The Middle-Of-Nowhere General Store With Some Of The Best Charcuterie And Cheese In South Carolina
By Carolyn Harmon|Published June 29, 2022
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Carolyn Harmon
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Under Brown Mountain Lights the Beast of Blandenboro wanders this magical land where lighthouses shine on kingdoms only accessible by ferries. A Lost Colony of legends and pirates revealed in historical sites and majestic mountains with views that make us weep. The home of handmade sculptures and scrumptious cuisine. North Carolina leaves this long-time writer and artist breathless with endless surprises, including the unlikely warmth a winter walk on the beach can bring.
If you find yourself searching for some specialty cheeses and other unique offerings in dining, groceries, and cooking supplies, if it’s not close by, The Gourmet Shop, in Columbia, South Carolina, is worth the ride. This local supplier features some of the most creatively-crafted charcuterie trays in the state. Or create your own by talking to one of the shop’s cheesemongers, offering advice on the accompaniments, wine, cookware, kitchen supplies, and everything you might need to have a successful experience and to upgrade your kitchen. Lunch and brunch are served in the cafe, and custom catering services are offered. After a wonderful meal, check out the shop for a unique wine glass or gift basket. The main ingredient making The Gourmet Shop special is a passion for cheese, which the owners say they love to share with friends and customers. Stop in and see if that passion might come alive for you.
The Gourmet Shop Cafe serves brunch and lunch seven days a week with indoor and outdoor seating.
Some of the fabulous menu items include house-made sandwiches and salads, such as roasted shrimp salad, chicken salad, and pasta salads.
Charcuterie, anyone? This interesting French word is defined as pork-butcher's shop. But here, it means a serving of cured meats, such as prosciutto, salami, pepperoni, bacon, or pancetta, paired with specialty cheeses and garnished with grapes, dried fruits, nuts, and dipping sauces.
Of course, remember to add fresh-baked breads, crostini, and crispy crackers. And worth noting: The Gourmet Shop won the Free Times Best of Columbia competition of Best Charcuterie Board three years in a row.
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As you can see, presentation is everything in a charcuterie.
Here it's gilded with a chunky wedge of Savannah Bee Company's Raw Honeycomb, also available in the Gourmet Shop. The taste is sweet with subtle hints of vanilla.
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The interesting designs are part of the fun of making these beautiful gourmet trays.
They can be made with almost anything. What are some of your favorite pairings to bring out the flavors of the meats and cheeses? Add some colorful wildflowers for a garnish.
Or just have some cheese, such as the Beaufort D'été or summer Beaufort.
Produced in the Savoie region of the French Alps by Fromager Rodolphe Le Meunier, the buttery, aromatic taste is said to be transcendent, reminding folks who have been of the white flowers and fresh milk flavors of the French mountains in summer.
And in the blue cheese department, the Gourmet Shop has it covered with more than 19 varieties of blue cheeses from all over the world.
Take a chance on a new flavor, crumble it up on a salad with some French dressing for a delightful taste sensation.
Or try this yummy Humboldt Fog from California cheesemakers Cypress Grove, of Arcata. This uncooked, pressed cheese is made from pasteurized goat's milk.⠀
Here it is accompanied by colorful pistachios and a bit of honey. What would you add to make this an exciting appetizer?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The Cabra "drunken goat" cheese from Spain already comes with wine. The cheese is soaked in red wine for 48 to 72 hours before starting the aging process.
The Gourmet Shop is awaiting your visit. Or take an order to go, and eat at the Canal and Riverfront Park in Columbia, South Carolina. And plan an evening with company, creating the best charcuterie in your neighborhood, with the best ingredients from The Gourmet Shop.
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