Crafting the Perfect Cheese Board: Tips from East Side Cheese

Angie and Jeff DiMeo, owners of East Side Cheese

Jeff DiMeo, a Rhode Island native from Providence and Smithfield, discovered his love for cheese at 19, working behind the counter at Bread & Circus. Over the years, he developed a deep expertise in the Specialty Food Industry, from his role as Northeast Regional Specialty Coordinator for Whole Foods Market to cheesemaking and importing. 

Angie DiMeo, originally from Michigan, built her career in Chicago, working in marketing for national brands like Dyson and Brach’s. Fate brought them together, and in 2019, they settled in Providence. After years of searching, they found the perfect spot in Wayland Square, where they opened East Side Cheese & Provisions in 2023, blending their talents and passion for cheese. 

Building a cheese board can seem intimidating, but it can be a joyful and creative experience! By choosing a few great cheeses and some simple accompaniments, you can craft a board that’s both delicious and visually appealing. Angie shares some of her top tips for crafting the perfect board:

1. Understand the Terminology
   When you think of an appetizer spread, you might use the terms “cheese board” and “charcuterie board” interchangeably, but they’re distinct. While a “cheese board” puts the spotlight on cheeses, a ‘charcuterie board’ means cured meats. Both are delicious, but they are two different things! 

2. Allow Cheese to Breathe
   The way cheese tastes and smells is affected by temperature, so take it out of the fridge at least an hour before serving. This “breathing time” allows flavors to mature and aromas to bloom, resulting in a richer experience for the palate. Angie says cheese served too cold misses out on its full character, while room temperature cheese becomes the star it’s meant to be.

3. Choose Your Cheeses Wisely
   Selecting a mix of cheese textures and flavors is essential. For a balanced board, Angie suggests combining two hard cheeses, a soft cheese, and a blue cheese. Themed boards are another fun way to go, such as a mix of aged versus young cheeses or a progression from mild to bold. The key is harmony—each cheese should offer something unique to the experience.

4. Serving Size
   When it comes to serving size, aim for about one ounce per person, especially if you’re offering three to six types of cheese. Too much cheese can overwhelm guests, while too little leaves them wanting more. Angie finds that sticking to this portion rule ensures guests enjoy each variety.

5. Taste Order Matters
   Tasting cheeses in the right order can make or break a cheese board experience. Start with mild flavors, like cheddar or brie, and progress to stronger, more intense cheeses, like blue cheese. This gentle progression prevents palate fatigue and allows guests to appreciate each cheese on its own terms.

6. Avoid Pre-Cutting
   Resist the urge to cut cheese into bite-sized portions too early. Whole pieces of cheese stay fresher longer, and cutting them just before serving enhances both flavor and presentation. Guests can enjoy each slice at its peak when they cut pieces themselves.

7. Use Separate Knives
   Prevent flavors from mixing by using separate knives for each cheese. This small step ensures that each cheese’s unique flavor remains pure, allowing guests to fully experience each one without unintended mingling.

8. Wrap for Freshness
   Proper storage makes a huge difference in cheese quality. Store cheese in special cheese paper, like that from Formaticum, which mimics the ideal cave-like environment. Avoid plastic wrap, which can trap moisture and affect flavor. Proper wrapping helps cheese retain its freshness longer.

9. Seasonal Selections
   Incorporate seasonal varieties for a board that feels right for the time of year. For fall, Angie recommends alpine cheeses like Comté or Gruyère, which have comforting, nutty flavors. 

10. Final Touches
    A cheese board becomes complete when you add complementary items, like olives, fruits, and crackers. Mixing sweet and savory elements enhances the overall experience, ensuring every bite is a journey through diverse flavors and textures.

11. Ask for Help
    Don’t be afraid to ask your local cheesemonger for recommendations. Engaging with experts like Angie and Jeff not only ensures you’re getting the best options but makes the process fun and educational.

With these tips, you're ready to impress with a cheese board that reflects both taste and creativity, guaranteed to delight your guests.

East Side Cheese is open 10-6pm Mon-Sat and 11-4pm on Sunday throughout the holiday season. Stop by their store, located at 17 S. Angell Street in Providence, to find your new favorite cheese!