Family-Owned Plymouth Café Brings Charcuterie to the Community
Photographer / Jubilee Edgell
Charcuterie. When hearing or even saying the word, perhaps visions of sipping a fine Bordeaux and chasing romance through the streets of Paris along the Seine are conjured up in one’s mind. For others, perhaps a simpler vision — such as, to borrow a line from a popular movie, “drinking wine, eating cheese and catching some rays.”
Whichever version you imagine, the charcuterie board, tray or table has become a popular way of serving an appetizer or even a complete meal. When the need arises—whether just for yourself or for that special event you’ve been planning — look no further than Gather 2 Graze in Plymouth to fulfill your charcuterie needs.
The etymology of the word charcuterie dates back to 15th century France, literally meaning “cooked flesh.” Leaving nothing to go to waste during difficult times, people used every portion of meat available to them, and to help preserve it, the meat was often cured. Sausages, salamis and prosciuttos are examples of such cured meats. To soften the medieval harshness of the literal translation, charcuterie now simply refers to cured meat.
Gather 2 Graze is family-owned by mother-and-daughter duo Sara and Hannah Mathews, along with Sara’s brother, French-trained chef Matt Kolacz.
“Sitting around the kitchen table breaking bread and playing board games with family is kind of how the concept developed into an eventual reality,” Sara says.
What started at home, then moved to a commercial kitchen, and now into a downtown Plymouth storefront demonstrates their devotion to both their business and their craft. This past August, that concept officially became reality.
In addition to an assortment of meats, charcuterie boards often include varieties of accompaniments. Cheeses, fruits, vegetables and nuts are just a few items that can be found gracing a typical board. To guarantee the finest selection and quality, Gather 2 Graze has partnered with trusted suppliers and vendors. The freshest produce, the finest cheeses and the highest quality meats are sourced through distributors both locally and nationally.
Special requests for particular cheeses or meats can often be fulfilled. Gluten-free options are also available when needed.
A charcuterie board wouldn’t be complete without jams, spreads or mustards providing both sweet and savory flavors. Local artisans supply many of the jellies, jams and mustards used to create the colorful and tasty boards crafted by Gather 2 Graze.
Boards can be made to serve from three to five people or as many as 35 to 40. For larger crowds, grazing tables can accommodate up to 200 individuals. Presented with meats, cheeses, vegetables, pickles, olives, nuts, spreads, jams and mustards in bite-sized portions, the grazing table is a perfect way to showcase your shower, wedding or other special event. Themed and customized charcuteries can also be designed—think Easter, the Super Bowl, ethnic spreads or even a s’mores-themed board.
The café itself provides appetizers and salads, as well as a variety of hot and cold sandwiches. On Saturdays, brunch is offered with menu items hot off the griddle. The Grab-and-Go case features individual boxes as well as fruit and yogurt. Gourmet items such as jams, cheeses and meats are also available for purchase.
Looking to the future, Gather 2 Graze sees expansion on the horizon. With the space already secured, the seating area will be enlarged, and a liquor license will allow them to serve alcoholic beverages. Handcrafted charcuterie boards provided through consignment will also be available. In addition, charcuterie classes will be hosted monthly, with reservations available in advance.
From individual boxed lunches or gourmet sandwich trays for business luncheons, to a charcuterie board for dinner tonight or a grazing table for a graduation or wedding — whatever your need — if you desire freshness and quality, look no further than Gather 2 Graze.
Gather 2 Graze is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and brunch is served on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the grill closing at noon. They are closed Sunday and Monday.
Located at 203 N. Michigan St. in downtown Plymouth, they can be reached at 574-540-2139, online at gather2grazecharcuterie.com, by email at gather2grazecharcuterie@gmail.com, or on Facebook at Gather 2 Graze Charcuterie, LLC.
