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Cleveland's Local Shops Elevate Holiday Charcuterie with Seasonal Pairings

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 11:38 GMT by Cleveland.com

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Elevate Your Holiday Charcuterie: How Cleveland’s Local Shops Are Crafting Unique Seasonal Pairings

The holiday season in Cleveland is turning into a gastronomic celebration of its own, thanks to a host of local shops that are reimagining the classic charcuterie board. The article “Elevate Your Holiday Charcuterie – Local Shops Offer Unique Pairings” on The Plain Dealer (via Cleveland.com Entertainment) spotlights a handful of neighborhood meat purveyors, cheese artisans, and pantry specialists who are combining the best of seasonal produce, handcrafted condiments, and thoughtfully selected pairings to help home cooks and gift‑givers craft unforgettable holiday spreads.

1. The Rising Trend of Regional Charcuterie

While charcuterie has long been associated with French culinary traditions, the article notes how the trend has been “rooted in community, seasonality, and local pride” here in Cleveland. During the winter months, many specialty shops are curating boards that not only showcase their own products but also reflect the city’s vibrant food culture. “We’re no longer just putting out a pile of meats,” says one shop owner, “we’re telling a story through the flavors, the textures, the colors, and the pairings.”

The article weaves in interviews with several shop proprietors, each offering a distinctive take on what makes a holiday charcuterie board feel both luxurious and accessible. They discuss everything from selecting the right cuts of meat to the importance of pairing with local cheeses, breads, and accompaniments.

2. Featured Local Shops and Their Signature Pairings

St. Louis Delicatessen & Market

A Cleveland staple for over 30 years, St. Louis Delicatessen’s holiday boards feature a robust array of cured meats—think thinly sliced prosciutto, smoked beef, and a house-made bresaola—paired with artisanal cheeses such as aged cheddar and a local blue‑cheese blend. The deli also offers a line of “Holiday Spreads,” featuring cranberry‑infused mustard and a winter fruit compote made from locally sourced apples and pears. These condiments are suggested to be served alongside a glass of spiced red wine or a seasonal craft beer from the nearby Lakewood Brewery.

Cuyahoga Valley Cheese Co.

This small‑batch cheese producer takes a more focused approach. Their holiday boards center around a rotating trio of cheeses—such as a creamy goat cheese with rosemary, a nutty gouda, and a sharp smoked cheddar—each paired with complementary cured meats from regional farms. A notable highlight is the “Maple‑Honey Gouda,” which the shop says pairs exceptionally well with a tangy apple butter and fresh, crusty rye bread.

Lakeside Craft Bakery & Food Hall

Although not a deli, Lakeside Craft Bakery offers a range of specialty breads, crackers, and pastries that are integral to any holiday charcuterie spread. Their “Seasonal Sourdough” loaf is especially popular, with a crusty, chewy texture that balances the richer flavors of cured meats. The bakery also sells “Holiday Honey Loops”—small, caramelized honey‑drizzled rolls—that are perfect for adding a touch of sweetness.

Cedar Grove Farmers’ Market Vendor: “Seasonal Spices & Sweet Things”

A vendor at the popular Cedar Grove Farmers’ Market, the shop’s owner specializes in unique spice blends and sweet treats. Their signature “Holiday Spice Mix” is a blend of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and star anise, which they recommend sprinkling over roasted nuts or pairing with a spicy pepper‑chili pork jerky. They also sell “Winter Fig Jam” and “Pomegranate Molasses,” which are suggested for use as both a sweet counterpoint to savory meats and a glaze for marinated cheeses.

3. Tips From the Experts

The article includes practical advice from the shop owners on how to build a board that feels cohesive yet surprising. Key takeaways include:

1. Seasonal Focus – Incorporate at least one ingredient that reflects the winter harvest, such as cranberry, apple, or orange.
2. Texture Contrast – Pair crisp crackers with soft cheese, chewy nuts with crisp cured meats.
3. Color Balance – Use a mix of reds (meat), yellows (cheese), and greens (pickled veggies) to create a visually appealing board.
4. Local Pairings – Match meats with cheeses from the same regional farms to create a “taste of Cleveland” experience.
5. Be Bold With Condiments – A jar of spiced mustard, a spoonful of hot honey, or a drizzle of balsamic reduction can elevate simple ingredients into holiday‑ready indulgences.

4. The Community Connection

The piece also highlights how these shops are playing an active role in the Cleveland food community. Many are hosting “charcuterie masterclasses” at their storefronts, teaching participants how to assemble their own boards using seasonal ingredients. Additionally, a few of the vendors are donating portions of their holiday boards to local shelters and soup kitchens, reinforcing the spirit of giving that characterizes the season.

The article quotes a few local food bloggers who have tried the curated boards, noting that “the combination of locally sourced ingredients and thoughtful pairings creates a depth of flavor you rarely get from pre‑assembled store‑bought sets.” They also emphasize that the boards’ aesthetic—carefully arranged in glass trays and served with decorative forks—makes them ideal for both entertaining guests and gifting.

5. How to Get Started

For readers eager to experiment with their own holiday charcuterie, the article concludes with a simple “starter kit” suggestion:

• Meat Selection: 4–5 ounces each of prosciutto, smoked beef, and a spicy pepper jerky.
• Cheese Variety: A wheel of aged cheddar, a block of goat cheese with rosemary, and a small slab of smoked gouda.
• Bread & Crackers: Sourdough rolls, rosemary crackers, and a bag of olive‑oil‑drizzled sea‑salted crackers.
• Condiments: Cranberry mustard, maple‑honey glaze, and a jar of homemade pickled onions.
• Extras: A handful of seasonal nuts, a small cup of pomegranate molasses, and a pinch of holiday spice mix.

The article encourages readers to shop local, explore the offerings at the listed shops, and to bring a touch of Cleveland’s culinary spirit to their holiday gatherings.

In a nutshell

The Cleveland.com article paints a vivid picture of how local shops across the city are reimagining holiday charcuterie, turning it into an experience that celebrates local ingredients, seasonal flavors, and community spirit. By blending carefully selected meats, cheeses, breads, and inventive condiments, these vendors provide not just a spread but a narrative of the region’s culinary heritage—a story that’s sure to delight anyone looking to elevate their holiday table.