Cappuccino Experience

The Big Interview

Written by admin on 13 October, 2009 – 4:11 pm -

Three weeks ago I attended Cheese 2009 in the city of Bra, Piedmont. Whilst there I was lucky enough to snatch an interview with the Big Cheese himself. Here’s what he had to say.

What is “Cheese”?
It is a yearly event that teaches visitors all about the making of quality cheeses, like myself. In particular it emphasizes respect for the environment and local cultures and pays tribute to the skill of the master cheesemaker. This event alternates yearly between Bra and Turin.

How long does it last?
This year it takes place from 18 – 21 September. Four days usually is long enough for people to have a good time surrounded by cheese. I myself, am quite worn out by the end of it. There’s so much to do. Lots of interviews too.

Who is exhibiting?
Many regions and countries are here to display their produce, filling the streets with wonderful aromas. Visitors can browse and taste. It’s like a busy marketplace. But it’s not just about cheese. Slow Food, the movement founded by Carlo Petrini and organizers of this great event, have set up workshops, wine and beer tastings, dinner dates and other attractions.

Can you expand on that a bit?
Of course.

Taste workshops teach you how to recognize cheeses, evaluate them and understand how they are produced. In this way you will learn to appreciate their qualities.

Dinner dates are cheese lunches and dinners hosted by historical farmhouses, castles, villas and local restaurants in the surrounding Bra countryside. It is a great opportunity to sample the local cuisine.

The Cheese Market promotes producers, emphasizing the quality ingredients used to make cheese. The best European cheeses are here.

The Great Hall of Cheese provides a relaxing environment to browse and sample over 100 rare and unusual cheeses from around the world. Also here you will find honey, jam, spices, fresh fruit and vegetables.

The Enoteca, located under the porticoes, lets you select wine recommended by Slow Food Editore’s guide. There is also a Birroteca offering recommended artisan bottled beers. Don’t miss the Piazza della Birra. Many international beers are available here.

Tasting booths allow you to sample regional Italian cuisine and Street Food lets you grab a quick snack. Sample things like the Sicilian arancini, which is a fried rice ball, or the special cheese filled focaccia from Recco. Many bars and cafés will be offering special cheese menus too.

Do you enjoy the event?
Certainly. What’s the point of being a big cheese if you can’t have a good time?

Where can people get more information?
I’ve been told there is a website with more details – I’m not so tech friendly myself. I think it’s www.cheese.slowfood.it. Slow Food have lots of details about their movement at www.slowfood.com.

Thank you for your time. Maybe see you next September in Turin.
Prego. Yes, maybe next year.

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