Gastronomy: Fine Cheese in Amsterdam

Holland is the world’s fifth-largest cheese producer, and last year, a Dutch cheese, Vermeer, won first prize at the prestigious World championship cheese contest in Madison, Wisconsin. Gouda and Edam are well-known, but the country produces a variety of excellent cheeses, including Bleu de Wolvega (a soft, spicy Frisian blue), Reypenaer V.S.O.P. (an aged Gouda), Commissiekaas (a mature Edam colored with carotene) and Boeren Sleutelleidse (a cumin-spiced cheese from the Leiden area). Look for them in restaurants, or track them down at the wonderful De Kaaskamer, which many locals consider to be the best cheese shop in their city.