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@Mattrubiner’s journey to become one of the most respected cheesemongers in America is anything but traditional.
After studying Japanese language and culture in college and working on US government contracts and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Rubiner found his true calling in the world of artisanal cheese.
Today, he runs the acclaimed @Rubinerscheesemongers in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, which he opened over 20 years ago, and where his passion for sharing exceptional cheese has won over chefs, critics, and legions of devoted customers.
We talked with Rubiner about how his unconventional background informed his approach to the cheese industry, the formative experiences that sparked his love for high-quality cheese, and his insights on the evolution of the American cheese scene over the past three decades.
Link in bio for the full interview. 🧀
📸 & ✍️: Scott Edward Anderson (@greenskeptic)
Is it cheese? Is it butter? Is it a giant goldfish?
Yes to two of those questions! Meet Burrino Pepato, @murrayscheese newest cave aged fever dream. Burrino Pepato starts with scamorza cheese from @maplebrookfarm, which is filled with @ploughgate butter, and then rolled in zesty peppercorns to create a triple threat only a mad scientist could come up with.
It’s giving cacio e pepe in cheese form—and yes, it sort of looks like a giant goldfish.
Learn more about Burrino Pepato (and where to buy it) at the link in our bio.
It`s Taurus season, which means it`s time to get bougie with your cheese pairings! 💅🧀🥂
Lean back, relax, enjoy the finest things that life has to offer, and tap the link in bio for your full @Astrolocheese horoscope. ♉️
Happy 4/20 to all who celebrate! Keep these cheese and weed pairings in mind for when the munchies kick in—link in bio for more. 😜🌿
✍️: @bigcheese82_
Easter is this weekend and if you celebrate, you’re likely to find yourself swimming in an abundance of hard-boiled eggs.
With the price of eggs on everyone’s mind, it might seem painful right now to buy a dozen just for dyeing. But you can turn those colorful beauties into delicious, edible, deviled eggs! (With cheesy twists, of course.)
Hop over to the link in bio for the best deviled eggs you`ll ever eat. 🐰
Cover 📸: @nick_surette
Who can relate? 🤣🙋
🎨: @robochai
Never say when 🧀 🧀
Catch us in America`s Finest City—aka, San Diego! 😎
We`ll be hosting Counter Culture on 5/16 at @stonelibertystation during the @cheese_and_libation_expo.
Expect an exclusive, full-day trade event designed for cheesemakers, importers, mongers, and buyers. Plus, you`ll get hands-on education, insightful presentations from top producers, and ample networking opportunities—all paired with a Tasting Table overflowing with charcuterie and accompaniments.
Presenters include:
🧀 @gruyere_aop
🧀 @beemstercheese
🧀 @vermontcreamery
🧀 @rumianocheese
🧀 @ritrovo_selections
🧀 @finecheeseusa
🧀 @mariekegouda
🧀 @qualitydairyfrombritain
🧀 @maker_to_monger
Let`s keep the party going after at Maker’s Night: Curds, Cups & Connections, an exclusive evening event for trade professionals. This buyers-only gathering at @brick.828 (5-8 PM) is a chance to connect with fellow industry pros while exploring select vendors in an intimate setting. Free for Counter Culture Attendees!
What are you waiting for? Tickets are on sale now—link in bio! 🎟️
We had a blast at Counter Culture Raleigh this week at @raleighwineshop!
Huge thanks to all the cheese pros who came out to taste, talk shop, and connect with the community.
From standout pairings to insightful conversations, this stop on our Counter Culture tour reminded us why we love bringing industry folks together.
Swipe through for scenes from the event—including from our first ever bite competition!
Last week, we hosted a sold-out tasting of American cheese and European wine with our friends @voixdelaterre at the James Beard House in New York. 🧀🍷
Inspired by the multigenerational heritage of artisan makers, this special event celebrated the stories of cheesemakers and winemakers from across the globe. Our executive content director, Mallory Scyphers (@malscy), spoke about the unique terroir of American cheesemakers @pointreyescheese, @shooting_star_creamery, @chrisroelli, @vontrappfarmstead, and @highlawnfarm.
