Articles written by Alana Pedalino
Alana Pedalino serves as Managing Editor of culture. Her work has been featured in Bon Appétit, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and more. She loves to write, cook, and kayak. Find her bylines at alanapedalino.com.
A Look at Canadian Cheesemaking Through the Years
At the 2025 American Cheese Society Annual Judging & Competition, a hush fell over the ballroom full of cheese professionals. Who would win Best of Show? It turned out that Quebec-based Fromagerie La Station’s raw-milk farmstead cheese won First—for the second year in a row—with Vermont’s Jasper Hill Farm placing Second Best of Show, and Ontario’s Stonetown Artisan Cheese taking Third. The results mirrored those from 2024, when the top three winners hailed from two Canadian makers and one American maker. So the new question on everyone’s mind is: What’s up with Canadian cheese?
CEO Sean Moore Ushers Jarlsberg Cheese into a New Age
At Norseland, Inc.—the Scandinavian company behind mild, nutty, and utterly snackable Jarlsberg—you’ll find Irishman Sean Moore at the helm.
The Best Cheeses of 2026: culture’s Annual List
The ultimate list of cheeses that should stay on your radar all year long Welcome to our Best Cheeses issue—a curated selection of our favorite cheeses around the globe. Featured competitions include the 2025 American Cheese Society Judging & Competition (ACS), the 2025 Good Food Awards (GFA), the 2025 Great Taste Awards (GTA), the 2024 […]
How to Elevate Your Snacking Game in 2026
A new year means new noshes to pair with cheese Ready to elevate your snacking game in 2026? Then adaptogenic sparkling tea, a swicy condiment, and garlicky charcuterie are just what you need. Scroll for five products that’ll keep your energy up in the new year. Black Salt Potato Chips by Keya’s Snacks View […]
A Cheese Shop’s Role in the Community
Meet three cheese shop owners and remember to #shoplocal this holiday season ALYSSA GILBERT Ollie’s American Cheese + Provisions, Oakland, California Tell us about your shop’s all-American cheese focus. I was super inspired by Anne Saxelby and everything she did. I’m also really passionate about local food and supporting our local food economy, so it […]
Our Cheese + Talk Show Pairing Guide
Sharp commentary calls for sharp cheddar In case you missed it, Kelly Clarkson interviewed America’s world champion cheesemongers Emilia D’Albero and Courtney Johnson about all things Mondial du Fromage/competitive cheesemongering on her talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show. The three even had a virtual tasting with Clarkson featuring a 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano and Hofkaserei Kraus’ […]
These Winter Cheese Pairings Bring Après-Ski Energy to Your Table
THESE ALL-AMERICAN PAIRINGS ARE FRESH OFF THE LIFT AND TURNING TRICKS Photographed by Nina Gallant • Styled by Madison Trapkin This season’s Alpine-style cheese plate is inspired by hitting the slopes, but it’s actually perfect for après-ski: when athletes and amateurs sip and socialize at the lodge after a day on the mountain. Not just […]
The Best Cheese Advent Calendars
Nosh your way through December Dale Cooper—the fictional TV detective from David Lynch’s Twin Peaks—once said, “Every day, once a day, give yourself a present.” Lucky for cheese lovers, advent calendar season is upon us. That means it’s very easy to gift yourself daily, delicious surprises this holiday season. A nibble of cheese a day […]
This Cheese is the Best in the World
On November 13, 2025, a new World Champion Cheese was unveiled to thousands of cheese professionals at the World Cheese Awards in Bern, Switzerland: Gruyère AOP Vorderfultigen spezial over 18 months. The cow’s milk cheese beat more than 5,200 cheeses from 46 countries—a new record for the competition. 265 cheese experts judged the World Cheese Awards this year.
How to Host the Best Fondue Party
November is the unofficial start of the holiday entertaining season and the official start of National Fun with Fondue Month—the ultimate celebration of melting cheese. While February is National Fondue Month, we’ll take any excuse to revive this retro ritual.
Honoring fondue is one thing; having fun with fondue is another. Luckily, the dish is best served with a group of your closest friends and plenty of dippers. This may conjure mental images of conversation pits, shag carpets, and turtlenecks, but don’t fear—there are lots of ways to partake in this time-honored tradition sans donning polyester.
Not sure where to start? Read on to discover tips and tricks for hosting your own fondue party, plus authentic recipes.
