Meet Irene Clemente | Certified Cheese Educator | Founder, Mrs. Platters

We had the good fortune of connecting with Irene Clemente and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Irene, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Cheese changed my life — not just as food, but as a doorway into culture, tradition, and human connection. With Mrs. Platters, my mission has always been more than curating beautiful boards or tastings. I’m here to tell the stories behind every wheel: the hands that shape it, the land that nourishes it and the values that preserve it.

Through cheese education, I create space for people to slow down, taste intentionally and understand where their food comes from. Whether I’m teaching a class, leading a tasting or chatting with a guest one-on-one, it’s about honoring the work of farmers, cheesemakers and artisans — many of whom operate quietly, generation after generation, with such pride and care.

I also believe food has the power to unite. My events are crafted to spark conversation, curiosity and connection. I’ve seen strangers become friends over a shared piece of aged Comté. I’ve seen people light up when they finally understand what raw milk really means. That’s the impact I want to leave — to inspire more thoughtful eating, more cultural appreciation and more reverence for the people who make our food possible.

Mrs. Platters is my way of giving back to a world that’s given me so much — one tasting at a time.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Mrs. Platters began as a humble cheese and charcuterie board business, but over time, it transformed into something much deeper — a platform for education, storytelling, and connection through cheese. What sets me apart is my dedication to honoring the people, traditions, and terroir behind every wheel. I don’t just serve cheese; I invite people into the world of artisan makers — the hands that craft, the soil that shapes, and the culture that preserves.

What I’m most proud of is how far this journey has taken me. From creating boards in my kitchen to studying at the Academy of Cheese in London, attending Paroles de Fromager in Paris, learning under world champions in France, and stewarding at the British & Irish Cheese Awards — every experience reaffirmed my belief that cheese is a powerful vessel for culture and conversation.

But it wasn’t easy. Like many others, the pandemic forced me to rethink everything. The market was saturated, and I felt lost creatively. I took a risk and leaned into what truly lit me up — education. I started investing in formal training, traveling to learn from master cheesemakers, and creating intentional tasting experiences. That pivot gave Mrs. Platters a renewed purpose — and me a clearer path forward.

I’ve learned that success isn’t always loud — sometimes, it looks like showing up consistently, saying yes to uncomfortable opportunities, and trusting your own curiosity. I’ve learned to slow down and listen — not just to cheese, but to the stories, the makers, and my own intuition.

What I want the world to know is this: Mrs. Platters is about more than cheese. It’s about culture, craft, and connection. It’s about savoring the things that take time. My mission is to help people taste more intentionally, connect more meaningfully, and celebrate the beauty behind what’s often overlooked.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A Week in Long Beach — Slow, Flavorful, and Intentional

If my best friend were visiting Long Beach for a week, I’d plan a laid-back yet intentionally flavorful itinerary that blends food, culture, and meaningful connection — the way any great trip should be.

Day 1: Welcome with Flavor
We’d start on Retro Row (4th Street), grabbing coffee and a light bite at Good Day Cafe — a cozy local spot with great brews and a welcoming vibe. Then we’d browse vintage shops and stop by Oh La Vache — a small, well-curated neighborhood cheese shop. It’s the perfect place to try something new or pick up a local favorite.

Day 2: Cheese, Wine & Coastal Views
We’d head to The Wine Country in Signal Hill for a curated bottle or two. If the timing’s right, I’d host a cheese tasting experience at home — complete with storytelling and a board built around what we picked up. Later, we’d take a sunset stroll through Bluff Park or unwind with a glass at District Wine.

Day 3: Art, Ocean & Nostalgia
We’d spend the day at the Long Beach Museum of Art, enjoying its mix of contemporary works, oceanfront setting, and the charm of the historic Anderson House. Then we’d take a walk along the bluff or down to Shoreline Village for some people-watching and sea breeze. Dinner would be at La Parolaccia Osteria — a family-run Roman spot serving wood-fired pizza and classic pastas in a warm, intimate setting.

Day 4: Farmers Market + Picnic Vibes
We’d visit the Marina Farmers Market on Sunday, pick up artisan cheeses, fresh produce, and handmade goods, then head to Hilltop Park for a panoramic picnic — or to Rosie’s Dog Beach if we brought a pup along.

Day 5: LA Food & Culture
We’d take a day trip to Los Angeles to explore a few spots that celebrate food and art as craft. Brunch at République, where every detail — from the bread to the building — tells a story. Then we’d spend the afternoon at LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art), discovering exhibits that highlight history, creativity, and global perspectives. A visit to The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills rounds out the day — a classic destination for discovering artisan cheeses from around the world.

Day 6: Immersive History & Harbor Views
We’d spend the day aboard the iconic Queen Mary, diving into its rich maritime history through a self-guided tour of the decks, engine rooms, and beautifully preserved Art Deco interiors. If we’re feeling curious, we’d add the Glory Days tour for a deeper look into its transatlantic past. Afterward, we’d enjoy cocktails and harbor views at the Observation Bar, soaking in the craftsmanship of the past.

Day 7: Brunch & Reflection
On our final day, we’d enjoy brunch at The Attic or Claire’s at the Museum, followed by a visit to Rancho Los Cerritos — a peaceful, historic space reflecting California’s layered roots. We’d wrap up with a final glass of wine and cheese — a thoughtful close to a flavorful week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely — there are many people and moments that shaped my path, but if I had to give a heartfelt shoutout, it would go to the cheesemakers, farmers, and mentors who welcomed me into their world with open arms. These are the people who work quietly, with deep pride and generational knowledge — and their stories are the heartbeat of what I do.

I’m especially grateful to Christophe Gonzalez, whose masterclass in Bayonne, France, opened my eyes not just to technique, but to the soul of cheese. To Paroles de Fromager in Paris — thank you for deepening my understanding of traditional cheesemaking and sensory connection.
And to the Academy of Cheese in London and Cheese State University in Wisconsin — thank you for sharpening my foundation and challenging me to keep growing.

And of course, to my husband Angelo — thank you for believing in this dream, even when it meant travel, risk, and starting over. Your support, especially in the quiet, behind-the-scenes moments, means everything.

Mrs. Platters exists because of community, craftsmanship, and the people who taught me that cheese is never just cheese — it’s culture, care, and connection.

Website: https://www.mrsplatters.com

Instagram: @mrs.platters

Facebook: @mrs.platters