cheese

When the 49th Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris called, Scott Evans, the host of the YouTube interview show “House Guest,” answered in disbelief.

“I was literally gobsmacked,” Evans tells The Times. “I wanted to make sure she felt the love and that we were ready to discuss anything she wanted.”

In its short-lived history, the Webby Award-winning, self-funded show has welcomed comedian Leslie Jones, Oscar winner Regina King and actor Keke Palmer. On Thursday, Evans entertained a guest with secret service stature.

During her visit, Harris discusses her book “107 Days,” which entails her experience as a presidential candidate during the 2024 election. She revealed to Evans he was the first person she discussed the book with outside of her team.

The housewarming vibes set the tone for a conversation that allowed Harris to speak with comfort and embrace emojis, a delicacy she had been without during her time in the White House.

Harris and Evans talking on “House Guest.”

(Ryan Handford)

As they discussed her book, Evans and Harris shared a cheese and anchovies pizza. The host made the choice to commemorate the day she found out President Joe Biden was going to drop out of the race for the house on Pennsylvania Avenue.

“The first day you found out that Joe Biden was not going to be running for reelection and that you got the go-ahead,” Evans said, “cheese pizza with anchovies is where you went.”

Harris reveals she found out Biden was going to drop out of the presidential race while playing with her niece’s daughters. She was in her sweatpants, with her hair in a ponytail, when the unexpected call went through.

“This is really happening and the only people staffing me are both under 4 feet tall,” Harris said. “My little baby nieces … firsthand witnesses to history.”

She recalls her team coming together immediately and turning her dining table from a breakfast setting to business. Work for her campaign began and as the day elongated and dinner time passed, they ordered pizza, including one with cheese and anchovies.

In her book, Harris calls the day she certified the election one of the hardest things she’s ever had to do. As vice president and president of the senate, it was her responsibility to confirm the election on Jan. 6, a date in infamy after the insurrection that took place on the same date in 2021. Evans asked her if there was ever a moment in which she didn’t want to take the high road.

“It was nonnegotiable in my mind that I would stand there and give it the process, the dignity that it deserves of showing what leadership should be about, which is a peaceful transfer of power,” Harris said.

“I was not going to let them, in any way, compromise every reason that I ran for president, which is that I do believe in the importance of the rule of law,” she added.

After conceding the election, Harris tells Evans she grieved and experienced emotions that resembled those she felt when her mother died.

“I choose not to allow circumstances or individuals disempower my spirit,” she added as an emotional Evans added: “If you can say that, if you can really believe that, then there are so many others of us who can feel confident in that as well.”

Chuck E. Cheese is all grown-up. Sort of.

Brea Mall is now home to a Chuck’s Arcade, the first location in California and 10th in the U.S. When the company unveiled the concept earlier this year, headlines branded it as an “adult” Chuck E. Cheese. There’s some truth in that, but it’s not the full story.

Combine the word “adult” and “arcade” and recognizable spaces — say, Dave & Buster’s — instantly come to mind. Here in SoCal, we also have Two Bit Circus in Santa Monica, which marries retro and modern games with beer and cocktails. Chuck’s Arcade isn’t all that similar to either.

Chuck’s Arcade has a merchandise booth with vintage looks.

(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / For The Times)

But we were intrigued by its promise of retro gaming and its attempts to appeal to a less kid-focused audience. You won’t, for instance, encounter a pizza party full of 7-year-olds here.

So what will you find? And will it possess the vintage arcade vibes many of us are craving? With the company and its mouse mascot now a cool 48 years old, we weren’t sure what to expect. So we took a visit to Chuck’s Arcade seeking answers.

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Where an adult can be a ‘kidult’

It’s not surprising to encounter a grown-up with fond memories of Chuck E. Cheese. For me, I was hooked by the stilted-yet-charming robotic performances from their once ubiquitous animatronic bands, in which tunes were delivered amid the clickety-clack of machinery. Yet a Chuck E. Cheese today is a fully-realized kid-focused video-game-inspired rec room, one where digital floors encourage a more active form of play. David McKillips, president and chief executive of the company, says the firm’s core locations heavily target those between the ages of 3 and 8.

And thus, Chuck’s Aracade, says McKillips, will fill a void. He’s hoping it taps into the marketing segment known as the “kidult” — grown-ups, perhaps, who were raised on games and still cherish the thought of crowding around a “Ms. Pac-Man” console. The kidult sector is booming, encompassing everyone from the so-called “Disney adult” to those who carry a Labubu doll as a fashion accessory. Think anyone who believes that a childlike openness to play and silliness doesn’t have to be eradicated by maturity.

