124353 Thu Jul 14 16:42:11 -0700 2005 4 8 Midwest 0 675342 We just moved to Minneapolis and I'm trying to find a great wine and cheese shop. Something with a great selection and staff who know what they're talking about. Any suggestions? Thu Jul 14 16:42:11 -0700 2005 0 Elizabeth 1 675344 Surdyk's. East Hennepin and University. The best selection of artisan cheeses in the city and very good selection of (mostly overpriced, imo) wines. It's close to a number of chowhound faves, e.g., Kramarcyk's Sausages, Gardens of Salonika (Greek), Emily's Lebanese Delicatessen, Nye's Polonaise (famous for its piano bar, not for the food). Thu Jul 14 16:55:00 -0700 2005 675342 0 Plautus 2 675345 A big second for Surdyk's. As for other places to dine in that area, you might want to try Oddfellows and Alma. I did read in the STrib that the Oddfellows recently lost its chef though. I hope their smoked mashed potatos haven't gone downhill. Yum. What part of the metro are you considering? France 44 has decent selections of wine and cheese, although not as an extensive array of cheeses as Surdyk's. But they do have a nice little deli-esque arrangement. Thu Jul 14 17:17:49 -0700 2005 675344 0 Steve 1 675359 Surdyk's is especially strong in artisan Champagnes. Don't ignore these great wines, especially if you enjoy whites. Pour your cruddy Cal Chardonnay down the drain and get some Pierre Peters Blancs de Blancs instead. Buon Giorno market at 35E and Hwy 13 has a fine selection of Italian cheeses and a good Italian wine shop. The cheese department at Whole Foods Market in St. Paul is first rate. Thomas Liquor and Solo Vino in St. Paul are nice wine shops, as is Hennepin Lake Liquors in Minneapolis. Good luck. Fri Jul 15 13:47:46 -0700 2005 675342 0 Michael Florey -- St. Paul/MN 1 675373 Bill's Imported Foods on Lake Street (just west of Lyndale) has a good selection of Greek and similar cheeses at prices typically 2/3s of most cheese shops. Same situation with olives. Good choice for Greek food and best source I've seen for olive oil. Fri Jul 15 21:14:16 -0700 2005 675342 0 Harris