Maître Fromager (Cheese Master)
Afrim Pristine, Canada’s premier maître fromager (cheese master), exudes a passion and commitment that stems from his father and the family business of 52 years, Cheese Boutique, which he now co-owns with his brother, Agim. In addition to hands-on training with his father and at renowned dairy farms, Pristine’s studied with some of the world’s greatest cheesemakers, including Luigi Guffanti, Stefano Sarti, Carl Schilt, Jean-Paul Morin.
Pristine, who in 2013 became the first Canadian maîtres fromager and one of the youngest in the world, hosts Food Network Canada’s docuseries Cheese- A Love Story (available on STACKTV on Amazon Prime and Hulu). He also authored the bestselling cookbook For the Love of Cheese.
Previously, Pristine became the youngest Canadian recipient to the Chevalier, a distinction from the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Taste Fromage de France, which later upgraded his status to Officier du Fromage.
Pristine keenly builds relationships and collaborates with some of Canada’s top chefs and restaurants, including chefs Michael Bonacini, Mark McEwan, Daniel Boulud, David Chang and Lynn Crawford and venues such as Momofuku, Alo, Langdon Hall, Canoe, La Palma, Scaramouche, and Piano Piano.
The Globe and Mail newspaper named him among the Top 50 Most Influential People in Canadian Food, and LCBO Food & Drink Magazine named among the Top 10 Most Influential People in the Food Industry.
You can find Afrim Pristine during the Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival 2023 at:
For The Love of Cheese…And Wine!
James Beard Gourmet Four-Course Luncheon
Celebrity Chef Reception
Sunday Grand Tastings Featuring Curtis Stone