David McKillips, president and chief executive of Chuck E. Cheese, poses for a portrait with a retired Mr. Munch figure.

(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / For The Times)

So how does Chuck’s Arcade plan to reach the kidult? Its 3,600-square-foot space boasts 70 games, including a small — emphasis on small — retro section where one will find coin-op cabinets of “Tron,” “Centipede,” “Mortal Kombat” and a “Ms. Pac-Man” head-to-head arcade table. And while a modern Chuck E. Cheese is school-cafeteria bright, Chuck’s Arcade is dark, its black walls and low lighting recalling the arcades of the ’80s and ’90s.

McKillips says Chuck’s Arcade “is appealing to the collectible market,” betting large on grown-ups being drawn to its plethora of claw machines. There are also prize apparatuses dedicated largely to Funko’s plastic figurines.

It’s near the mall food court — which is part of the business strategy

The Chuck E. Cheese company has long had it eye on the Brea Mall.

In an era when malls are being refocused to cater to a more experience-based economy — see, for instance, the escape rooms of Westfield Century City, or Meow Wolf eventually taking over a portion of what is currently the Cinemark complex at Howard Hughes L.A. — Chuck E. Cheese saw an opportunity in Orange County.

One game at Chuck’s Arcade may drop Chuck E. Cheese plushies.

(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / For The Times)

“We’ve been trying to get in here for a year and a half,” says McKillips. “The foot traffic is phenomenal. The anchors are strong. They have a really solid food court.”

The food court was a massive selling point.

“That’s where teens are congregating,” he says. “That’s where parents and kids are together. They’ll have a bite to eat and come over and play some games.”

There’s no booze … or even pizza

Here’s one way to think about Chuck’s Arcade: Imagine a Chuck E. Cheese, but subtract the pizza and detract the drinks. In one corner of Chuck’s Arcade rests a giant Skittles machine, and there is more candy available at the front counter. But the company decided to go without a proper food and beverage program for Chuck’s Arcade, meaning those grown-up kidults won’t be sipping on booze or mocktails.

I told McKillips I was surprised. At home, I’m more than 40 hours into “Donkey Kong Bananza,” but I wind down by playing the game and enjoying a beer — one of the core benefits, I believe, of being a certified kidult.

McKillips argues this is actually an advantage for Chuck’s Arcade, allowing it to reach a grown-up audience but still feel family-friendly. Just one Chuck’s Arcade, he says, is equipped to serve beer, wings and pizza, and it’s in Kansas City, Mo.

“This is an arcade destination,” he adds. “We’re not hosting birthday parties. We don’t do [food & beverage] here. You’re going to come here and play games.”

Where’s the nostalgia?

Chuck’s Arcade staffer Sabrina Hernadez checks out games at the new Brea location hours before it opens it doors.

(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / For The Times)

I should be the audience for Chuck’s Arcade. I have fond memories of the brand.

Chuck E. Cheese, the character and the pizza chain, was the brainchild of Nolan Bushnell, best known as the founder of Atari. The franchise launched in 1977 in San José, first branded as Chuck E. Cheese Pizza Time Theatre. As Chuck E. Cheese flourished throughout the early ’80s, the original animatronic figures were a bit more bawdy (Chuck was a smoker). Bushnell envisioned the initial Chuck E. Cheese robotic characters as entertainment that appealed to the grown-ups while the kids played games in the neighboring room.

When I first heard of Chuck’s Arcade, I hoped the company was getting back a bit to its roots. And there’s a nostalgic touch here and there. Aside from the aforementioned selection of vintage games, there’s also a Mr. Munch figurine, who is displayed in a clear case and does not turn on. Munch, a friendly, purple-ish hairball of a creature, was once the anchor of Chuck E. Cheese’s Make Believe Band.

Seeing that one figure treated as a museum piece felt like a half-hearted wave to fans who grew up with Chuck. And while claw gizmos and plastic figurines aren’t my thing, I understand their popularity and wouldn’t mind their presence if there was a greater supply of old-school games, and perhaps some pinball machines.

With a digital key card for Chuck’s Arcade starting at $10, the buy-in to try out the space isn’t large, but this felt like a tentative step into adulthood. After all, Chuck is well beyond drinking age. The mouse deserves a cocktail.

Claire Donnelly visited Lake Annecy in France, launching herself down the sides of mountains on an e-bike in pursuit of thrills, strong cheese and delicious wine

When our tour guide asked me if I fancied trying an e-bike – and mentioned that we’d be stopping for cheese and drinks en route – I didn’t need asking twice.

