Say Cheese This Chinese New Year With French Cheese!
French cheesemonger François Robin collaborated with prolific Singaporean food connoisseur, writer and one of The World’s 50 Best’s TasteHunter, Sihan Lee, to create a Chinese New Year-themed cheese sharing platter. This online cheese pairing masterclass was attended by 60 trade professionals which included importers, distributors, chefs as well as media friends and influencers. The event was organized by the French Dairy Board (CNIEL) and supported by the European Union.
Taste palates were excited by the savouring of cheeses used for this segment from the mildest to strongest, together with their curated pairing ingredients. While François displayed his expertise as the 2011 winner of Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) for cheesemongers, Sihan complemented the sharing with her knowledge about fine dining and Asian cuisine. Under their guidance, attendees indulged in the unique pairings of Bak Kwa (barbequed pork jerky), Cashew Nuts, Pineapple Tarts and Shrimp Rolls, with the inimitable flavours of Bleu d’Auvergne (Blue Cheese), Camembert, Comté, Époisses, Mimolette and Triple Crème.
The pairings presented with these pairings include Triple Crème with Shrimp Rolls, Camembert with Oolong Tea, Comté with Cashew Nuts, Époisses with Bak Kwa, Mimolette with Oolong Tea, and Bleu d’Auvergne with Pineapple Tarts.
“Cheese is a perfect festive treat because it is a friendly product that you share with friends and family. It is also simple to appreciate just by tasting it with no cooking needed. With the infinite variety in tastes and intensities of French cheese, there is bound to be one cheese for everyone,” Mr Robin says.
“As soon as I moved to France, I quickly learnt and experienced how cheese is a mainstay in French wining and dining… and I just loved it so! With French cheese not being conventionally consumed by us Singaporeans, the opportunity to gain insights on how to pair CNY snacks with French cheese was one not to be missed!” says Ms Lee.
This collaboration is part of the promotional campaign for CNIEL, which is the umbrella organization for the French dairy sector and is responsible for the promotion of French dairy products worldwide. With the support of the European Union, the campaign showcases the authenticity, quality and versatility of French cheese that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere and anyhow.
