The creamy richness of Camembert, the smooth texture of fresh mozzarella, the oozy stream of melted raclette: arriving this summer, Food Network Canada and Corus Studios dive into the evolving world of cheese with food travel docu-series Cheese: A Love Story. Hosted by the world’s youngest Maître Fromager (Cheese Master), Afrim Pristine travels the globe exploring the most iconic cheese locations and hidden gems to get a deeper look at one of the world’s greatest, and most beloved foods. Cheese: A Love Story makes its debut on June 9 at 8 p.m. ET on Food Network Canada.
Afrim Pristine is Canada’s leading cheese expert, owner of the Cheese Boutique in Toronto, Ont., and has over 25 years of cheese experience. His passion and commitment to learning more about this magical food stems from his father and family business of 50 years. In this six-part series Cheese: A Love Story, Afrim embarks on a journey to meet up with the farmers, cheesemakers, shop owners, affineurs and chefs in Switzerland, France, Greece, Toronto, Quebec and British Columbia. In each episode, Afrim’s love of cheese only grows fonder as he gets an in-depth look at how each culture has made it their own. Throughout his excursions, he crosses paths with culinary pioneers including: Chuck Hughes (Le Bremner) and Michele Forgione (Chez Tousignant) in Quebec; Elia Herrera (Colibri) and Aiko Uchigoshi (Aburi Hana) in Toronto; and Wall of Chefs’ Rob Feenie and Top Chef Canada Season 7 winner Paul Moran in British Columbia, and many more.
In the premiere episode airing Wednesday, June 9 at 8 p.m. ET, Afrim starts his journey in Switzerland, where he meets with chefs, cheesemakers, vendors and a legendary affineur, Roland Salhi to learn the fine art of aging. In the home known for Gruyère, raclette, fondue, and the famous holey Swiss Emmental, Afrim learns firsthand how these classic cheeses stand the test of time and discovers the modern approaches the Swiss have innovated in the world of cheesemaking.
Summer programming continues with more than 140 hours of premieres, beginning with a new season of Best Baker in America (1×90, 7×60) on May 17 at 9 p.m. ET/PT featuring host Carla Hall. New episodes of Corus Studios’ Project Bakeover return on May 27 at 9 p.m. ET/PT as pastry chef Steve Hodge and HGTV Canada designer Tiffany Pratt continue to revive struggling bakery businesses. On June 14, an exciting new season of BBQ Brawl: Flay vs Symon vs Jackson (1×90, 9×60) premieres at 10 p.m. ET/ 9:30 p.m. PT where Bobby Flay and Michael Symon are joined by a third coach, Eddie Jackson ( Fire Masters, The Big Bake) taking the competition to a fiery new level as they mentor the country’s most-respected pitmasters. New stunt series Chopped: Martha Rules, follows 16 chefs as they compete for a $50,000 grand prize – and Martha Stewart’s approval, premiering June 20 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. New episodes of Guy’s Grocery Games continue Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT, and Beat Bobby Flay airs Fridays at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
For recipes and food inspiration all summer long, plus an exclusive in-depth look at the cheeses explored in the upcoming series Cheese: A Love Story visit foodnetwork.ca. Check back week-to-week for full episodes and new editorial content.
Cheese: A Love Story is produced by Proper Television, A Boat Rocker Company, in association with Corus Studios for Food Network Canada. For Corus Studios and Food Network Canada, Andrea Griffith is Executive in Charge of Production, Krista Look is Director of Original Lifestyle Content and Lisa Godfrey is Senior Vice President of Original Content and Corus Studios. For Proper Television, Cathie James and Lesia Capone are Executive Producers and Scott Harper is Series Producer.
