Inspiring Conversations with Irene Clemente of Mrs. Platters

Today we’d like to introduce you to Irene Clemente.

Hi Irene, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Let me take you on a little journey — it’s a story about how a simple love for cheese turned into something much bigger than I ever imagined.

Hi, I’m Irene Clemente — a professional cheese educator, storyteller, and founder of Mrs. Platters based in Long Beach, California.

My journey with cheese actually began pretty simply — making cheeseboards as a creative outlet. I loved how food could bring people together. But what started as a hobby quickly unraveled into something much deeper. I realized I wasn’t just drawn to cheese because it was beautiful or delicious — I was drawn to the heritage, the humanity, and the hands behind every artisan wheel.

That curiosity led me to pursue serious study. I trained at the Academy of Cheese in London, completing Levels 1 and 2, and I’m now preparing to become a Fellow—one of the highest honors in cheese education. I received a scholarship to Cheese State University in Wisconsin, where I deepened my understanding of American cheesemaking and dairy science. In Paris, I studied cheesemaking and pairing with Pierre Brisson at Parole de Fromager, where I developed a deeper appreciation for balance, terroir, and the French reverence for raw milk and tradition.

But the real turning point for me happened during an immersion program in Bayonne, France. I trained under Christophe Gonzalez, the World Cheese Champion, and one day inside a quiet aging cave, an affineur said something that changed my life:
“We don’t just make cheese — we preserve a way of life.”

That one line became my compass.

It made me realize that cheese isn’t just food — it’s a story. It’s culture, patience, perseverance — generations of care passed down through time. I knew I wanted to contribute to my community in a way that felt intentional and lasting, by honoring the people, places, and traditions behind every wheel.

Since then, I’ve been fortunate to travel across France, England, and the U.S., learning directly from farmers, affineurs, and award-winning cheesemakers. I even had the honor of stewarding at the British and Irish Cheese Awards in March 2025, working alongside world-renowned judges and generational cheesemakers — a true full-circle moment for me.

Today, through my company Mrs. Platters, I host bespoke tasting experiences, immersive workshops, and soon, curated cheese travel journeys. My goal is simple: to invite people not just to eat cheese, but to experience it — to slow down, savor, and connect with the makers and the meaning behind every bite.

I often say with a smile that “I’m having a cheese affair.”
Because to me, cheese isn’t just a passion — it’s a love story. It’s obsession, patience, craftsmanship, and heart — and it’s a story I want to keep telling, one plate and one person at a time.

At the end of the day, I’m here to share not just cheese, but the passion, the people, and the traditions that make every bite meaningful — and I’m so excited to keep growing this journey with others who want to experience it, too.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and that’s part of what makes this journey so meaningful. When I first started, it was a leap into the unknown. I didn’t have the clear path I would have liked, and I had to learn a lot along the way. The shift from creating cheeseboards to diving deep into cheese education was a big one, and it required a lot of rethinking and recalibrating — especially when I realized I wanted to focus on preserving the craftsmanship and heritage behind the cheese, not just share flavors.

There were moments of self-doubt — questioning whether my deep dive into cheese education would pay off or whether I was truly ready for the next level. Being an entrepreneur in the food industry, you also deal with the pressures of competition, changing markets, and the challenge of educating people about a subject as specific as artisan cheese.

The biggest struggle, however, was finding the balance between being an educator, running a business, and staying true to the values that made me want to do this in the first place. But every struggle has taught me something valuable, whether it’s about patience, perseverance, or the importance of community. Now, I’m more committed than ever to sharing the stories behind the cheese, and that gives me the drive to push through any challenges that come my way.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Mrs. Platters is much more than a cheese business — it’s a place where education, appreciation, and connection come together. I founded Mrs. Platters in Long Beach with a mission to make artisan cheese approachable, meaningful, and unforgettable — not just to taste, but to truly understand the heritage, craftsmanship, and people behind every wheel.

Today, I specialize in Bespoke cheese tasting experiences, immersive educational workshops, a curated cheese experience subscription, and soon, small group cheese travel adventures. Every offering is designed to open a door into the deeper world of cheese — where flavors tell a story, and traditions are honored.

What sets Mrs. Platters apart is the intention behind everything we do. Each tasting, workshop, and subscription box is carefully curated — from the artisan wheels I select to the way I guide people to experience terroir, texture, and history in every bite. It’s never just about presenting cheese; it’s about helping people fall in love with it — and with the centuries of craftsmanship and care behind it.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust and connection I’ve built with my community. It’s incredibly rewarding when someone tells me that after a tasting or a workshop, they don’t just eat cheese differently — they feel differently about it.

I want readers to know that whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, Mrs. Platters offers an experience that’s warm, welcoming, and rich with discovery. Through tastings, workshops, curated subscriptions, and travel, I invite people not just to eat cheese — but to truly experience it, celebrate it, and fall in love with it.

Savor the Art of Cheese: Signature Experiences by Mrs. Platters
Intentional, story-rich tastings and immersive classes that celebrate the craft, culture, and connection behind every cheese.

The Ultimate Bespoke Cheese Tasting Experience
Indulge in a full-service, guided cheese journey curated just for you and your guests.
• Starting at $99 per person (minimum 6 guests) for a 90-minute tasting.
• Includes a fully customized selection of artisan cheeses and pairings tailored to your group’s preferences.
• Presented with elevated serveware from heritage brands like Fortnum & Mason, Harrods, and The Fine Cheese Co., with options like hand-painted platters, elegant cutlery, and sleek slates.
• More than a tasting—it’s an immersive, story-driven experience connecting you to the craft and culture of cheese.
• Perfect for private events, corporate gatherings, or any special celebration.

Discover the World of Cheese: Immersive Classes
For the curious, cultured, and cheese-obsessed.
• Classes start at $99 per person
• Dive into the history, science, and tradition behind each cheese.
• Includes guided tastings, cheesemaking insights, regional exploration, and thoughtful pairings.
• Perfect for private groups, clubs, themed events, team building experiences, and corporate gatherings. (Minimum group size varies—please inquire.)

Reserve Your Experience
Visit www.mrsplatters.com or follow along on Instagram @mrs.platters to begin planning your intentional, unforgettable cheese experience.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about Long Beach is its sense of community and authenticity. It’s a city with a big heart — diverse, vibrant, and welcoming. You can feel the pride people have here for local businesses, the arts, and culture. There’s a genuine support for people who are trying to build something meaningful, and that spirit has been so important for me as I grew Mrs. Platters.

If I had to share one thing I like least, it would be that sometimes our beautiful small businesses don’t always get the visibility they deserve. There’s so much passion and talent in Long Beach, and I wish more people — both locals and visitors — took the time to discover and support the incredible local makers, artisans, and entrepreneurs who truly make this city special.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mrsplatters.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/mrs.platters
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/mrs.platters