One of Victoria's best places for dinner...

is now open for lunch on Friday and Saturdays from 11:30-2pm. Go check out their locally inspired menu and experience their great service and delicious food.

Savouries, Sweets & Sips

Carmen and Nicole are going to be official judges at Savouries, Sweets & Sips ~ A Culinary Safari For Your Tastebuds, a fundraising event for Great Victoria Eldercare Foundation.

More than a dozen of the Island’s top chefs will fuel their creative juices and compete for a variety of prizes, including People’s Choice, Media Choice and Critic’s Choice. All competing chefs are challenged to create a fabulous appetizer paired to a specific South African Wine and/or a sumptuous dessert using Amarula Cream as one of the ingredients. Winegrowing in South Africa celebrates its 350th birthday this year, making its “new world” wines part of a tradition as old as bubbles in champagne.

Come help us choose the winners!

At The Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa
Monday, November 23rd, 2009 7:00pm till 10:00pm
$60.00 per person

Full details and ticket order forms are here.

Why We Love Our Job: Reason #346

While getting paid to eat cheese may be reason enough to love one's job, it's also pretty great that we get to harness the power of cheese to make other people's important days that much more enjoyable. We really appreciated being sent these four images from a wedding we recently provided platters for.

From the Happy Couple: Thanks for the always-excellent food. Rave reviews all around. Our photographer: Rae Murphy

Dragon Divas Calendar Signing

We are so excited about this. On Saturday, October 17th, the fabulous women of the Cowichan Valley Dragon Divas dragon boat racing team will be at Charelli's signing their new calendar.  To elaborate on why this is so exciting, some of you may remember the 2003 film Calendar Girls...   the Dragon Divas are the Island's own phenomenally spirited women fighting for an extremely important cause. Each Diva is currently living with, or has lived through, breast cancer, and they have fully committed themselves to promoting breast cancer awareness.  Their calendar is an absolute blast and not to be missed. Please have a look through their site, and if you can make it on Saturday the Dragon Divas and the Cheese Chicks would love to see you. As an added bonus, we'll be barbecuing tasty European hot dogs - proceeds go to this amazing cause.

The Details Are:
Saturday, October 17th at our place. (The cheese shop.)
10.00am - 2.00pm
Cost per calendar: $20

Christmas Spirit Rocks

Most of us haven't started the Christmas count down quite yet, but in order to ensure everyone has a happy holiday the oganisers of Victoria's annual Christmas Spirit Community Dinner need to think ahead. They're hosting a dance and silent auction at Element night club, the proceeds of which will be used to create a beautiful community dinner for anyone who happens to find themselves without resources and/or family close by this year.  Come out, shake a tail-feather and bid on a Charelli's cheese plate!

The Details Are:
Thursday October 16th, 7pm.
Tickets: $25 at the Strathcona Hotel
Note: The Silent Auction receives cash or cheque only.

You can participate in a few ways:
donate or bid on a silent auction item.
: send in or bring a donation for the Dinner.
: bring your friends, colleagues to a night full of fun.

Uncork Your Palate!

We've got some great events coming up. Uncork Your Palate is an annual fundraiser for the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Generously hosted at Ambrosia Event Center, this event pairs 70 wines with appetisers from several of Victoria's hottest food spots (including us!) Your ears will be as spoiled as your tastebuds - conservatory musicians provide the perfect audio-backdrop to your gastronomic meanderings.

The Details Are:
Thursday, October 22nd, 2009
7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $75
Ticket outlets: Munro’s Books, Ivy’s Book Store, and generous participating restaurants (again, including us!)
(Outlets accept cash or cheques only)

Fundraiser: Wear 2 Start

And here's a great cause a little closer than Indonesia: Charelli's is pleased support Wear 2 Start in Spontaneous Combustion - a night of cabaret cocktails at The Mint, featuring a silent auction. In their own words, "Wear 2 Start outfits unemployed women who are living in poverty for job interviews." Have a look through their site - the before and after pictures are really inspiring. The event is Sept. 24, 5.30-.8.30, 1414 Douglas St. We'd love to see you there!

Peninsula Ribfest 2009 at RC Grillhouse

We're more than just a nice chunk of cheese. We also make killer ribs. Charelli's is taking part in the 2009 Peninsula Rib Cook-Off, in support of Cops for Cancer. Come by and try! (But no, we're not closing up shop to barbeque - regular Charelli's hours will be in effect.)

