Afrim Pristine holding a wedge of cheese with multiple cheese cuts and wedges sitting on a wooden table in front of him.

Boards: One of the best ways to savour Ontario

Charcuterie boards have graced fine tables for centuries. Quite literally, the French word ‘charcuterie’ was originally ascribed to shops that sold cured pork products. The modern board is evolved from a plank heaped high with fine cheeses and meats to an artistic exercise in pairing and curation, limited only by imagination. There are no rules.

Boards can be crafted for any meal occasion, from breakfast to dessert.The objective is to create new taste experiences, contrasting unique flavours, textures and tones to draw guests into an experience. No longer merely an appetizer or party food, boards are being used as a deconstructed way of serving a main course reminiscent of family-style dinners, as experiential dessert tasting buffets and as gorgeous, regionalized works of art delivering a true taste of place and season.

A lot of people don’t realize the exceptional quality and variety of the cheese produced right here in Ontario. It’s not just Cheddar anymore. We have Brie, Gouda, blue and endless well-made and farmstead cheeses that are winning global awards and recognition.

These boards were created by Afrim Pristine, Maître Fromager. “I’m really proud of these boards. They showcase the extraordinary moment we’re enjoying in Ontario cheese and agri-food.The cheeses on these boards are world class. They’re sourced from artisanal cheesemakers across the province and are perfectly paired with the beautiful products and produce that we’re so fortunate to have in our own backyard. A lot of people don’t realize the exceptional quality and variety of the cheese produced right here in Ontario. It’s not just Cheddar anymore. We have Brie, Gouda, blue and endless well-made and farmstead cheeses that are winning global awards and recognition.”

“What I love most,” says Pristine, “is the integration of small tasting dishesonto boards. These sides, sauces, dips and fermented elements bring a new level of culinary creativity to the experience. The contrasting tastes and textures bring out the best in the board feature elements –the cheeses, the meats. These small touches bring the personality of the board artist to the forefront and truly personalize the board. It’s like a biography –who you are, where you’ve been and what you love, all in a single frame. In my opinion, boards are the new love letter.”

Overhead shot of Brunch board spread.

Deconstructed Brunch Board

Serving brunch on a board allows each ingredient to shine and guests to interact with each element for a self-guided tasting experience. Big plus? Fewer dishes.

SEE MORE
Overhead shot of Harvest board spread.

Ontario Harvest Board

This classic cheese and charcuterie board is a beautiful way to contrast some of Ontario’s finest local cheeses with flavourful ingredients and micro dishes that bring out the best of Ontario’s harvest.

SEE MORE
Overhead shot of Dessert board spread.

Paired Dessert Board

Impress your guests with Ontario Cheese Ambassador and Maître Fromager Afrim Pristine’s unique dessert pairings featuring some of Ontario’s most exquisite cheeses.

SEE MORE

More from Afrim

The 3rd° with Afrim Pristine

Taste Ontario
author icon Savour Ontario Kitchen
Dec 10
Overhead head of round loaf of bread cubed with melted cheese.

Embrace the Stinky Bread

Recipes
Quick & Easy
 Clock Icon 30 min
Overhead shot of Burrata salad on oval plate with two forks on top of blue and white tea towel.

Ontario Burrata Salad

Recipes
Quick & Easy
 Clock Icon 3 min

See More...