National Cheese Sacrifice Purchase Day is July 29

Chris Pride, co-owner Fromage/Fromage Deux

http://www.fromagemiddletown.com/

http://www.peddlersvillage.com/shop/fromage-deux

Middletown, DE/ Bucks County, PA

 

Please tell me a bit about your experience with cheese?

It was my favorite food growing up. Did a lot of reading and research. Went to conventions. When I was around 28 my sister bought me a book on cheese for my birthday. Met Steven Jenkins -- cheese genius guru and author of The Cheese Primer.  After reading his book I knew having my own gourmet shop was in my future. I them traveled to great cheese houses in Europe. Opened my first shop, Fromage, in Middletown, Delaware in 2011.  Brought in business partner in 2015. Opened Fromage Deux in Peddler's Village in 2016 with plans to open more in the future.

How does one become an expert?

You read, you study, some people go to school for dairy science. I happened to do extensive field work and lots of reading... and eating.

What are some new trends in cheese?

Customers are clamoring for truffles and heat (peppers)!

What is the most popular varieties of cheese?

Cheddar and French Creme.

What is raw milk cheese?  Why is it hard to get in the USA?

Raw milk cheese is milk that has not been pasteurized and cooked to a temperature of 145 F.

What is a trend that has passed its prime?

Processed cheese -- the trend now is getting back to basics and eating food that's minimally processed.

What are your five favorite cheeses?

Bellavitano Merlot, Gouda with Truffles, D'affanois, Red Dragon and Cambazola Black Label.

Bellavitano

@Sartori_Cheese wins Best USA Cheese with Cognac #BellaVitano at the International Cheese Awards http://t.co/43d8ve5wTS

— PR Newswire (@PRNAlert) August 11, 2015

What are your favorite serving options for cheese?

With a warm baguette and Caramelized nuts -- served with charcuterie. Everything is better with warm bread!

Are vegan cheeses popular?  How can it be called cheese?

We do not carry vegan cheese. It is a cheese type product typically made of tofu. We don't have a following for it.

What is the biggest mistake people make when buying cheese?

Wrapping it in plastic. High end gourmet cheese shops (such as Fromage!) will wrap it in a cheese paper, which is specifically made for the gourmet cheese industry and allows the cheese to "breathe." Customers should store their cheese wrapped in this paper.

What is a way to not annoy a cheese seller when making an order?

There should never be a time when this happens. We expect that customer service and educating the customer take priority.

How can someone store cheese to make it last longer?

Stored properly in cheese paper will prolong the life of the cheese.

What is the most exotic cheese you have ever tried?  Please describe it?

Bellavitano with Cognac is the most unique since it is soaked in Remy Martin Cognac XIV. We loved it so much that we decided to carry it at both of our shops.

What are some tips you would give to someone who doesn’t know too much about cheese?

Come to Fromage-- talk to the staff. Seriously-- think about what flavors appeal to you-- strong, spicy, creamy, sharp, blue and then come in and talk to a cheese monger.

What are the health benefits of cheese?

It's a natural product. Most cheeses have no preservatives and are minimally processed with few additives.

Is there anything I am missing that I haven’t asked?

Cheese is usually recognized as being paired with wines, however another trend is to pair cheeses with craft beers and spirits. Our shops regularly offer pairing advice.

 

Chris Pride Facebook