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Westchester Mom Elevates Party Platters, Encouraging Folks To 'Graze'

Shari Ivler has always loved to cook and entertain. 

New Rochelle resident Shari Ivler, founder of graze New York.

New Rochelle resident Shari Ivler, founder of graze New York.

Photo Credit: Submitted
A graze New York board.

A graze New York board.

Photo Credit: Submitted
Fruit board from graze New York.

Fruit board from graze New York.

Photo Credit: Submitted

Now, the New Rochelle resident has turned her passion into a business.

The former interior designer -- she also worked in the fashion world (for Hugo Boss and Juicy Couture) -- had always dabbled in party planning and considers herself a creative person (she majored in art at Syracuse University).

After having two daughters and planning countless events at her home, she started creating "graze boards" for her guests to enjoy. One day, after a friend commented on how gorgeous and delicious they were, graze New York was born.

The business was launched soon after Thanksgiving 2017 and has been on a roll ever since. 

"I wanted to get it up and running before the holidays as it seemed a perfect time," explained Ivler.

 In less than a month she's done more than 30 boards.

Right now graze New York offers three options: Meat and cheese with artisanal meat and cheese varieties, crackers, olives, cornichons, fresh and dried fruit, nuts and fresh herb and flower garnish; a crudités board, with fresh in-season vegetables, fresh roasted beets and two kinds of hummus; and a dessert board consisting of fresh and dried fruit, nuts and assorted gourmet chocolates. 

Ivler dresses each board with fresh flowers and herbs. "I truly feel that the presentation of the board is just as important as the way it tastes," she said. 

"You first 'taste'your food with your eyes, after all."

Each board is wrapped and ready to travel, tied with burlap and fresh greens.

Her tagline for the business is "Beautiful. Delicious. Communal" because she feels there's nothing better than sharing food surrounded by friends and family. 

"My hope is that people enjoying 'grazing' on them as much as I enjoy creating them," she said.

There is a $10 delivery fee throughout Westchester or free pick up. For an added price, she'll deliver to surrounding areas in the tristate including Rockland, Long Island, Manhattan and Connecticut. Customers get to keep the board.

Go to www.grazenewyork.com for more information. 

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