The Citizen: What does your store specialize in?

Erica Derrick: We specialize in cheese primarily, a truly varied offering from all around the world. We also offer much of the goodies that complement cheese - wonderful honeys, tapenades, oils and vinegars, and some beautiful meats such as genoa, prosciutto and coppa.

TC: What experience do you have that helps you with the store?

ED: Two points come to mind. First and foremost, we are consumers and lovers of these types of products! Lorand (Ernyey) and I have always enjoyed fresh and interesting foods - salads, sandwiches, cheeses, unique products and gift items. We have personally chosen and/or made everything in the shop that we carry.

Secondly, no matter my field, which has been health care administration in NYC, I have always been acutely aware that I was in a service industry. When you engage a customer, client or anyone with whom you are interacting or delivering a service to, you have the opportunity to make that exchange a pleasant one. We are so enjoying the welcome, support and feedback from our community. Skaneateles is a very special place.

TC: What inspired you to open a store with the current economic issues affecting the country?

ED: We've been inspired all along the way ... we have thought about this type of shop for quite some time, and have always thought about it in a very positive way, looking forward to the process and the journey. The local support, not only since, but prior to opening, was also really encouraging.

TC: Why did you choose Skaneateles as the location for your store?

ED: We live here; Lorand for close to 30 years, and I have been commuting weekly from NYC for the past year. It's home.

TC: Have you thought about working with wine stores in the area to combine wine and cheese?

ED: Absolutely! We have some wonderful programs coming up - wine and cheese tastings and pairings. It's very exciting! It is such a great way to learn about and experiment with cheese and wine, also cheese and coffees. It is a great opportunity to experience and explore these worlds.

TC: What information about cheese do you think people don't often consider?

ED: That cheese is very versatile; that the range of flavors, aromas and textures is very broad; and that you can enjoy cheese from so many different countries and cultures, all without having to get on a plane!

TC: What is your favorite kind of cheese?

ED: Different cheeses with different meals and different wines.There are many favorites. We carry 33 different cheeses from different countries and the list is growing.

If you go

What: The Blue Danube Gourmet Cheese Shop

Where: 33 Jordan St., Skaneateles

Info: Call 685-3774 or visit www.bluedanubegourmet.com