On holiday in the French Alps, staying in a stunning chalet above Lake Annecy, it sounded like a perfect way to spend an afternoon. I pictured myself pootling along flat, leafy trails, taking breaks to marvel at the dazzling, turquoise water or nibbling local cheese while I sipped a glass of wine.

I was heading out with a group and a guide, and after a quick e-bike tutorial – I’d never ridden one before, but our instructor made everything clear – we set off, making our way to the centre of La Clusaz, a charming Alpine village famous for its winter skiing and summer sports.

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So far, so good. This terrain was pretty easy, and I figured that once we left the town behind, we’d start enjoying some cheese and chilled-out cycling vibes. But as our guide zipped through the streets, I realised we were heading to some kind of registration point. When we got there I was given a number to pin on my back and I thought I heard someone say something about ski lifts.

Looking around I noticed a timed finish line, info points and billboards covered in printed route maps… and realised, like an idiot, I’d signed up for what looked suspiciously like an Alpine mountain bike race.

Before I could worry or ask for more details, we were on the move again and heading up, up, up towards the mountain. I live in West Yorkshire, in a valley known for its rugged landscape and killer hills – but even by my Pennine standards, this was steep.

The e-bikes handled the gravel and incline with ease, though, and in a few minutes, we were having our bikes hauled aboard the ski lift and gliding towards the 1500m-high summit. Making our way to the start line, we passed a lot of serious-looking cyclists, checking their smart watches and adjusting their designer shades.

My Aldi cycling shorts and Zara vest were holding up well, but looking down the town seemed a long way away and we were all feeling a bit out of our depth. It was at this point that one of our group revealed that the last time she tried mountain biking she’d fallen off and injured herself, leaving her traumatised, another mentioned she’d not been on a bike of any kind for 20 years.

Our lovely guide reassured us that there were a few races that day and we were joining, the Rando 3 Fromages, a relatively easy 12km version and we could stop or walk whenever we needed to.

As he said, we’d spend a couple of hours making our way downhill, stopping off to fortify ourselves with local cheeses, provided by artisan farmers. Held every year for the last four years, the Rondo is the easiest part of a dedicated biking and mountain sports weekend, the Bélier VTT.

It’s one of several that take place here as the region pushes to extend its tourist season, tempting visitors to explore its picture-perfect Alpine villages in the warmer months too. A summer trip is definitely something I’d recommend.

We stayed in an amazing, luxury chalet, perched in the mountains, just above the popular ski base of La Clusaz. Less than an hour’s drive from Geneva airport, we woke every day to crisp fresh air, endless blue sky vistas and the soothing sound of cattle bells.

The popular town of Annecy – dubbed ‘the Venice of the Alps’ – is a short drive or bus journey away too and the weather was perfect. We visited in mid-June. It was glorious, a sunny 27 degrees most days but pleasant and cool in the evening and with no shortage of things to do.

This is a sporty place, where residents and visitors like to keep fit so if biking, hiking, water sports or trail running appeal, you’re in the right place. And today we were joining the Alpine sports crew.

As we hit our first downhill track, littered with giant rocks and with a sheer drop to our left, it’s fair to say we were all absolutely terrified. Our instructor had told us how to tackle these steep inclines – stand up on the pedals, keep your legs straight, use one finger on the sensitive brakes (any more and you’ll fly off) and don’t avoid the rocks, go over them.

There was a lot of wobbling, some swearing and I definitely said a prayer or two – but I followed his advice, and amazingly, it worked. After the first few terrifying descents, I started to find my rhythm and actually embrace the thrill of flying down a mountain on two wheels.

All around us were scenes of vast, panoramic beauty as we rushed past towering pines and delicate alpine blooms, watching farmers herd goats and nudge cattle across the peaks. After a few miles we hit our first cheese station wolfing down freshly cut bread and goat’s cheese, served by local producers.

There was more cheese and more twists and turns on the way down. We crossed gentle streams and lush fields before cycling through a blast of welcome rain on our final, gnarly descent back to the registration point.

I crossed the finish line in just over two hours. I was soaked to the skin, full of the best cheese I’ve ever tasted, covered in mud but somehow still in one piece and beyond elated. It was a high-octane Alpine experience I’ll never forget – and now that my legs have stopped shaking, one I might even repeat next year.

