To me, meat and cheese plates are an acceptable lunch, snack, or let’s face it – sometimes my entire dinner. Maybe this is why I need to go to Europe? Charcuterie is a great shareable with friends, and pairs perfectly with beer, wine, and spirits, so what’s not to love? I can’t resist sampling all the different spreads and breads that accompany a good charcuterie plate either, so it really is a dream meal for me. Fortunately, Columbus restaurants are stepping up the game and offering some tempting selections. Here are a few of my favorite local platters:
Rockmill Tavern
In addition to having incredible beer and a craveable burger, the charcuterie at Rockmill Tavern is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The pickled veggies are tangy and delightful, and the portion is generous. Frequently, this dish features dark chocolate, which it turns out, is a wonderful compliment to the savory items on the board.
Click here to read my full post on Rockmill Tavern.
The Table
https://www.thetablecolumbus.com/
Dabs of jam, in-house cured meats, and plenty of treats for all on this cheese board! I love that you can scale the size of this charcuterie plate for one, for two, or family-style (four meats, three cheeses, and plenty of accoutrements). Plus, the offerings on this dish change all the time, so even on a return visit there will be different seasonal ingredients.
Barcelona
http://www.barcelonacolumbus.com/
For a Spanish slant on charcuterie, head to Barcelona in German Village. The tapas restaurant lets you build your own ideal appetizer, selecting from a number of unique meats and cheeses in any combination you prefer. Think Serrano ham with grilled flatbread, buttery cheese served alongside sweet quince paste, and pork with pepper relish. Add some Marcona almonds and mixed olives and you’ve got yourself a meal.
The Market
The Market is guaranteed to impress with its colorful and composed platters; the wonderful components often change on the chef’s whim. Wednesdays are wine flight and charcuterie night, and you wouldn’t want to miss that would you? Bonus: if you’re hungry for more cheese after the charcuterie course or are a vegetarian, order up the Le Délice De Bourgogne dish too – it’s essentially fancy waffle fries that come come drizzled with honey and a wedge of cheese to spread on them.
Click here to read my full post on The Market.
Fado Pub & Kitchen
https://www.fadopubandkitchen.com/
This new locale at the Bridge Park area in Dublin has a surprise twist on the charcuterie plate: garlic cheesecake. It sounds crazy, but is more of a spreadable, creamy delight perfect for slathering on baguette slices than it is a dessert. The smoked cheddar, sausage slices, and pickled veggies were all tasty too.
I like to take charcuterie platters on the go as well, for picnics or outings to breweries that don’t serve food. Katzinger’s Deli and Black Radish Creamery in the North Market will help you create a great plate for carryout, or pick up North Country Charcuterie and locally made cheese at a farmers market and you’re set.
Have another Cbus spot where you love to enjoy charcuterie plates? Let me know in the comments below!
Keep Connected,
Caroline