Take a Bite with The Grazing Place

Mother of two children, wife, and business owner with a chemical engineering degree, Monica Vuchkova is the quintessential new modern woman. Based in Santa Barbara, and thanks to her childhood in Bulgaria, food heritage, lifestyle, and her love of people, she started her company The Grazing Place in 2021. She creates exquisite gourmet boards for any type of social event, like weddings, corporate seminars, birthdays, baby showers, open house events, and more. In fact, any type of moment that calls for a celebration from two to 500 people.

So let’s dig in to the main subject now – starting with these delicious gourmet cheeses and charcuterie platters. Words simply cannot fully describe the vibrant vitality and beauty that Vuchkova creates with her grazing tables, and as she declares: “I have an artistic soul… and I wanted to express that through creating food.”

First, what appears to the eye is this harmonious rainbow-like dance of colors, and a sumptuous array of products displayed on the table. Not only is it appealing to the eyes, but it’s also a temptation to one’s appetite. It is a living painting with multidimensional movements and an abundance of flavors and aroma to entice the palate. The layout of the table is very important to Vuchkova. “I like to work with colors, different shapes, and textures,” she says, and every single board is made right before delivery. From Santa Barbara to Santa Ynez, and Montecito to Goleta, the product she displays is always fresh and in its finest condition.

But where does Vuchkova get her products? In the heart of our town of course, especially from the farmers market where she is pleased to always find produce that is organically grown and local. She also works with local wineries and is always on the lookout to find new products in local stores (i.e. Biddy Sticks, Oat Bakery, etc.) that catch her eye and would delight her clientele’s senses. Since she works with fresh food, she can offer various gourmet boards for different holidays and seasonal events like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, summer festivals, etc. And thus, being able to rotate domestic and international types of seasonal cheeses like Spain’s Manchego, France’s Le Petit Basque, or the Dutch sliced gouda, and charcuteries like prosciutto and salami as a few examples.

Vuchkova explains that she incorporates on her board different types of breads, delicious Guava corn crackers, and then garnishes the platter with fresh herbs like mint, basil, and some edible flowers that are food safe like the Marigold. Add a touch of dried fruits here and there like passion fruit and apricots – which then brings about a marvelous balance to a bit of cheese and charcuterie – and it is now ready for tasting. Vuchkova expresses, “The point of a grazing table is a conversation piece,” as everyone tasting the platter will be delighted by the food and create fond memories around a table made with such fervor and joie de vivre!

She also mentions, “Eighty to ninety percent of my clientele are regular clients, and I’m receiving more and more demands that I’m delighted to fulfill. And forty percent of my clients not only want customized gourmet boards, but also request vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free boards as well.”

While her business expands with more success, Vuchkova doesn’t forget what’s also equally important to her. “One of the most significant aspects of my work for me is being part of the community, connecting with it, establishing great relationships, appreciating the support of locals, and then giving back to them.” Indeed, Vuchkova is becoming a philanthropist of her own. “It is a little gift, but it certainly helps,” and she does so by donating her products and gift certificates back to the community through her business to galas, fundraising events, various organizations, and schools like Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Bishop Diego, the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, etc.

With the support and help of her husband from the beginning, Vuchkova has discovered new ideas and long-term goals that she would like to achieve. She’s considering creating in the near future a boutique to display her boards, sell local wines, and create workshops to help others understand the art of customizing gourmet tasting boards for friends and family.

And not only is she managing The Grazing Place, Vuchkova has also started another business called The Picnic Place, where she provides all the necessary items from food to furniture to create a romantic and beautiful atmosphere at parks, beaches, homes, etc. for proposals, birthdays, or any other type of celebration.

Vuchkova also understands that not only is the structure and integrity of her company vital, but being a loving mother is equally as important as well, she explains, “I have been really thinking of hiring moms who are in need of a part-time job, as it will be beneficial to both of us.” The experience she received from starting her own career has had a positive influence on her family life as well. “Having my own business was the easiest and best way to continue working and take care of my children… and be able to support my family and be part of it.”

And she has more plans for the future: “It doesn’t feel like work. I have a lot of ideas that I want to execute and I will get there!” she said smiling. Vuchkova is also kind enough to offer some friendly advice for those who are thinking of creating a business on their own. “Just start and don’t think about every little detail, because you will figure it all out during the process… you just have to pursue your dreams.”

So, allow yourself to be tempted by The Grazing Place and embrace the pleasure of discovering your own new favorite bite of these luxurious culinary boards. 

To catch Monica Vuchkova, you may find her either on her Instagram account (@thegrazingplace), her website (thegrazingplacesb.com), at the farmers market, or perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to meet her directly at one of her fabulous events!