The term “Artisan” has been sort of loosely thrown about lately, but what does it really mean? Well, the definition of “artisan” is a person or company that makes a high-quality, distinctive product in small quantities, usually by hand and using traditional methods…
So when I think of truly “Artisan” foods, Cristiano Creminelli and his line of handcrafted cured meats made from old time family recipes comes to mind.
Cristiano Creminelli was born in Biella, Italy, into a family of “salumieri” or cured meat artisans dating back to the 1600’s. There was never a question in his mind that Cristiano would carry on his family’s tradition, and so he started learning the family craft in his childhood, and later took on responsibilities in the “salumificio” as an apprentice in his early teens. He was a natural and later became the sole certified producer of several protected regional specialties, while also serving as a guest instructor for the Regional Culinary Institute on meat curing. In 2006, Creminelli was awarded the regional “Artisan of Excellence” award, recognizing him as a member of an elite group of specialists in his field. Soon thereafter, he and his family moved to the U.S. to introduce the fine, quality taste of Creminelli artisan meats to America.
While at a food show earlier this year, we stopped by the Creminelli booth and sampled their Mortadella, Sopressa, Finnochiona and pretty much their entire line-up of wonderful meats. Each sample was a burst of flavor, with various different spices adding levels of complexity and depth. With our mouths full, we got to talking to Scott Frank, Director of Sales and Marketing for Creminelli, and he mentioned that he would love to demo his meats in our stores the next time he was in Hawaii. Lo and behold, it’s April and we’re happy to announce that Scott will be here this weekend!
Scott will be sampling Creminelli fine meats at the following 3 locations on Oahu:
- Saturday, April 14th at Foodland Farms Aina Haina, 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
- Sunday, April 15th at Foodland Kailua*, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
- Tuesday, April 17th Foodland Beretania*, 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Wine Tasting will also be available from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
*Wine sampling will also be available during the events at Foodland Kailua and Foodland Beretania!
Creminelli sources raw materials, only uses all natural and organic ingredients. They use heritage meats that are humanely raised without antibiotics and with vegetarian feed. We’re excited to feature these great quality meats, and we hope you’ll come and join us this weekend for a fun filled tasting!