A special thank you to the @beardfoundation for having us and all the talented American cheesemakers who made this evening possible! 🥂
Ready for some fun in the sun? Then join us at Counter Culture Tampa. 😎☀️
On Tuesday, May 6, at @latestartbrewing, immerse yourself in a day of storytelling and sampling with our friends:
🧀 @gruyere_aop
🧀 @comte_usa
🧀 @prosciuttodiparma_it
🧀 @sweetgrassdairy
🧀 @schallerweber
🧀 @finecheeseusa
🧀 @isignyamerica
🧀 @maker_to_monger
Expect one-on-one connections, deep dives into craft and process, and a heaping Tasting Table to keep you fueled throughout the day!
🎟️🎟️ Get your tickets at the link in bio! 🎟️🎟️
In each issue of culture, our executive content director Mallory Scyphers (@malscy) shares a few words with readers. Spring 2025`s letter is all about growth. Because "spring = growth," as Mallory says. Swipe to learn more & catch a preview of our latest print mag. 🌷📖🧀
Spring means fresh milk, fresh cheese, and fresh flavors.
Inspired by the slow agriculture movement—a philosophy championed by @SaxelbyCheese—@culturecheese latest #cheeseplate highlights the beauty of seasonal cheese, from bright, citrusy pairings to farm-fresh goat and sheep’s milk wheels.
Learn about all five pairings at the link in our bio.
Need a vacation? Consider Europe`s great cheese destinations. Link in bio for travel inspo. ✈️
It recently came to our attention that not everyone has a cheese drawer in their fridge… and honestly, we’re not sure we believe it.
Even if yours isn’t as packed as Culture’s own @josiekrogh’s, we want to know: Does your fridge have a cheese drawer?
Is this a Wisconsin thing? A cheese lover thing? A universal truth? Tell us how you store the goods!
Pick your fighter—Dessert Edition!
🍨 Blue cheese ice cream
🍫 Chocolate & cheese
☕️ Colombian hot cocoa with cheese
Which one are you craving tonight? 😋
📸: @ninagallant_
Hey cheese pros, thinking about obtaining a professional certification through the @American_Cheese_Society? This year’s conference and exams will be held in Sacramento, CA July 23-26.
The ACS conference only comes to the West every three years, so West Coasters this is your chance!! If cost is a factor in your decision, the ACEF Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to help you achieve your goals.
Applications for both the exams and scholarships are due on March 31, 2025. Get more info at our link in bio!
North Carolina, are you ready for the cheesiest showdown in history? 🥊🏆️
All are welcome to join culture at 6:30 p.m. on 4/8 for the Perfect Pairing: a battle of the bites at the @raleighwineshop that lets audience members choose a champ.
At this fun and competitive event, you`ll get wine pairings selected by @raleighwineshop experts + cheese pairings crafted by cheese pros. 🍷😋
Featured cheeses and products will come from:
🧀 @chapelhillcreamery
🧀 @bigspoonroasters
🧀 @boxcarrhandmadecheese
🧀 @gruyere_aop
🧀 @finecheeseusa
🧀 @murrayscheese
Plus, we`ll be raffling off a cheesy gift basket along with a two-year subscription of culture! Proceeds will go to @manna_foodbank.
Scoop your tickets at the link in bio! 🎟
Feeling fiery and spontaneous? Today`s the start of Aries season. 🐏
Celebrate with an umami-forward cheese plate featuring @Somerdalecheese Red Dragon, apples, wasabi peas, and brown ale—together, these four unleash a flavor offensive that ignites the appetite!
A special thanks to @astrolocheese for sharing such stellar pairings. ✨️
A friendly reminder that burrata season is just around the corner. 🌞🍷👙
🧀: @decaotto
📷️: @ninagallant_
👗: @kendraelizabethstylist