In a year filled with cooking for ourselves and entertaining at home, we gained a new appreciation for well-designed kitchen staples. Cue our latest obsession, the custom-made boards and utensils from The Block and Spoon—a homeware project designed by husband and wife Josh and Melissa Weaver of nearby Yonkers. They create centerpieces for your best memories which, particularly this winter, happen to center around the dining room table, food, and our closest family.
Josh explains why simplicity is a necessity and shares his essential ingredients for your charcuterie board.
How did the name The Block & Spoon come about?
To be honest, naming was difficult. A lot of our ideas were taken. Finally after a couple of weeks of bouncing inadequate names around I remembered the KISS rule—be straight forward and call it what it is. At the time I had designed the block and had made a few spoons. Done.
What are your three must-have items for any charcuterie board?
I have my favorites, of course, but I would say that it’s all about balance. Include something sweet, something savory, and something crisp. I love to have a nice hard cheese like Manchego, Membrillo (quince paste), along with a cracker or bread that compliments without stealing the show.
How would you sum up your design philosophy?
My degree is in sculpture, but my career has been more functional design. Over the years I have realized that some of the most beautiful forms follow straight forward function. Each piece that I design is solving some problem or fixing an itch that I have had in the kitchen or with presentation. My design philosophy is to find a problem and solve it in the most simple way. Keep in mind the material and a few tenets—these items are about the food and the user, but they should look stunning on their own. The utensils should feel just as good to use as they look, and they should be the first thing you reach for in your kitchen because of your desire to use them.
Do you have a business goal for 2021?
Right now we are launching and getting this business off the ground. In 2021, I would like to be picked up by some retailers. I would also like to work with up-and-coming chefs who want to collaborate on design for their restaurants.
Movie or song you turn to every December to get you in the holiday spirit?
I have always loved and felt very in the mood for the season listening to “Carol of the Bells.”
One lucky HudCo member will win a Quarter Block & Spread the Joy combo shown at the top of the page. The winner will be chosen at random and will be announced on our Instagram Stories on Wednesday!
Shop the boards at their Instagram feed, and DM them or email with your orders.