Charcuterie Fad Spurs Libertyville Businesses

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — The Board Room in Libertyville will soon be booking up for Valentine's Day and is among local residents favorite restaurants for a romantic night out, according to an unofficial poll of local Patch.com readers.

• Poll: The Most Romantic Restaurants In The Libertyville Area Are ...

We reached out to The Board Room owner, Liz Turnbaugh, to learn more about her business, which is located at 137 Lake Street in Libertyville. We've included our Q&A with her below.

When did you open? Tell me more about your business, your background in the restaurant industry and what inspired you to bring The Board Room to Libertyville?

We opened in November 2022, two years ago, and I'm also the proud owner of a charcuterie company called My Charcuterie. The inspiration behind opening The Board Room came from my desire to bring a swanky, upscale vibe to the suburbs.

I wanted to create a space where guests could enjoy a shared plate experience, with fresh, innovative culinary offerings and craft cocktails that change every month. I also wanted to offer something unique—a full charcuterie board that includes all food groups (different meats, cheeses, veggies, fruit, dips/spreads, nuts and of course a touch of chocolate), which I wasn’t seeing in many places. It’s all about creating something special that combines great food, creativity, and a desirable ambiance and atmosphere!

What makes your restaurant special?

At The Board Room, we take pride in doing things differently. We go above and beyond to make every experience unforgettable. For events, we offer a complete, customized experience—from tailor-made menus that match your theme to bespoke room decor and floral arrangements. Our stunning balloon arches and backdrops are just the beginning! We love collaborating with our guests to bring their unique visions to life, ensuring their events are truly one-of-a-kind

Tell us more about your food, your chef and some of your most popular dishes.

At The Board Room, we’re proud to have Executive Chef Luis Hernandez on our team. His innovative dishes have helped us earn the title of Best New Restaurant in Lake County from the Daily Herald. While our menu rotates frequently, some of Chef’s most popular creations include our signature Firecracker Shrimp, Korean Beef Tacos, Pork Belly Bao Buns, Filet Medallion Trio, Lake Superior Salmon, Braised Beef Short Ribs, and the signature Pillow Purse Pasta.

What have been some of the most rewarding parts of owning/running The Board Room? The most challenging?

The most rewarding part of owning The Board Room is receiving rave reviews from our guests—whether it's for large events, corporate catering, or repeat business. There’s truly no greater satisfaction than knowing we’ve made a lasting impression. We’re also incredibly proud to have been named Lake County’s Best New Restaurant by the Daily Herald. However, one of the biggest challenges we face is when we’re fully booked and a new guest wants to experience what we offer. Our sole goal is to create a magical experience for every guest, and we always strive to accommodate every request whenever possible.

What have been some of the most rewarding parts of owning/running The Board Room? The most challenging?

Our goal is to become the go-to destination for memorable date nights, celebrations, weddings, bridal and baby showers, corporate dinners, and, of course, our popular charcuterie classes! We’re also proud to offer full-service catering and look forward to introducing more customers to our exceptional offerings

Patch.com readers selected The Board Room as one of the most romantic spots for a date night/Valentine's Day -- have you already been receiving reservation requests for Valentine's Day? To expect to be booked up? Will you be offering any specials that night?

The Board Room is already receiving several reservation requests and expect to be fully booked! With live music, our complete menu—including exclusive Valentine's Day specials—and exciting, Valentine-themed craft cocktails (including our signature martini towers!), it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience 5)

What is it about the charcuterie trend that you think people have loved and continue to gravitate to?

Charcuterie remains popular because it offers a combination of aesthetic appeal, versatility, and social enjoyment. Our customers at My Charcuterie love:
Visual Appeal: A well-arranged My Charcutejre board is visually stunning, with vibrant colors and textures from meats, cheeses, fruits, and other accompaniments. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Customizable Variety: My Charcuterie caters to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. From gourmet cheeses and cured meats to vegan-friendly options like hummus, nuts, and vegetables, there’s something for everyone.
Sociable Dining: Sharing a My Charcuterie board fosters a casual, communal dining experience, perfect for gatherings and parties. Guests can sample, share, and discuss their favorite bites.
Trendy and Instagrammable: The rise of social media has amplified My Charcuterie’s popularity. Our beautiful charcuterie boards are highly shareable and align with the current trend of “elevating the everyday.”
Culinary Exploration: My Charcuterie introduces people to new flavors, textures, and pairings, offering a fun and accessible way to experiment with gourmet food.
Cultural Tradition: While trendy now, charcuterie has roots in European food traditions, adding a sense of history and authenticity that appeals to many.
It combines indulgence, creativity, and practicality, which keeps it at the center of modern dining trends.

When did you open My Charcuterie and what has the response been to that business?

I opened My Charcuterie in 2020 during the pandemic which is ironic to open a business that focuses on shared dining experience and large gatherings but we also make customized individual heartfelt gifts delivered locally and nationwide so that helped us grow during what should have been a difficult time for a charcuterie business to grow. We continue to grow and cultivate a strong customer base through high quality offerings, unparalleled food artistry and and commitment to excellent customer service our customers have come to know and trust at My Charcuterie.