For some time there have been rumblings about restrictions on unpasteurized cheese entering the US. Michael, a wonderful neighborhood cheesemonger here in my Midwestern city, sometimes indicates that his ability to import raw milk cheeses may soon be curtailed--or worse. I have not gotten involved in the legal aspects of raw-milk cheese advocacy, but it is a concern.
On a trip to Lyon last year I was deliberating about whether to try to schlep a couple of chunks of cheese home to share with my spouse. It doesn't hurt the cheese to be without refrigeration for several hours, but the smell does become more pronounced at room temperature. The possibility of confiscation at customs loomed as a deterrent. The fromager kindly offered to shrink-wrap the cheese in plastic, making its aroma undetectable. He said that he often used this laminating process for American customers with the same fear.
What made me think of cheese this morning was reading Patt Morrison's amusing post about the dilemma of illegally carrying cheese back to the US on a commercial flight:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/theblog/archive/pat-morrison/fear-factor-fromage_5120.html
I hope Patt's post will set off a cheese revolt. A pasterurized French cheese like "Supreme des Dieux" just doesn't do it for me.
Hello! I just found your blog and have had great fun reading your old posts. I think I will link to you if that is OK!
Posted by: Anne | August 06, 2005 at 05:31 AM
Anne,
Merci. Mais of course you are welcome to link to Francofile :-)
Posted by: jean | August 06, 2005 at 08:12 AM
No probs, I have done you already! Like your writing so will check in regularly!
Posted by: Anne | August 06, 2005 at 01:02 PM
Hello everyone !
Please have a look at the website
http://paris-tourism.typepad.com/an_american_in_paris/
It's a very nice blog about Paris, ist monuments, History, places to stay and to visit, and where you can find good addresses !
We look forward to your visit !
BT
Posted by: BT | November 16, 2006 at 08:16 AM