“Big Cheese” or “Big Wheel”
By Rosario Mariani, http://www.europebychoice.com
Are you the “Big Cheese” or the “Big Wheel” among your business friends?
The terms “Big Cheese” and “Big Wheel” come from the Medieval times and were terms of respect for those who could afford to purchase an entire wheel of cheese, rather than just a few grams at a time. Expense was an issue and only the wealthy and powerful of Italian Medieval society could show off by purchasing an entire wheel of cheese, as a status symbol.
It is no different today. A wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano weighs 80 lbs., 18 inches in diameter, 9 inches high and aged 24 moths. Want to buy the entire wheel? It could set you back $2,500.
As delectable as it is impressive, the show-stopping wheel of Parmigiano from Parma is sure to make a statement of prosperity at any gathering, including at your office party to show your staff who’s the boss.
The next time you feel the need to show off, skip the Gucci and the Prada. Cheese wheels are the new status symbols.
Rosario Mariani is the owner/CEO of Europe By Choice, which promotes travel to Italy and other select European countries. He has more than 40 years of experience in the travel industry, previously serving as Director of Italy Product for Italiatour and Club ABC Tours, and also in other positions with EuroFly, Alitalia and Air France.
Benvenuti to the NIAF Pensieri Blog 
I like the way you used a witty style to write about this topic.