A Journey in Cheese: The Story of Joe Salonia, a Cheese Monger at Gourmino
Cheese, the versatile and beloved dairy product, has a rich history and a diverse array of flavors. Joe Salonia, a Cheese Monger at Gourmino, has spent over 21 years in the cheese industry, crafting and promoting this dairy delight. His journey began as a seasoned chef, but needed to look for a career that would support both his new family and his health. Little did he know, this decision would lead him to a life-long passion for cheese.
A Tour of Europe: Gourmino Affinage & Selection
Joe Salonia's journey took him to various parts of Europe, where he explored different cheese-making techniques and traditions. One of his favorite moments was visiting the Gourmino Reichenbach cheese bunkers and the Langnau cellars for the first time. These places were a treasure trove of aged cheeses, each with its unique flavor profile and characteristic.
A Taste of Switzerland: Emmentaler AOP
During his travels, Joe also had the opportunity to taste the wide variety of cheeses that Europe had to offer. One cheese that stood out to him was the Gourmino Emmentaler AOP, a Swiss cheese with a mild, nutty flavor. Joe found this cheese to be a perfect representation of himself – authentic, but with a unique and bold flavor.
The Save The Emmentaler Campaign
In early 2000s, Joe made another memorable contribution to the cheese industry. The “Save The Emmentaler” campaign, which he spearheaded, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the traditional methods of Emmentaler cheese production. This campaign was supported by the entire Gourmino team and involved a lot of hard work, but the impact was significant.
A Rockstar of Cheese: Joe Sings at CMI
Other than his love for cheese, Joe has a deep passion for singing. He displays his vocal skills at The Cheesemonger Invitational, often referred to as the Coachella of the cheese industry. Joe performs customized versions of popular songs dedicated to cheese, especially Emmentaler AOP. He treasures every opportunity he gets to sing in front of this enthusiastic audience.
The Future of Cheese: Joe's Aspirations and Goals
As he looks towards the future, Joe has set his sights on some ambitious goals. One of his aspirations is to cut a wheel of Gourmino Emmentaler on a Late Night talk show, a feat that would showcase not just skill but also visibility and influence in the industry. He also hopes to continue his work with the Save The Emmentaler campaign, to ensure the preservation of the traditional Emmentaler cheese-making methods.
Where to Find Joe Now
Today, Joe can be found in the, USA, specifically in Jersey City, NJ. He is busy representing Gourmino, across the states, and you can often find him on the board of Daphne Zepos Teaching Endowment. On Sunday mornings, he enjoys picking up bomboloni for his family at Bread & Salt Bakery in Jersey City.
In conclusion, Joe Salonia's journey in the cheese industry is a testament to the passion and dedication that goes into making and promoting this dairy product. From his beginnings as a chef to his current role as a Cheese Monger at Gourmino, Joe has truly carved a niche for himself in the world of cheese. His story is an inspiration for all cheese lovers, encouraging us to explore and savor the many flavors and traditions that the world of cheese has to offer.