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WELCOME TO THE ITALIAN BISTRO CURDBOX!
This month, we’re taking a trip to one of the places that shaped my love for food more than anywhere else: Italy. Before curdbox, when I worked as a pantry buyer, my very first international buying trips were to Florence and Sicily — and those experiences completely changed the way I thought about flavor, craftsmanship, and gathering around food. Those early trips taught me that the best meals don’t need to be fancy — just thoughtful, generous, and made with care. A tiny counter in Florence serving perfect pecorino. A rustic Sicilian farm table overflowing with herbs, tomatoes, and fresh cheeses. A glass of wine, some bread, and great company. That simple, warm, effortless style of eating has stuck with me ever since, and it’s exactly what inspired this month’s box.
This board is designed to feel like aperitivo hour — relaxed, aromatic, inviting, and made for sharing. So pour a glass of Chianti, queue up our Italian Bistro playlist, and let this month’s curdbox transport you to the cobblestone streets, farm tables, and open-air bistros that sparked so much of my love for this work. -Julianne
BEST BITES & PRO TIPS from your Curator
The Pizza Bite- the bite that inspired it all.
Lark Pizzetta + Fresh Sheep's Milk with Rosemary + Fresh Tomato Jam
At my house, cheese night is all about “building a bite” for each other — it turns the board into a fun little tasting game and helps you discover the magic of pairing unique textures and flavors together. My other two favorite bites from this box are: Moliterno al Tartufo wrapped in the red wine–garlic salami and dipped into the tomato jam, or a big gooey scoop of Castelbebo on top of a Pizzetta (trust me).
Castelbebo deserves a special shoutout — it arrived from Italy perfectly ripe, so I hand-cut and wrapped every piece myself. It’s dense, silky, and rich with sheep, goat, and cow’s milk. Because it’s so soft, keep the cheese paper underneath when you serve so you don’t lose a single delicious smear.
To round out your board with things you already have at home, add cherry tomatoes, pickled fennel, antipasto olives, crusty bread, and a bottle of something red. I paired mine with a light Italian natural wine made with Nebbiolo grapes — highly recommend.
Castlebelbo by Caseificio dell'Alta Langa
Castelbelbo is the kind of cheese that starts out subtle, and then continues to reveal more of itself with every bite. Made in the Piedmont hills from a combination of cow, goat, and sheep’s milk, this carries a natural balance of richness tempered by brightness, and creaminess lifted by a subtle, cultured tang. Its bloomy white rind is delicate, giving way to a tender paste that shifts from bright white to a warm straw color as it matures. The aroma is gentle and warm, like fresh baked bread, and the flavor is layered in milky, floral, and lightly grassy notes with a hint of sautéed mushrooms. There’s a quiet confidence to Castelbelbo, that makes you pause and savor it for a moment—and then go back for more.
Fresh Sheep's Cheese - Rosemary by Green Dirt Farm
With the bright, tangy lift of fresh sheep’s milk and the calming fragrance of rosemary drifting through every soft, delicate curd—this cheese feels clean and lively on the palate, with subtle notes of garlic and nettle that echo the diverse pastures where the sheep graze. Its aroma is fresh and herb-forward without being overwhelming, the kind of balance that comes only from experienced cheesemaking and a deep understanding of the land. It’s a 2024 “Best of Class” award-winner—and it only takes one bite to understand why.
Moliterno al Tartufo by Central Formaggi
Moliterno al Tartufo seems to hold a story in every line of its sculpture-like, marbled surface. Born in Sardinia from rich, pasteurized sheep’s milk, it begins its life aging slowly, developing the sturdy frame of a hard, mature wheel. Then—at just the right moment—fresh black truffles are carefully injected, weaving dramatic, earthy ribbons through its pale interior. As the cheese continues to rest, those truffles deepen and spread, infusing every bite with earthy warmth, savory depth, and the unmistakable umami flavor. What emerges is a richly scented, deeply savory and robust cheese—unmistakably full of unique character.
And here are the pairing items that go along with these amazing cheeses…
Fresh Tomato Jam by Blake Hill Preserves
Blake Hill’s Fresh Tomato Jam feels like a summer garden in a jar—with a blend of organic cherry and heirloom tomatoes simmered just long enough to coax out their natural sweetness and bright, tangy depth. Layered with a fragrant mix of Italian herbs, it strikes that lovely balance between comfort and vibrancy, that feels both familiar and delightfully unexpected. Crafted in small batches with simple ingredients and natural flavors, it carries the warmth and earthiness that doesn’t need to shout to be memorable—it simply stays with you.
Pizzetta Cookies by Lark Fine Foods
Lark Fine Foods’ Pizzetta Cookies arrive with a personality all their own—playful, aromatic, and just sophisticated enough to make you pause and appreciate the craft behind them. Handmade in small batches by a women-owned team in Essex, Massachusetts, these sweet-meets-savory biscuits are infused with a bright blend of Italian herbs and spices that bring to mind a breezy Mediterranean kitchen. Their aroma is warm and inviting, their flavor confidently grown-up yet wonderfully comforting—reminding you why simple, and thoughtful ingredients matter.
Red Wine Garlic Salami by VT Salumi
This salami has the character that can only come from time, patience, and a devotion to craftsmanship. Made in Barre, Vermont, each link begins with vegetarian-fed, hormone-free pork that’s hand tied, slowly fermented, and aged until the flavors settle into a beautifully rounded harmony. Red wine, cracked pepper, and garlic lend gentle complexity—earthy, aromatic, and warm—while pockets of buttery fat melt delicately into the mix. There’s a comfort in something made from the kind of thoughtful, time-honored methods as this—that invites you to slow down and appreciate the details.
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This Month's Info Card
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This Month's Spotify Playlist(Listen to this month's curated playlist) |
And with that, we hope you enjoy your box—and we‘ll see you next time.
Did you take some photos while enjoying this box that you were thinking of adding to Instagram? Please tag us @curdbox along with our cheese and pairing partners: @central_formaggi, @caseificioaltalanga, @greendirtfarm, @blakehillpreserves, @larkfinefoods, and @vtsalumi.
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