Fourchette — Local services in Clinton

What a gem!

Out here in the boonies of Warren/Hunterdon counties it can be quite a challenge to find quality food items. My fresh-off-the-boat French husband and I were recently lamenting the cheese situation at our local Shoprite (which is certainly better than none, but we're a little snobby when it comes to cheese... France will do that to you...). Lo and behold, my coworker walks in one morning raving about the cheese shop we found in downtown Clinton.

On Wednesday, we went to visit Brahim and his lovely shop - the interior is beautiful, charming, and authentic. I have visited many shops in France that have a similar aesthetic and shopping experience. You can purchase salt and pepper mills, beautiful table linens and serving ware, quality olive oil and vinegar (which you can taste, of course), and then the piece de resistance, the cheeses.

When I visited with my coworker, Brahim and I happily chatted for a while in French and we proceeded to taste high-quality cheese from around the world. It's just so nice to know that someone cares that much to take the effort to procure the best. He typically carries a variety of goat, sheep, and cow cheeses from both the US and Europe - we tasted Roquefort, Dutch Gouda, Spanish Manchego, and some others. While the prices may seem exorbitant, the majority of these cheeses are imported/produced on small farms and difficult to find in this corner of New Jersey. For special occasions (and perhaps more frequently!) I am happy to pay for such quality. The owner, Brahim is clearly passionate and knowledgeable about his products, in addition to being super friendly.

On Sunday, I returned with my husband as a surprise and he was delighted to find such a great shop close to where we live. We came home with Roquefort, Manchego, and a small piece of Gouda, in addition to rosemary olive oil and aged Balsamic.

Honestly, I can't say enough good things about our experience at Fourchette. I hope the shop continues to thrive so we can look forward to many years of good cheese that don't require a...

Today was my first visit to Fourchette and it will not be my last. The staff is warm, welcoming and very knowledgeable so for someone like myself who has anxiety and tends to dread going to new places where they don’t know anyone, they made this experience so pleasant and memorable. The atmosphere transports you to Europe and you can tell that the items in their shop are all chosen with mindfulness.

I went in for two gift baskets and Brahim took his time hand picking items for them based on the recipients’ likes, lifestyles, and dietary needs. Sherry was very helpful with picking out cheeses to go with the items in the baskets and I am so grateful for their help because I could never have made such beautiful baskets on my own.

I have already called my mother and sister in law to plan...

Fourchette is the most precious, well curated, cheese and home decor store. My family and I stopped in after a recommendation from a family friend, and we were stunned by the olive oil selection, cheese samples, and beautiful home and kitchen decor. Brahim (the most friendly and gracious owner) offered crackers and cheese samples, and helped answer our questions about tablecloth sizes, cheese pairings, travel in France, and more. I would make the 30+ min drive back to Fourchette to purchase cheese and crackers for my next dinner party, or to buy a hostess/house warming gift - just to support an incredible shop and owner. Please visit and support this store, you won't be...