I want to pay a vibrant tribute to Steve Rife, known as “Steven,” my American friend who unfortunately left us too soon during the summer of 2024.
He was an English teacher and, above all, a lover of his city of Arita, where he had settled more than four decades ago. I could only list flattering adjectives for Steven, because his joy for life, his good humor, and his curiosity were his driving force.
Steven was the catalyst for this adventure, and I will never be grateful enough to him. It was he who one day, during a friendly meal, said to me: “If you’re not satisfied with the Camemberts in Japan, then make them yourself!” He said it as a joke.
Four months after this joke, we were tasting the first cheeses together, which were not yet the “Arita Fromage”. The photo of Steven opposite was taken during that tasting in July 2022.
Steven, you left us too soon. This damn disease prevented you from tasting the final result of this cheese that you initiated.
Thank you for everything, Steven, I will never stop thinking of you every week when I make the “Arita Fromages”.
Your friend, David