If you are looking for more options other than the ‘corporate cheese counter’ at your local grocer, I have the place for you. The Rustic Board in Ajax Ontario, has brought artisanal cheeses plus many other products to Durham region. This specialty shop is beyond doubt one of my favourite shopping destinations. I have to confess that following wine my next favourite indulgence is cheese. And who would have thought they go together so well?
Nicole opened the Rustic Board in 2023. Abandonning her corporate medical job to fulfill a life-long dream of owning a specialty food emporium, the result speaks volumes. If you live in the east end of the GTA no longer do you have to trek to downtown Toronto for interesting cheese. The Rustic Board offers imported and domestic cheeses, charcuteries; premium fine foods and pantry items. There’s a curated bites bar where you can create your own box; as well a sommelier selection of curated wines including a few non-alcoholic choices. The service includes selections for you to take home, cheese and charcuterie platters made to your specific needs, as well assistance for special events.
Over one-hundred and fifty cheeses from countries such as France, Spain, Italy, Holland, Norway, Greece, and Switzerland are available, and if you desire domestic, there are cheeses from Ontario, Quebec, P.E.I., as well as a seasonal Chevre from Salt Lake Island in B.C. The charcuterie focuses on European selections featuring top-quality hams, paté, and other assorted meats, my favourite of which is a top-notch Iberico ham from Spain. The meat section also features artisanal offerings from Quebec and Whitby, Ontario. Rustic Board has also partnered with a local bee keeper offering hyper-local honey.
It is always a truly enhanced “foodie” experience to find staff well-versed in cheese. For my tastes finding the right cheese is as important as finding the right wine. If you have been following my articles in Grapevine you will know I live for wine.
There is a small cheese maker in Woodstock Ontario called Five Brothers (Gunn’s Hill). Nicole introduced me to this cheese well over a year ago because every Christmas season she brings in Five Brothers Reserve. This hard cheese offers a delicious “nutty” element with a nice long finish perfectly suited to any wine style. Thank you Nicole!
Nicole and her staff are delighted to share their immense knowledge cheese. I am informed the Five Brothers Reserve cheese is a hand-crafted cow’s milk cheese, aged for eighteen months on pine wood planks. All the milk used in this cheese is from their own dairy farm. Nicole’s staff would tell you this is a creamy intense cheese that resembles the combined traits of Gouda and Appenzeller. If so desired, they can also advise you of the characteristics of these Swiss cheeses. The team at Five Brothers recommend a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc or a Pilsner with this flavour profile. I would suggest Gamay or Pinot Noir or a beautiful Rosé.
The Bite Box is an interesting way to enhance your lunch experience on-the-go or to make selections for sharing later. This will deliver the essence of the Rustic Board for an easy and quick culinary delight. Explore further options by choosing a Rustic Gift Box or the small Rustic Board. The staff will create special platters for your get ogethers, showers, weddings, or corporate events. Various jellies, sweet, savoury, or spicy,
are also available to support the cheese and meat platters.
There is a wide variety of pantry items suited to any occasion. These can make perfect gifts for your culinary friends.
The Rustic Board is tucked away in a small plaza, on highway #2, in Ajax. Every trip enhances my culinary experience. I always come away with selections of cheeses, new culinary experiences to bring home, as well as, totally enjoying the ambiance and the shopping experience.
