourmet fare that includes jams, sauces, teas, and spices.
I have to admit, I'm not the biggest fan of the coffee here, but they do have a good selection of other bevvies to choose from which almost makes up for it.
Also of note: you will most likely be served by one or more attractive french men... I don't think the rest of my review is biased by this fact, but it's possible.
Tip: Try the brie with pear on rye if you go for the grilled cheese. -
Review from Lee-Anne K.
Toronto, ON
3/30/2012
Looking for a basic french fair? This is where you'd find a smooth pate to start, a packed quiche and a nicely grilled croque monsieur. It was a fancy picnic experience. Great for a quick lunch with lots of heart.
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Review from Tammy Y.
11/8/2009 ROTD 7/12/2010
Is it shallow of me to fancy myself a local in Paris whenever I'm in here?
The successor of what used to be "Wild Things", Chabichou is an adorable cheese shop that is still hanging out despite the closures of several establishments in that same spot in previous years. A plentiful selection of cheeses, a round of regulars swinging by for soup-on-the-go, and a charming and verrrryyy French young gentleman serving up samples keep me coming back for more. You can even order gourmet grilled cheeses to enjoy on the picnic table outside.
Cheese heals the world! -
Review from Amy L.
3/24/2011
While walking on Harbord Street on a snowy cold day, I passed by a corner cafe called Chabichou. I haven't heard of the cafe before but what drew my attention were the signs outside with the words Croque Monsieur, Croissant, Soup, and Creme Brulee on them. I just had to head in and see what this place was all about. To my surprise, it was a small, cozy cafe with a huge selection of gourmet cheese and tarts. Now, I'm not even going to attempt to review their cheese because I didn't try them and I don't know too much about them. If you enjoy gourmet cheese and you're knowledgeable, you may consider coming to Chabichou for a visit.
So since it was ridiculously cold outside and my cheeks and hands were nearly frozen, I began by ordering their soup of the day; Cream of Cauliflower ($3.81). It was thick, creamy with a generous amount of black pepper to bring out the flavours. The soup was definitely a great choice to warm me up.
Of course, I couldn't resist from ordering a croissant since they were all staring right at me and I could hear the Almond Croissant calling my name. Unlike the almond croissants I've had in the past, Chabichou's looked exactly like a regular butter croissant. Without the labels attached to the baskets, I would've thought they were all butter croissants. Different from the usual shape of a pain au chocolat, their chocolate croissants resembled a regular croissant with chocolate infused in it. The almond croissant ($2.20) I had was light, buttery, and crispy on the outside. Inside is airy with a tiny bit of almond paste in the middle.
I ordered a scrumptious Croque Monsieur ($6.19) which is basically a grilled ham & cheese sandwich. The top was crisp and my mouth started to water just by looking at it and taking in the aromatic cheese. There were two thinly sliced ham in the middle with a fair amount of cheese. It was so satisfying :D
Their creme brulee ($4) had a hint of french vanilla and was served in a foil cup. Different from the creme brulee served in restaurants, this one is cold. The custard was thick and wasn't smooth enough.
While I was sitting down and stuffing my face with yummy food, I looked around to get a better understanding of Chabichou. It is a cozy place because of their choice of decor and dark hardwood floors. They have several shelves selling olive oil, vinegar, organic truffles, pasta, fish soup, and jam. As I gazed around, I caught a sign by the front door notifying customers about their wine & cheese tasting event held on April 3rd. The staff were friendly and they spoke mostly in French. I picked up their business card and discovered that the same owner owns a bistro nearby called Tati Bistro.Listed in: Bakeries/Patisseries
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Review from Leeor J.
9/19/2010
Good selection of cheese, but nothing you couldn't get a bit south in a kensington cheese shop. They do have all kinds of interesting products in there. Like all kinds of jams and fig compote. They also sell various soups in jars, like french onion, fish soup, and tomato sauce.
