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The Babylon Cheese Cellar is offering a one-of-a-kind experience for up-and-coming chefs, caterers, and home cooks.
This week, the artisanal cheese and specialty food boutique announced the launch of its new ambassador program that is free.
After being selected into the program, the Babylon Cheese Cellar gives each chef two food items per month to use for their own creations at home. After the ambassadors receive their items, they then have one month to make a dish or recipe — and then post it to social media.
“Nobody is really doing anything like this in the food world, especially not in the cheese world,” said Cheese Cellar co-owner Tiffany Pomarico of West Islip.
Pomarico, who owns the company with her fiancé, Anthony Latino, created the program to help spark creativity in cooking and engage the island’s community of food enthusiasts.
application process
Before becoming an ambassador for the Babylon cheese boutique, which has been on Deer Park Avenue for seven years, there is a picky selection process.
“I want people who want to add value and inspire the community,” said Pomarico.
In addition, applicants must have a food background or interest in cheese and cooking, along with family-friendly social media pages. For example, the organization has already accepted a Babylon-base, Jamaican home cook into the program.
“She is not formally trained, but she understands how cheese can be a healthy part of the diet,” said Pomarico.
After being selected, the Babylon Cheese Cellar supplies its ambassadors with those two food items, as mentioned above (Sometimes people ask for two surprise items.) The food products range from an assortment of cheeses, meats, and more.
Currently, there is is no program length, allowing ambassadors to continue in the program for as long as they like.
“It is open-ended,” explained Pomarico. “I want a good large group of talented people that can collaborate with each other. It is another way to show their talent and have it showcased to a broader audience.”
the benefits
Aside from being able to test out new products each month, there are several benefits associated with the ambassador program.
According to the Babylon Cheese Cellar owners, each ambassador will receive a life-long discount on wholesale purchases.
Also, the Babylon Cheese Cellar will make a concerted effort to share all creations from within the program, while making online forums to connect the other ambassadors.
Sign up
To fill out an application, click here.
Scroll down to see photos of the Babylon Cheese Cellar and its variety of products.
Top: Photo of Babylon Cheese Cellar owner Tiffany Pomarico behind the counter. (Credit: Nicholas Esposito)
