Charcutago is the newest eatery to open at miXt food hall in Brentwood and offers charcuterie to go including fresh meats, cheeses, nuts, fruit and other sides.

The most deluxe board, the Varsity, features your choice of four types of meat, four kinds of cheese, and one of each spread, pickle, bread, crackers, nuts, and dried or fresh fruit. The menu, which includes gluten-free and organic options, also features light sides such as a chicken Caesar wrap, a muffuletta sandwich, and salads.

Chef-owner Valery Charles told the Hyattsville Wire that he got his start working as a temp in restaurants and hotels throughout the D.C. area as a prep cook, porter, line cook, busser and waiter.

“That’s when I really fell in love with not just cooking but the rush of being in restaurants,” he told the Wire. “It felt like a sport, and I wanted to train more.”

After graduating from culinary school, Charles worked at such D.C. restaurants as Bracket Room, Fiola and Casa Luca, eventually becoming sous chef at Barrel D.C., which had an extensive charcuterie and bread production, preparing its own cured meats, pickling and conservas. He was later executive chef at Hen Quarter.

Charles started his own catering company in 2021, but he saw a demand for something accessible at the food hall — just as charcuterie had become a hot national trend.

“Offering snacks and grazing options that would pair well with a glass of wine or a cocktail at the bar was a priority,” he told the Wire. “Charcuterie is the base of this concept, but we certainly have more to offer, from pinsas to sandwiches, salads to side items such as deviled eggs with beef bresaola. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

He said he has other restaurant concepts in mind that he would like to develop eventually.

Help the Wire grow in 2024!
Make a one-time donation or become a regular supporter here.