Q & A with Hunter Fike

Recently, Hunter Fike, one of our stellar cheese specialists at the Italian Market store sat down to divulge his life's story. Here it is in a nutshell:

Q: How long have you been at Di Bruno Bros. and what brought you here?

A: I have worked at DiBruno's since I was 14, now eleven years ago. My mom would bring me to the shop every Sunday, and I always admired the camaraderie of the guys working behind the counter: every one from the stock boy to the elderly owners would joke around with each other while still remaining professional. I asked for a job on the weekends, and Emilio responded that because my mother had spent so much money there, I deserved the opportunity to earn some of it back. He has regretted it ever since.

Q: What’s your favorite cheese and what beer/wine/condiment do you pair it with?

A: At the end of the day, my favorite cheese is still Epoisses, the washed rind king of french cheese from Burgundy. I like to drink something equally complex with it, usually a Burgundian Pinot Noir. Beyond that, all I need is a loaf of bread and my wife.

Q: What’s your most embarrassing moment at Di Bruno Bros.?

A: During the first year that I was waiting on customers, when I was 16, I had what was initially considered to be the great fortune of waiting on two, Rebecca Romijn-like women at once. Unfortunately, I was so awed by them that I stumbled over every word I uttered until they left. They had the courtesy to only laugh a little, but the guys behind the counter did not let me hear the end of it for months.

Q: In a nutshell, why should people come to Di Bruno Bros.?

A: Aside from the obvious reason that we have the best selection of fine cheeses, oils, vinegars and meats in the city, people should come to DiBruno's simply because its fun. You can taste exotic treats, talk with enthusiastic foodies and take home dinner all in one stop.