Coastal Boards and Bites offer up a new twist on charcuterie with a mixture of meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

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NANAIMO — Don’t call this charcuterie…this is art.

Newly launched Coastal Boards and Bites are looking to change what people think of when they think of charcuterie, using fresh and local ingredients to put a new spin on traditional cured meat and cheese platters.

“Charcuterie is basically meat, pork products,” owner Nicole Paradis said. “It’s cured meats and very strong cheese. Then you have it with pickles, sauces, jams and jellies but you don’t have fruits and vegetables involved, you don’t have cold cuts like hams and turkey.

The addition of fresh fruit and vegetables is what Paradis believes sets her apart, along with her mantra that all food should be beautiful and artistic.

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Originally creating boards and party spreads for friends and family, Paradis was eventually convinced to go into business. An exhaustive application and approval process through Island Health saw her finally make her official launch at the start of February.

Her first round of boards ahead of Valentine’s Day sold out in 20 minutes.

Each offering is unique and customized by the person ordering it. Various sizes and items help create a different result every time.

“When I build I board, I get a message on the size they would like, any dietary restrictions or preferences so I tailor it to somebody’s likes and dislikes. Each board is different, my flair of the day but I can make it however they would like.”

One item is consistent on just about every board, provided the customer preference allows for it.

“My signature is my criss-cross artisan breadsticks. I feel it’s the icing on the cake, or my flowers that are food. Any type of food I can turn into a flower, whether it be meat, cheese, vegetables or fruit I make everything into flowers.”

Another key focus for Paradis is sourcing locally. While a handful of select ingredients are brought in from other areas, she makes every effort to source a particular item from the surrounding area.

Meats and cheeses from Nesvogs anchor her creations, as do small jars of honey from Yellowpoints’ Fredrich’s Honey.

“I cannot wait for summer because everything on my board will be local. The problem with this time of year is it’s harder to get strawberries, grapes but it’s coming.”

Paradis added she recently sealed an agreement for small jams and jellies with a company called Sunset On Salt Spring Island.

What Paradis offers is constantly changing depending on available ingredients and customer feedback.

Active on social media, she heard loud and clear people wanted more spice.

“Everyone wanted spicy jellies so I gave them spice. I’ve been adding really spicy sausage and I’ve been getting excellent feedback.”

Her creations are typically delivered in modern-styled boxes, however she offers boards for rent or purchase to help make that extra special visual impact.

More information on Coastal Boards and Bites is available through their Facebook page.

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