Philadelphia Cheesemonger Becomes First American To Win World Cheese Competition

Philadelphia cheesemonger Emilia D’Albero made history as the first American to claim gold at France’s Mondial du Fromage competition. “My teammate, Courtney Johnson, and I are the first all-female team USA,” D’Albero said. “They had never sent two girls before.” The competition features nine challenges including written tests, blind tastings, perfect cuts, cheese sculptures, and a 100-centimeter square plateau around a theme. D’Albero prepared at Philadelphia’s Philly Cheese School and completed the entire competition with just two knives and a wire cutter. Her cheese career began eight years ago and gained momentum through her TikTok account Punk Rock Parmigiano. “In other parts of the world, like Europe, being a cheesemonger is seen as a really respected career,” D’Albero said. “In America it’s not as respected as it should be.” (Story URL)

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