I think that depends on how you define extravagance. Actual quality aged parmesan-reggiano imported from Italy is of similar cost to filet mignon by weight at

I think that depends on how you define extravagance. Actual quality aged parmesan-reggiano imported from Italy is of similar cost to filet mignon by weight at the stores I frequent. Growing up in an Italian household, I often got in trouble for sneaking chunks off the expensive cheese to be eaten without grating. It was reserved exclusively for grating, or served sliced thinly on special occasions.