After years of consideration, I have to say that Downtown Cheese in the Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia, is worthy of the title, "Best Cheese Purveyor in Philadelphia."

Yesterday's experience confirmed my position. From selection, fair prices and service, it's a "must go to." I once again limited my purchases to 10 items, mostly half pounds, and spent about $150, my quarterly budget for fromage.

Selections du jour included dried Chorizo, Horseradish Cheddar, Tomme De Crayeuse, Saveur De Maquis, Reggiano Parmigian (a staple), Canadian Cheddar, French Cave-Aged Gruyere, Cashall Blut, Pepper Jack, and the best of all, Moliterno (with black truffles and anchovy paste). Moliterno taste like good dirt, it's hard to explain but worth the money. I also got some upscale crackers.

I've spent a lot of time and money at places like DiBruno and Claudio's on 9th street, and competing cheese shoppes all around the area. Downtown expertly wraps and labels all selections. I ask them not to price them; who knows who snoops in my fridge.

The cheese meister at Downtown yesterday was Ean. A very capable lad, he earned my trust. He must have, I allowed him to choose a blue cheese for me. A very unusual event.