Today I’m putting the focus on my new favorite activity: eating cheese-centric platters or boards. Even though I have always considered myself pro-cheese and wine, I have only recently discovered the sheer pleasure and possibility of a cheese board. We are lucky enough to have a wine and cheese bar right down the street along with another restaurant that has killer charcuterie options. So, for our anniversary this March, my husband, Chris, and I decided to go to Bouquet, one of the places down the street. I was craving small plates, so we decided to go for their largest charcuterie board, The Motherboard, and have a couple appetizers with wine. Damn, you guys. This meal has basically ruined me for all other meals! I couldn’t put my finger on it, but something happened during that meal. A spiritual experience, perhaps? I felt present and we took the meal slow. Like way slow. The board was filled with artisanal meats and cheeses (both local and international), and things like apple butter, pistachio relish, pickled eggs and crostinis. As we sampled bit by bit, I sipped my wine and didn’t get uncomfortably full like I sometimes tend to do. To my delight and surprise, I felt satiated the entire time and didn’t indulge too heavily in any one item so I could savor everything and still properly share with my husband. We talked about how the foods landed with each of us as we tried each part together. We laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. Our food wasn’t something that separated us for moments at a time as we enjoyed individual dishes, but rather it facilitated a level of conviviality we rarely embrace when we go out on the town. Boards also have this uncanny ability to make me feel exponentially more elegant and sophisticated than I actually am. Pinky's up!
I came to the conclusion that the concept of a cheese board or tasting board of any kind is ideal for mindful eating. While trying any new dish or restaurant can ultimately have this effect anyway, the very nature of the cheese board just forces you to slow things down and consider what you’re eating and reflect on flavor. It’s my favorite thing for date nights nowadays because the board is an experience we can share together. It encourages conversation and creates a shared memory. Bonus if the atmosphere of the restaurant or wine bar happens to be dimly lit and opulent, but you can totally recreate the idea at home. Feature one at a dinner party with close friends, DIY your own for a date night or simply make your own small plate for a picnic or treat-yo'self sort of lunch. The possibilities are endless and I would love to write a post about making your own in the future.
I’ve filed cheese boards under instant happiness. They’re revolutionary for me because they underline and represent only the best things about food, effectively bringing me back to what’s real when I have the tendency to go ham on some pasta and breadsticks at the Olive Garden. It may not change your life but it could transform your nights out and that’s a win in my book. Do you want to feel present, mindful, excited, interested and fun all at once? Do you want to feel this way about food?! I know you do, so sample some damn cheese already and let me know how it makes you feel. I could be alone here, but I kind of doubt it.