Did you know that many of the finest restaurants and hotels across the country incorporate Artisanal Premium Cheese into their menus? Below is an excerpt from an interview with the Pastry Chef at Gotham Bar & Grill in NYC. Our Senior Sales Representative, Toni Amira, decided to spend a little extra time with some of his favorite Chefs to learn more about them, their Restaurants and why they serve Artisanal.

1. When did you decide you would work in a kitchen?
   I starting working in the front of the house but I've always loved cooking. One day, in my senior years in College in Seattle, a friend of mine who was a Chef asked if I wanted to be his Pastry Chef. That’s how I started but then I stepped back because I knew that I had a lot to learn if I really wanted to be successful in this business.
   
   
2. What is it like to be the Pastry Chef at Gotham Bar and Grill?
   It’s a great honor to work at Gotham for Chef Alfred Portale. It is a well-established restaurant - very focused on seasonality and high quality produce - but still very hip!
   
   
3. Has the diversity and quality of cheese evolved in the restaurant industry and in general?
   Yes! Terrance Brennan with Picholine and Artisanal Restaurant has opened a lot of people’s eyes. More and more Chefs are incorporating interesting cheeses in salads, dishes, even desserts!
   
   
4. Could you explain to our readers what you’re looking for when it comes to create your cheese plate?
   I like to have all the different types of milk on my plate and a blue cheese. Those are my criteria. Most of all I trust my fromager at Artisanal. Toni tells me what is the best available right now and I kind of follow his lead. He tells me what is great not necessarily what I like.
   
   
5. Is there a cheese you would have loved to make?
   Beenleigh Blue! It is an amazing combination of saltiness, sharpness with a slightly creamy texture. Hats Off to this cheese maker!
   
   
6. What do you have to say to our readers?
   Eat a lot of cheese!!! Artisanal Cheese!

Sparkenhoe Red Leicester

Serra da Estrela

Le Moulis

Valdeon