The Perfect Cheese Board Does Exist
It seems like cheese boards are everywhere these days. You will see them popping up on menus in restaurants all over the Willamette Valley, and they appear on social media because they are definitely pretty to look at. In addition to their good looks, cheese boards provide a delicious snack that pairs perfectly with your beverage of choice. They also make excellent shareable appetizers before a big meal. So, have you ever had a cheese board before? If not, here are some basics on the ins and outs of cheese boards and why you should order one the next time you come to dine with us at Trellis.
Cheese Boards vs. Charcuterie Boards – What’s the Difference?
If you are looking to add some meats like prosciutto, salami, or speck to your cheese board, you are technically eating a charcuterie board. Charcuterie is a French word that refers to preparing meat products, so you can see why a cheese board is not the same thing! At Trellis, our menu is always changing, but we typically offer cheese boards without the charcuterie. Our cheese boards come with plenty of add ons like fruit paste, nuts, and bread so we can assure you that they will satisfy your appetite.
Elements of a Winning Cheese Board
When preparing the perfect cheese board, there are several things to take into consideration. Because the consumer can choose how they want to eat its components, we work hard to make sure that all the flavors complement one another. For starters, you will want to select a minimum of three kinds of cheese. One hard (like a manchego), one soft (like a brie), and one wildcard (infused cheddar, parmesan, gouda, etc). Now, to really make the cheese flavors pop, be sure to add in some sweet and savory items. These can be dried fruits, fruit paste, nuts, honey, cornichons… the possibilities are endless. Finally, add some crackers or our personal favorite, focaccia, to seal the deal for the best cheese board ever.
When to Order a Cheese Board
Another thing to love about cheese boards is that they can be ordered for any meal of the day. It’s not even unheard of to eat a cheese board for breakfast! However, brunch, lunch, or dinner are all appropriate times to enjoy a delicious board of cheese. They make the perfect lunch or brunch by themselves or serve as an appetizer before a larger meal. And, they get even better! If you decide to use Trellis for a catered event, we can make the perfect cheese board or charcuterie board for an event at any time of the day.
Cheese and Wine
Now that we’ve convinced you to order a cheese board the next time you dine with us, be sure to ask your server which wines go best with our ever-rotating selection of cheeses. If you’ve ever attended a cheese and wine pairing, you understand how each element can really bring out the flavors in one another. This is another reason why cheese boards are so fun – their flavors can change depending on which beverages you consume.
Now that you are more informed on the art of cheese boards and why they are the perfect menu item, come try ours! Or, if you’ve already had the cheese board at Trellis, our options are always changing so head on back to see what new flavors we’ve added to this perfect menu item.