I ordered the quiche and soup combo along with an americano. Coffee was pretty good. Quiche was ok, but the soup was a winner. It was a curried roasted vegetable soup. Had a really nice kick to it. I think they rotate out their options so it will probably be something different next time.
Prices are also pretty reasonable. The sandwich/quiche + soup combo runs you about $8.
Overall, a nice neighbourhood joint I will come back to. They have a sister shop just down the street called Tati. Looks like a promising brunch place. I'll have to try it sometime. -
Review from Elliott M.
Toronto, ON
5/10/2010
Everyone was French. It was great! Just like I expected. If you weren't from France, you were pretending. You don't need to speak French to shop here but it certainly helps to indulge the fantasy, as well as interact with the staff, some of whom are still learning Anglais. I personally found it charming, though it led me to butcher THEIR language instead.
I always struggle to review cheese shops because I frankly find them all to be the same. It just seems like a pretty simple thing to pull off: stock good cheese, store them properly, portion them off by request. And then there's sandwiches, jams, stuff like that. I don't mean to demean their hard work: it's a business, so it's never going to be easy. But the fundamental dynamic doesn't seem to vary from shop to shop. As a result, I tend to pick favourites based on service, price, and neighbourhood (in this case: good, fair, far from mine). If you live in the south Annex, I think you'll enjoy this place.
One thing they have that isn't everywhere is Beurre Échiré, a $15 butter from Deux-Sèvres. As flavourful as a cheese itself, it's meant to be spread solo on good bread, which they also happen to sell. I suspect the French connections behind the counter are capable of importing further craziness. We will see.
I tend to consider cheeses a luxury good, and thus don't reserve much of my budget for them. But if you're brimming with wealth, I'm sure there's plenty here to exchange your fortune for. Send me recordings of you savouring them, so I can be like you one day. -
Review from Richie S.
Yummmmmm.
With some time to kill before dinner reservations at Tati, I saw this place while parking the car. I was immediately drawn in by the chalkboard with 10 or so new cheese additions to the impressive display they already had.
With some help, we picked out 3-4 chunks for dinner the following evening, including Bocké - a semi-soft cheese with a beer-washed rind. One of the others was an Italian that the guy behind the counter had been trying to get hold of for two years and I've already forgotten the name - the size of a muffin stump and $20. Let us call it that. Some nice ham from Bayonne and we were off to find some paté, bread and olives.
The two young gentlemen from Paris and Versailles (and the names have already left my memory) that served us were fantastic. Very helpful as we spoke about some favourite fromages that they didn't have but would try to procure and my plans to re-visit France soon.
The menu also lists about a half-dozen variations of Croque Monsieurs that left me drooling. Not to mention the reasonable price for le sandwich parfait.
Will return. With an appetite. -
Review from jenna m.
Chabichou is a charming cheese emporium located on Borden Street at Harbord. This quant authentic little shop is lovely. They have a large selection of fine imported cheeses from France and Holland and a nice selection of la charcuterie. They also offer sandwiches, hot beverages, cheese and meat plates so that you may dine in. As well cookies, preserves, desserts, baguettes and many things French are available for sale. The shop keeps were very friendly and helpful. I mentioned to them that I wanted to put together a nice amuse bouche and they took the time to educate me regarding various cheeses and what would pair nicely with my meal. Plus the charming French men that are working there are not hard on the eyes=) the cheese they selected for me was a little well done for my taste but I am always excited to try new food and experience new things. I look forward to my next cheese adventure. J'Adore Chabichou.
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Review from Sean Y.
Toronto, ON
5/27/2009
A pretty impressive selection of gourmet cheeses and meats, as well as various pre-cooked meals and pastries. I, for one, would not know a good cheese if it were growing on me, but I am told that everything is delicious, always. Prices are surprisingly reasonable - your monocle may pop out of your eye and fall into your cocktail, you fancy-cheese-eater you.
