A charcuterie board is like a food lover’s dream canvas. It’s a spread of various cured meats, cheeses, fresh or dried fruits, nuts, and accompaniments, all artfully arranged on a serving board or platter. The idea is to create a harmonious mix of flavors, textures, and colors.  Charcuterie boards are a fantastic way to entertain guests or just treat yourself to a little bit of culinary indulgence.

Lakeside Charcuterie offers so many wonderful culinary delights and even hosts workshops!  We are so pleased to introduce you to Erica Lomonaco the owner of Lakeside Charcuterie in our Community Spotlight who currently serves the Simcoe/Muskoka area.

We love your name Lakeside Charcuterie. What is the meaning behind it?

I wasn’t sure if I wanted Charcuterie in my name because I love to create grazing tables and want to cater beyond charcuterie but it’s the heart of why I began. Since living so close to the lake, Lakeside just seemed to ring so nicely!

What made you decide to open your own business? Is this something that you have always wanted to do?

I have always wanted to work for myself and build a business, having shifted a few career paths, I found my heart was always in the kitchen and being a mom of two I wanted something flexible for our family’s schedule.

Lakeside Charcuterie offers a variety of wonderful boards. What is your favourite one to make and why?

Besides curating a grazing table, which is what most excites me because each one is unique and individually crafted for the occasion. My favourite board would be Lakeside Signature, hence the title, as I LOVE the look of a round board!

Do you have a location or are you home based? When did you open?

I am home based however I have big goals to utilize an industrial kitchen in the future. I really just began in June 2023.

If we place an order, how much notice do you need to prepare it?

For a grazing table I would like 2-3 weeks notice to be able to plan and gather. For multi board orders, 1-2 weeks and for a board 3 days minimum – preferably 1 week notice.

What do you hope your customers gain by ordering a Lakeside Charcuterie Board?

Love this question! I hope they taste something new on my boards/tables as well as simply indulging in the rich and robust flavours while enjoying the beauty of the presentation to enhance their delectable graze.

We understand that you host workshops. Can you tell us a little bit more about that.

Yes! This is still new for me and kind of nerve—racking but I want to share my passion for flavourful food and arranging it beautifully with others as well as bringing me out of my comfort zone, we can do it together while enjoying a crafty culinary experience.

If you were to name one thing you love the most about the community, what would it be?

I have only moved to the area 3 years ago so I feel there is so much I still have to explore. However I feel the community is very welcoming and we seem to all share the love for the lakes and easy going lifestyle Simcoe offers.

If you had any words of encouragement or advice for anyone thinking about opening their own business, what would they be?

I know this might sound cliche but follow your heart. Your passion will be your biggest driver to learn along the way! Surround yourself with other entrepreneurs and get connected with the community!

We encourage you to follow Lakeside Charcuterie at Lakeside Charcuterie as well as on instagram at  Lakeside Charcuterie.  To get in touch with Erica please feel reach out to her by email at: lakeside.charcuterieerica@gmail.com.