Cutting the Curd Heritage Radio Network

Many cheese shops are loosely defined as restaurants if they serve food and provide seating to dine in. Conversely, some wine bars and restaurants have a cheese-centric menu with an area for retail sales. These hybrid establishments often combine retail sales of cheese with a dining experience, blurring the line between traditional cheese shop and restaurant. Listen in as Joe takes a deeper dive with Vanessa Tilaka Kalb, professional cheese monger, chef, and owner of Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery in Pasadena, CA!

Photo courtesy of Hox Creative.

Tune in the hear sound bites from this year's 2024 biennial World Cheese Championship Contest that was held in Wisconsin this past March as Cara and Joe break down what makes the World Championship Cheese Contest distinct from the World Cheese Awards. Joe was in attendance and his mission was to unveil what the competition was like for our listeners. However, this time around we got a bit of surprise with our coverage!

Tune in as Sheila Flanagan shares the rich history and innovative techniques behind Nettle Meadow's artisanal cheese-making process. From their commitment to sustainable farming practices, to their dedication for cheese-making, Nettle Meadow embodies the essence of craft and quality. Discover the unique flavors and textures of Nettle Meadow's signature cheeses, crafted with care from the finest ingredients. From creamy soft cheeses to aged masterpieces, each bite tells a story of passion and expertise.

We check in with Agela Abdullah, Kyra James and Nicole Garrett of the Cheese Culture Coalition about the CCC's growth as a non profit, and as a national community since they were on CTC in 2021. One indicator of their success is the sizable grant and scholarship program available for BIPOC cheese professionals to further their cheese education and professional development. Deadline to apply for grants and the CMI scholarship is May 10th! Listen here for all of the details.

Benita Kasbo is the owner of Kasbo's Market based in Madison, NJ. Benita is originally from Syria and specializes in making Jibneh, Syrian Cheese. Her old world recipe is made with a unique spice called mahleb and her cheese was featured in The New York Times food section. She is passionate about Middle Eastern food and enjoys helping people discover the traditional flavors of the Middle East. She hosts cheese events to allow others to discover the versatility of her cheese. Give a listen to be inspired by her story and to learn more about Jibneh.

Photo courtesy of Robin & Sue Photography & Styling.

On this episode, Joe chats with twin sisters Sarah and Boo Simms, co-owners, and the culinary and creative duo behind Lady & Larder – the renowned Los Angeles-based specialty cheese shop credited with initiating a global grazing board movement in 2016. Lady & Larder was founded on their deep respect for American and California-made seasonal ingredients, with the goal of elevating the producers and cheese makers' stories behind the stunning cheese and charcuterie boards and sandwiches.

Photo courtesy of Jenna Jones.