QUEENS, NY - JUNE 26, 2010 -- The first annual Cheesemonger Invitational was held in a warehouse in Long Island City, NY, following a happy (if sweltering) cheese and beer-laden reception, attended by renowned cheese luminaries and excited fans. The competition got under way at around 9pm, when nine talented cheesemongers from shops across the nation were introduced rockstar-style to waves of applause by MC Adam Moscowitz.

There were six challenges, each two to five minutes long and accompanied by commentary by Moscowitz. Necks craned and whoops went up from the crowd as the mongers wrapped, sliced, paired, plated, and tasted their way through the competition. Judges Kate Arding, Peg Smith, Konrad Heusser, and Jason Hinds surveyed the tables, studying the handiwork of these cheese champions and scoring points.

Matt Rubiner, of Rubiner's Cheesemongers & Grocers in Great Barrington, MA, came out the victor with a beautiful cheese plate and some beautifully wrapped cheeses. Michael Anderson of Murray’s Cheese in NYC came in second with a thunderous supporting crowd, and Carlos Souffant of Zingerman's Creamery in Michigan took third place. Heads thumping with loud music residue, the departing crowd was already looking forward to next year's invitational and yet another opportunity to celebrate (and eat) cheese.

Slideshow Photos courtesy of Jessica Greenberg & Juliana Uruburu