Where do you find inspiration?
We use seasonal colors, fruits, and ingredients that reflect the ambiance and vibe of the season. We might find a really fun fruit-filled goat cheese that has a beautiful color and then go with that color palette when building around it. We aim to keep the boards simple, but pleasing to the eye without too many contrasting ingredients or colors. The holidays bring extra inspiration and are our favorite time to design boards because there are more options and we can let our creativity flow!
What is on your ideal charcuterie board?
We love cheese! So our ideal board would definitely be filled to the brim with all types of cheeses, spreads, carbs and jam and honey. You can't go wrong with those ingredients!
What are your top 3 favorite cheeses?
A good hard cheddar, crumbled; brie because it's so versatile; and then either an herbed goat cheese or a blueberry-vanilla chevre.
Most unique item you've used on a charcuterie board?
We did a hamburger topping board for a customer, so you can imagine those are not our normal ingredients.
What’s a misconception people have about creating the perfect charcuterie board?
There isn't one right way to do it. Just buy ingredients that you like, make sure you have a little bit of everything and just go for it. Have fun with it and get creative-there is no perfect way!
What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own food-based business?
Just do it! If you think about it too much you won't do it because it can feel overwhelming at the beginning. But if you have the passion you will make it happen. All the other licences, paperwork and nuances will fall into place. You will never have it all figured out before starting – we are still learning new things every day!
How did you come up with the idea for Grazie?
We always thought having a food truck or mobile cart would be a great idea for weddings and/or other events. We found an older trailer online at a great price and went for it. Luckily, we are friends with the talented Justine Marchion who transformed our trailer into Grazie. She made our dreams come true.
Music or podcast you're listening to?
Well we start Christmas early in the kitchen, so it's Christmas music right now for sure!
What's a cause that's important to you?
Since we have been open we have been able to donate and give back to a lot of local causes, including many schools and sports organizations, 1,000 in Action, the Humane Society, Scottish Rite, local museums, hospitals and businesses. We also host a fundraiser every year on 3.21 to raise awareness about Down Syndrome.
As you plan for your holiday gatherings, turn to Melissa and Carie for their pro tips on how to create a stunning and delicious charcuterie board. Read now!
