Cheesemonger Invitational Descends on NYC
The Cheesemonger Invitational will hold its annual cheese party-meets-competition in New York City on June 25 at BK Steel, 319 Frost St. For those who love cheese, and the people who bring you the cheese, this event features table after table of the world’s finest cheese from France, Italy, Switzerland, Holland, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, England, Germany, California, Wisconsin, Vermont and New York. Literally tons of cheese. Rarely can anyone sample so many cheeses from so many places at the same time.
But it is not just an all you can eat stuff your face with cheese extravaganza. Thirty-eight cheesemongers representing cheese shops from 30 cities will participate in a private competition that kicks off in the early morning when the cheesemongers run through a decathalon of professional skills:
1. A written test focused on the science of cheese
2. A blind taste test to identify various cheeses
3. An aroma test of both common and unique scents
4. A cutting test to cut a perfect quarter pound of cheese
5. A wrapping test to wrap a perfect quarter pound in cheese paper
6. A wrapping test to wrap a half wheel in plastic wrap
7. A salesmanship test at a mock cheese counter while helping a customer
8. A perfect beverage pairing with cheese
9. A perfect plate where they create a composed cheese plate
10. A perfect bite featuring an amuse bouche of cheese
Doors open at 3 p.m. while the mongers are finishing the preparation of their “Perfect Bite” of cheese, which the guests get to eat. At 5:30 p.m., one of the largest wheels of cheese ever seen is rolled out and ceremoniously cut. At 6 p.m., the finalists compete through the final rounds of the competition, which will include: speed cut, speed wrap, perfect cut, perfect wrap, cheese trivia and answer their least favorite question, “What is your favorite cheese?”
“We are so excited to return to Brooklyn to showcase our country’s best cheesemongers,” says event founder Adam Moskowitz. “Cheesemongers are legendairy. They save the milky way on the daily and deserve to be celebrated. This sounds crazy but when a cheesemonger cuts a perfect quarter pound of cheese on stage the room erupts in cheers as if the national women’s soccer team just scored a game winning goal. Yup, we made cheesemongering a sport.”
Winners will receive a cash prize, a trip to visit cheesemakers in Wisconsin, Vermont or Europe plus much more. In addition to the competition, the competing cheesemongers enjoy multiple days of private guided tasting educational workshops provided by the generous hosts of the event. A full list of this year’s hosts can be found online, including Maker to Monger, Le Gruyere AOP, Neals Yard Dairy, Cellars of Jasper Hill, Vermont Creamery, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and The California Milk Advisory Board.
Tickets are available at www.cheesemongerinvitational.com.
The event was created by industry veteran Moskowitz to honor and inspire cheesemongers. The mongers are spotlighted in a unique competition that showcases their technical skills, encyclopedic knowledge, and passionate salesmanship. They are given the opportunity to participate in educational workshops led by the best cheesemakers in the world and then we throw one hell of a party to celebrate the finalists, watch them compete on stage, and crown one as the best cheesemonger in the country.
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Rainbow Cone, Gino’s East Team Up for Magnificent Mile
The Original Rainbow Cone, a Chicago tradition for over 95 years, has formed a partnership with Gino’s East, a legendary name in deep-dish pizza. This collaboration will bring together two of the city’s oldest and most iconic restaurants, creating a culinary destination like no other. The Original Rainbow Cone will be adding a kiosk to the Gino’s East Superior Street location (162 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611), aptly named Magnificent Mile, offering locals and tourists a taste of both sweet and savory delights.
Scheduled to open its doors on June 29, Magnificent Mile will mark the first-ever dual-brand collaboration between Rainbow Cone and Gino’s East. This innovative concept aims to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience, showcasing the rich history and flavors of both establishments.
Rainbow Cone, known for its signature ice cream cones featuring five distinct flavors (chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House, pistachio, and orange sherbet), has been a cherished staple in Chicago since 1926. Their commitment to quality ingredients and delightful combinations has made them a go-to destination for families, food enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a memorable treat.
