Di Bruno Bros is once again participating in the Cheesemonger Invitational on June 23rd at 6pm in Long Island City, NY. Now in its third year, the event draws makers, mongers, and rabble from the cave to compete for cash prizes and a chance to throw down against the best in the business. Last year, Zeke Ferguson wowed the crowd with his knowledge and skill and brought home 4th place honors. This year we held our own in-house cheese slinging competition to see who would represent us at the 2012 spectacular. Cheesemonger Adam Balkovic came out on top and will be showing off his cheese chops and competing for the coveted title.
We asked Adam a few questions as he gears up for the competition.
How are you preparing for the competition?
I have been eating mystery samples left and right and taking a bite out of every wheel I touch honing my tasting skills. Every day at the shop is boot camp for the competition, I spend 40 hours a week there; I better be prepared.
What challenge are you most looking forward to?
There are several new events to this years CMI. I am very excited to pick Moskowitz by the boots and shake every last penny out of his pockets during the "The Cheese of the Day" event. During this one I get to pick a cheese and sell it to him. I plan on unleashing my South Philly charm / full force up sell tactics on him until he's literally eating samples out of my hand.
Did Zeke give you any advice?
Zeke always gives me advice, and is always there to throw a bizarre fact at me about an obscure culinary tip, quickly followed by a Simpsons quote. Everyone I work with has a wealth of knowledge and it is a true honor to work with people of such caliber. If it was not for the team of upstanding gentleman and the trial by fire experience of 9th street I would not have a chance to be in this competition.
What will you do with the prize money when you win?
Make it rain.
Go Adam!
If you want to cheer Adam on at this cheese-tacular event, buy tickets now at www.cheesemongerinvitational.com. If you can't make it, make sure you vote for Adam for fan favorite simply by clicking on the like button under his name.
