On Board for Upscale Picnics

What could be more appealing for an easy pickup supper or an upscale picnic than a spread of charcuterie and cheeses, unusual condiments and a glass of wine? Those were the thoughts of Elyse Pare and her partner Geza Tanner when they opened Graze on Main last Thanksgiving. The two met on a Long Island wine-tasting trip several years ago—over a charcuterie board, as it were. Geza had trained and worked in European food and wine establishments; he is originally from Hungary.

With connections to his homeland still strong, Geza features a Hungarian roasted eggplant and red pepper spread and a smoked kolbasz sausage, with other European imports. Elyse waxes enthusiastic about a vegan fig salami from Greece, as the centerpiece for a vegan board. Though many of the charcuterie boards have a fixed array of goodies, including nuts, olives and jams, customers can “build their own,” including one with no meats on it. “Our intent was to create an edible conversation piece,” Elyse explains. “Conversation flows naturally when people are sampling and enjoying all there is on a beautiful board.”

Pre-order boards for garden seating on weekends; pick up pre-orders to take home on weekdays and weekends. Wine available. (Look for the entrance plus parking tucked around the back.) 58 Main St., East Greenwich. 401.601.7369; GrazeOnMainEG.com