On the other hand, Gino’s East has been dishing out its mouth watering deep-dish pizza since 1966. With its buttery crust, gooey cheese, and hearty toppings, Gino’s East has become synonymous with authentic Chicago-style pizza, captivating the taste buds of pizza lovers far and wide.
“The collaboration between The Original Rainbow Cone and Gino’s East represents a true celebration of Chicago’s culinary heritage,” says Jordan Himmel, chief innovation officer of Bravo Restaurants. “By combining these two iconic brands, we aim to create a one-of-a-kind destination where people can indulge in the best of both worlds. It’s a tribute to the city’s diverse food culture and a testament to the enduring legacies of Rainbow Cone and Gino’s East.”
Magnificent Mile, the name chosen for the Rainbow Cone kiosk, pays homage to its prestigious location on Superior Street, in the heart of Chicago’s renowned Magnificent Mile district. This bustling area attracts millions of visitors each year, offering a vibrant blend of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. Now, with the addition of Rainbow Cone, tourists and locals alike will have the chance to savor the finest pizza and ice cream Chicago has to offer, all in one place. Please note that kiosk hours may differ depending on the day of the week. The most current hours can be found at https://rainbowcone.com/locations/.
The Original Rainbow Cone and Gino’s East invite everyone to join them in celebrating the opening of Magnificent Mile on June 29. It promises to be an occasion filled with delectable treats, friendly faces, and a true appreciation for the culinary heritage of the Windy City.
The Original Rainbow Cone serves ice cream featuring extraordinary flavors and textures, including the world-famous 5-flavor Rainbow Cone’, shakes, ice cream cakes & sandwiches, mini donuts, and memories dedicated to last forever. After opening in 1926, the Rainbow Cone’ received its fame and quickly became the most unique ice cream cone anyone has ever seen.
As Rainbow Cone works to expand locations and showcase its new adventures the company is excited to share their love for Rainbow Cone’s signature sliced cone with even more communities. The Original Rainbow Cone is also available for nationwide shipping via Goldbelly.
With nine permanent locations scattered across Illinois, one location in Indiana and more locations coming soon to Tennessee and Florida, Rainbow Cone is on a mission to sweeten new markets nationwide. For more information about Rainbow Cone’s franchise program, visit https://rainbowconefranchise.com or follow the rainbow on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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Doctors Group Files Complaint Over ‘Wood Milk’ Ad
In April, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service approved an ad that features “The White Lotus” actress Aubrey Plaza mocking plant milk. But the now-viral “Wood Milk” ads violate laws forbidding federal agricultural promotions from depicting products in a negative light, according to a complaint filed with the USDA Office of Inspector General by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit public health advocacy organization.
Using a fictitious product named “Wood Milk” as a stand-in for plant-based milks, the ads deride plant-based milks.in
The “Wood Milk” campaign violates the statutory prohibition against advertising that is “false or misleading or disparaging to another agricultural commodity” and the regulatory prohibition against “unfair or deceptive acts or practices with respect to the quality, value or use of any competing product,” the Physician Committee’s complaint says.
It also violates a federal law that says USDA milk advertising dollars can’t be used to influence legislation or government action or policy. On Feb. 23, the FDA announced new proposed guidelines that would allow plant-based milks to be labeled using the word “milk.” The agency invited the public to submit comments by April 24, before final guidelines would be established. The “Wood Milk” ad campaign was launched before that comment period closed. On May 1, the comment period was extended to July 31. The “Wood Milk” campaign has run continuously since then.
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service administers the federal commodity promotion and research programs, commonly referred to as “checkoff” programs. The USDA approves all “checkoff” advertising and is responsible for reviewing and verifying all nutritional claims.
The Physician Committee’s complaint requests that the Office of Inspector General issue a recommendation that the “Wood Milk” ads stop and that the milk “checkoff” issue corrective advertising that explains the benefits of plant-based milks.
“The ‘checkoff’ is a government program,” said Physicians Committee President Neal Barnard, MD, FACC, adjunct professor of medicine at George Washington University School of Medicine. “It is one thing for it to promote cow’s milk. It is quite another thing to mock the products that many nonwhite Americans choose for health reasons.”
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