BEST SECRET WORLD OF CHEESE

Be not fooled by Gourmet & More's small size. This long, skinny Hayes Valley specialty shop, owned by French-born longtime Bay Area residents Laurent and Josiane Recollon, is bursting at the shelves with all manner of goodies for the gourmand. Foie gras has flown the coop, but there's an array of tasty imported meats (prosciutto, salami, chorizo), breads, sweets (no such thing as "too many macarons"), fancy mustards and oils, and made-to-order sandwiches (to-go, or to eat on Gourmet & More's back patio). But the best part, bien sûr, is the climate-controlled shoplet tucked away at the back, stuffed with more than 300 kinds of cheese. Customers are encouraged to sample before they buy (any wonder that there's sometimes a line to get in there?). We repeat: cheese room. Who needs Paris?

141 Gough, SF. (415) 874-9133