Book it

Find out more about the race weekend: www.france-voyage.com/events/belier-vtt-202.html

La Clusaz e-bike hire: https://www.alpesaventures.com/laclusaz/

OVO Network offers seven nights at Chalet Bleu Infini in La Clusaz, in the Annecy Mountains region www.ovonetwork.com/en

If you’re after alpine adventures then you won’t be disappointed in one of Europe’s breathtaking regions with idyllic chalets and amazing views

Striking the right balance between relaxation and exploration can prove a challenge on any trip. The temptation when on the clock in a new place is to rush around ticking off sights, often resulting in blurred memories and fatigue.

My visit to the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland taught me a lesson in how to really take in my surroundings and resist the urge to press on with a hurried stride. Take time to smell the roses, or in my case, the cheeses.

This awakening experience began in the picturesque village of Adelboden, an idyllic chalet village 4,430ft above sea level, with blooming alpine meadows and crystal-clear lakes.

Home to only 3,500 inhabitants, versatile Adelboden comes alive during winter with tourists swooping in for its mountain sports on its dream pistes and World Cup race in January.

It actually became the destination for the first winter sports package holiday, ­organised by tourism pioneer Sir Henry Lunn in 1902.

In the warmer months, it’s ideal for those wanting to gaze at the scenery at their own pace while traversing its walking trails, mountain bike routes, cable cars, or swimming in the lakes.

The village’s standout hotel was acquired by Welsh brothers Craig and Grant Maunder in 2009 and renamed The Cambrian – a subtle nod to their home country (Cambria translates as Wales in Latin). This stunning, four-star superior hotel, rebuilt in the Belle Epoque style in the 20th century, is the perfect place to unwind, offering a swanky spa with pool, Finnish sauna, steam bath and outdoor infinity pool, which comes with breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.

At the hotel’s Bryn Williams restaurant, named after the chef who hails from North Wales, diners can enjoy dishes created with Swiss and Welsh influences.

From here, take a short bus journey to nearby mountain village Elsigen where you can ride the gondola to reach an alpine cheese farm hidden away in the peaks.

Welcomed into the home of the Germann’s, father-and-on duo Adolf and Peter offered expert insight into their longstanding family tradition of cheesemaking.

After explaining the process of producing cheeses including Alpkase, Mutschli, Raclette and Ziger, which are heated at temperatures ranging from 36-90C, I was able to sit down and sample the freshly made blocks. They were full of flavour, thanks to added extras such as garlic and chilli.

It is not only food production keeping this area ticking nicely over, however, with the natural wonders of the lakes and mountains serving as a major pull.

With the sun beating down, I grabbed the chance to take a dip in the crystal-clear water of the Brandsee Lake and could not resist the inflatable slide invitingly positioned only several strokes away.

It’s a short drive to Engstilgenalp where you can jump on a cable car and head above the second tallest waterfall in Switzerland, 1,969ft Engstilgenalp Falls.

A trip to the ­neighbouring town of Gstaad was next on the agenda. Famed for its old-world elegance, which has attracted the likes of Princess Diana and Madonna to the region, I enjoyed a taste of the finer things, checking in at the new Mansard Boutique Hotel.

Located centrally, The Mansard boasts the only rooftop bar in Gstaad and was a hit among locals, who were drinking in the views with a few glasses of wine.

Equally as impressive was the food in the ground floor restaurant. I opted for the starter special of mushroom pasta, followed by a main of sole with parsley butter, spinach and mashed potatoes. Finishing on a sweet note, a glass of vanilla ice cream with strawberries and Maraschino liqueur rounded off a memorable meal.

The following morning in Gstaad, I got to experience a great annual celebration, which is loved by tourists and locals. Visitors began to pour into the town during the early hours of the morning, creating an instant buzz.

This was the start of the Zuglete, the procession of cattle from the mountains to the heart of the town. A tradition kept for centuries to signify the return of the herds and herdsmen to the valley, thousands of people line the streets of Gstaad for a glimpse of cows, dressed in colourful floral headdresses, and goats that continually serve the area.

Such a day presents a lucrative opportunity for local businesses. One woman I met had spent 30 years on the Landfrauen Saanenland selling items ranging from cheese to marmalade. “I will not get rich with what I’m doing,” she insisted. “I do this out of passion, for the community, because being together is not about having an income, it’s out of love.”

Aside from the ­heightened sense of drama created by the Zuglete, Gstaad’s relaxation-related motto of “Comeup, slow down” can’t be argued with.

But those seeking a total escape should head to the tiny village of Ablandschen – situated on the edge of the Bernese Oberland and the Freiburg Alps, 4,265ft above sea level. Known locally as Detox Valley and home to only 32 inhabitants, here you can pay a visit to the smallest church in Switzerland and dine at the inviting Berghotel zur Sau.

