Chicago - October 12, 2005

Slangs of Fortune

Bouffe Gourmet Shop

In Russia, they say “khávchik.” The Spanish call it “papita.”

And in France, they simply call it “bouffe.”

But any which way it’s said, it’s grub to you — and it’s the name of the new adorable gourmet shop in Lincoln Square. Opened by ex-French teacher-cum-Artisanal Cheese expert Libby Bonahoom, Bouffe’s immaculate counters and shelves are stocked with 50 farmstead, artisanal, and international cheeses, cured meats, and a smattering of other heady staples like Sarabeth’s preserves, Bella Cucina pestos, Red Hen bread, chocolates, and hard-to-find Capogiro gelato.

Bonahoom is friendly and helpful, doling out slices of creamy bries and stinky bleus for the taking — and don’t miss the free brownie samples. One bite of the fudgy treats and you’ll want to make a meal of them.

But don’t. That would be très gauche.

Bouffe, 2312 West Leland Avenue, at Western Avenue (773-784-2314).