Entertaining Dilemmas Cured by Bellina Alimentari Charcuterie and Cheese Boards

Fan an expertly curated array of artisanal cured meats and local and imported cheeses across a rustic wooden board and invite guests to partake of "la vita è bontà" (food as a way of life), the mouthwatering mantra of Tal Baum, owner of Bellina Alimentari at Ponce City Market. “The rich play of flavors, textures and colors makes a cheese and charcuterie board ideal for holiday entertaining,” Baum says. Bellina’s well-trained staff can help build a board of dry cured meats like prosciutto and soppressata or artisanal cured meats specially created for Bellina by Atlanta’s own Spotted Trotter. Incorporate soft and hard cheeses such as Sweet Grass Dairy’s Asher Blue (from Thomasville, Georgia), Conley’s Decimal Place crumbly feta or the Parmigiano-Reggiano Baum imports directly from small producers in Italy. Surround the spread with homemade Italian antipasti, freshly baked bread, Italian specialty crackers, house-marinated Mediterranean olives, seasonal pestos, Italian specialty spreads and organic jams and honeys -- all abundant options in Bellina’s Market. Former architect Baum, a stickler for details, has connected with local carpenter Koby Downs to create a line of sustainable wooden boards. Handcrafted bowls and ramekins for dips and antipasti render the smorgasbord complete.