“Welcome to the end of the world” is the message from owners of the cosy establishment to prospective guests, who can try a range of Swiss dishes.

Mushrooms and potatoes that accompanied my main dish of pork were grown just around the corner while the starter salad was made up of handpicked ingredients.

A bottle of the sparkling Blanc de Noirs – a Swiss spin on Champagne due to its mirrored production process – was the perfect accompaniment.

My trip ended by catching the state-of-the-art GoldenPass Express train from Gstaad to Montreux – an 80-minute journey offering panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and valleys plus Lac Leman (Lake Geneva).

This route is included in the Swiss Travel Pass (see information box above right) and seated in prestige class – elevated in terms of height in the carriage and service – I tried out my heated leather seat, capable of rotating 180 degrees, before enjoying a cheese board and coffee.

Gazing out the window as I glided through this breathtaking scenery, I was offered one final reminder of how avoiding well-trodden paths, going out of the main season and taking in the sights at your own pace makes travel so much more satisfying.

Book the holiday

• Neilson offers seven nights on club board at the Messini Beach Club near Kalamata, Peloponnese, Greece, from £1,467pp based on a family of four sharing and departing from Stansted on August 24. Includes transfers, kids’ clubs, activities, and expert tuition. Birmingham and Manchester flights also available. neilson.co.uk
• More info at visitgreece.gr

Dr Donald Grant says you could end up with ‘jet belly’ unless you avoid a list of foods and stick to something safer

A doctor has warned anyone heading to the airport to avoid foods that could cause a painful reaction, including cabbage, cheese and beans. Dr Donald Grant says foods like dairy can cause a reaction known as ‘jet belly’, where your stomach reacts in the same way as an unopened crisp packet.

Aeroplane bloat, also known as ‘jet belly’, is a phenomenon that causes the stomach to bloat during flights. Dr Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, said: “Many people will be planning or preparing to go on holiday. On long-haul flights, it’s important to be aware of ‘aeroplane bloat’, categorised as a build-up of gas in the intestines and stomach, caused by a combination of factors.

“This strange phenomenon is influenced by cabin pressure. At 30,000 feet, plane pressure drops dramatically, causing the gas in our guts to expand. In turn, this causes bloating and discomfort, which can lead to aeroplane bloat. It’s kind of like how crisp packets expand while in the air – the same effect is happening to our guts.

“Additionally, sitting in the same place for hours during a long-haul flight doesn’t help either. This fixed position can slow digestion and increase gas buildup, further adding to the discomfort and bloating. Depending on an individual’s food tolerances, purchasing and eating food on a plane could also increase the bloating effect, especially if the foods are high in salt content.

How to Avoid Aeroplane Bloat this Summer

“So, now that people are aware of aeroplane bloat, how can they avoid it? With the right approach, such as remaining hydrated and choosing foods carefully, people can enjoy their long-haul flights without the risk of bloating or discomfort.

1. Hydration is Key

“When we’re dehydrated, digestion is slowed and the risk of bloating increases. Therefore, drinking substantial amounts of water can make a huge difference, limiting the risk of this bloating effect. Additionally, I advise against fizzy drinks as the carbonation can increase gas buildup. Realistically, adults should be aiming for 2-2.5 litres of fluid each day, but prioritise still water before a flight.

2. Opt for Light Meals Pre-Flight

“Aside from drinking water, what we eat also plays a massive role in the risk of experiencing aeroplane bloat. Stay away from salty foods and anything hard to digest, including beans, cabbage, dairy products or fatty foods. Instead, lighter foods such as rice and lean proteins such as poultry or fish are generally better options as they’re easier to digest and manage.

3. Try and Move Each Hour

“While it can be tricky to incorporate movement into your flight, a walk to the toilet and back every hour or two can reduce the risk of aeroplane bloat. By moving, we’re aiding our digestive system, allowing it to work more efficiently. This actively reduces the risk of bloating.

4. Consider Probiotics or Over-the-Counter Medication

“For people with a long history of gut health issues, probiotics or other over-the-counter treatments can prove incredibly effective at targeting and reducing bloating or discomfort. Medications such as FyboCalm Wind & Bloating Relief are available without a prescription, providing relief of bloating, wind and abdominal pain in as little as two hours.

“Overall, with the holiday season underway, it’s important to be aware of aeroplane bloat and the factors that can increase the risks. However, by drinking enough still water, avoiding any trigger foods and packing emergency over-the-counter medication, I believe people can dramatically reduce the risk of experiencing this strange phenomenon.”