New York-based commercial bankers Beth McNichol and Anna Trost set their sights on opening a fine wine and artisan cheese shop in the Midwest, and it resulted in the perfect pairing. Since 2004, Wine & Cheese by TCC (short for “two clueless chicks”) has been filling a niche for area wine, beer and cheese enthusiasts at their charming shop and cafe located in downtown Plainfield.
“What we wanted from the very beginning was to offer products that are the best we can source; wines that are smaller production that you don’t necessarily find everywhere but are really good values, and all of our cheeses and charcuterie are the best we can purchase,” said Trost, of Plainfield. “We carried that philosophy through to the cafe as well.”
McNichol and Trost are passionate about creating a comfortable place for visitors to enjoy a glass of wine, share a plate with a friend, or take a gourmet selection to go.
“When you are able to love what you do, what’s better than that?” McNichol said.
Clueless? Not a chance, and that’s something you can bank on.
Here’s the dish on this local favorite.
What’s on the menu? A wide selection of domestic and imported artisan cheeses, smaller production wines and extensive craft beer options are available. The cafe and wine bar menus include soups, salads, sandwiches, and chef’s featured cheese and charcuterie plates. There are many gluten-free options to choose from and kid-friendly menu items for the little ones.
About the owners: Trost traded her New York commercial banking hat for the love of food and wine in 2004 and has been running the day-to-day operations ever since. McNichol still spends most of her time in New Jersey, working behind the scenes for the business and coming into town when she can.
A mission statement or philosophy: With a goal of providing a haven for wine and cheese lovers — whether rookies or aficionados — Wine & Cheese by TCC is a place where guests feel comfortable asking questions, sharing experiences and a passion for great food and wine.
What’s the decor like? Wine & Cheese has an urban vibe while being warm and inviting and staying true to the history of the vintage building it occupies. Natural light, warm woods and earth tone walls complement the clean lines and chic accents.
Food specialties: The charcuterie plate — a generous assortment of pates, sausages, salamis, cured and smoked meats — is a perfect complement to a bottle of wine and crusty French bread. The grass-fed beef meatballs, served on a bed of creamy polenta topped with house made white wine tomato sauce is a customer favorite, as is the hummus plate, baked brie and “grown up” macaroni and cheese. Check out the new weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday for a real treat.
We’re different because: Wine & Cheese by TCC prides itself on the “unique experience we provide to customers of all ages and stages of wine awareness.” It’s a place where wine is approachable, and an expert and friendly staff makes certain of it. Along with that “European market” retail experience, there is a restaurant to enjoy the delectable options.
Extras: They offer a full catering menu, host private parties, and provide complimentary wine tastings each week. In addition, the wine, beer, and cheese “of the month” clubs are a great way to sample interesting products outside their normal inventory. Outdoor seating is available in the warmer months, and they recently secured a license to serve cocktails along with the wine and craft beer offerings.
Price range: A charcuterie plate includes four choices and a crusty French baguette for $18. Add roasted garlic for $3 or blue cheese stuffed olives for $5. The roasted artichoke salad or the grilled artisan cheese sandwich with hickory smoked Gouda are $10, lobster bisque is $7 and a house-made hummus plate for $14.
Logistics: Wine & Cheese by TCC is located at 24104 West Lockport Street in downtown Plainfield. They are open Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit wcbytcc.com/home.html.
Jane Donahue is a freelance writer for the Naperville Sun.