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2009
Location: RC Grillhouse, #202 - 9800 McDonald Park rd

Event schedule:
12:00-4:00pm Ribfest Competition - $1.00 per rib.
6:00-10:00pm Pig Roast and Hoedown
Beer Garden will be available.
Pig Roast $25.00 adults; $12.00 for children 5-12 years; children under 5 years are free.
For more information please call 250-665-7353 or email rcgrillhouse.ca

The Facebook event is here.

The Annual Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival

As far as we're concerned, Martha Skinner, Women's 2009 Champion of the Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival, is an honorary Cheese Chick. If you missed the fun this year, there's always next.

Our First Hospice Wine & Cheese Fundraiser!

Thank you everyone who attended our first Hospice Fundraiser.

It was a great success.

This event raised over $1600.00

Thank you to the following people and companies who supported us!

Special thanks to;
Ken Baker—Scene about Town
Sandy & Stella—Victoria Conservatory of Music
Eric Beddard- Cool Magic Dude
Jeanne Aten– Silverside Winery
Kathleen Shandley-PMA Canada
Tracey Erickson-Philippe Dandurand Wines
Michael Gelling—International Cellars
Keith Watt-Morning Bay Vineyard & Estate
Suzanne Price - Lesley Stowes Fine Foods
Alfons Obererlacher— Freehouse
Benjamin Philips— Stile Wines
Bonnie and Bea—Bonnie & Bea’s Oatcakes

I could not have been done with their support and especially you our Guests!!!

Cheers,
Carmen & Nicole
Until the next event!

Remember you can support Hospice through Charelli’s on the 8th and 26th of each month.
20% of cheese sales support hospice palliative care programs.

Thank you! Here's what they say about us! Just a few of the thanks we received from many of our clients!

Dear Nicole & Carmen,
Thank you for your generous support for "Sexy in the City"
Last night's event was attended by 30 guests and other businesses and was a great success!
Your wonderful cheese platters were raved about and greatly enjoyed.
Many thanks,
Anna & Rebecca
B&K Photography
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Thank you so much for the awesome "cheese board" and for the delivery! You made it so easy for me to appear like an organized hostess. Both couples now know where you are located and were impressed with you selections!

With love and appreciation
SR Victoria, BC
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Dear Carmen & Nicole,
We send you are sincere thanks for providing lunch for us. Everything was delicious and thoroughly enjoyed by all who partook.
Thank you so much!
Everyone at Grant Thornton, Victoria, BC



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Thanks Charelli's
Its always great doing business with you.
Alana SD61
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We are glad to recommend Charelli's. There a few things you will notice about Charelli's:
1. Food will be ample.
2. The presentation is very professional.
3. They are punctual.
4. Clean.
5. The food is delicious.
6. They will be there throughout the function - they will set-up and clean-up. They will do their own stuff and not be in your way.
7. Their turn around time is never over 24 hours.
You would not regret booking them for your function - we were very pleased. I will definitely work with them again. I gave Charelli's contacts from our VIP night who met, had their food and who eventually can use Charelli's for their functions.
All the best,
Regards,
Jennifer A., Victoria, BC
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I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful job you did. What you did was a work of art and delicious to boot!
I just knew that it would be great but it was WONDERFUL. Not only was everything perfect, but your support to me, was really appreciated. Even my kids loved you!

Warmest regards,
Debra, Victoria, BC




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Thanks so much Carmen & Nicole for everything yesterday! The food was incredible (everyone was exclaiming over how fabulous it was!) and the service was excellent.

Cheers!
Jaie S. Victoria, BC



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Hello Carmen and Nicole,
The 5 trays were just perfection and so beautiful to look at and so delicious to eat. Every guest complimented the food and the presentation of it.
Nelles is just a gem , so professional and so good at being the 'shadow hostess'. Quite frankly I don't think I could have done it without her. She saw to every need and relieved me of absolutely everything so I could just relax.
Thank, you again. Warmly , Annley K., Victoria, BC
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Hello Charelli’s
when we started discussing about catering, i told them that i had been invited to a party where i was quite impressed by the assortment of spread and the taste of the food - and the hostess told me that she had used your services - so, the committee asked me to contact you for information
you see, keep up the good work, Carmen - word does get around!
good luck in the new year, take care and until the next one -
Tina M, Victoria, BC
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Hi Nicole,
Thank you so much for helping us with yesterday’s Wine & Cheese. It was a great success and it was wonderful to have you there with us! We look forward to working with you in the future.

Thank you again,
Laura U., Victoria, BC
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Hello Charelli’s
Thanks so much, you did as usual a fantastic job!
Regards,
Michael., Victoria, BC




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Hi Guys.
Our party was a huge success! Thank you so much. the food was a huge hit. It was our best Christmas party ever.
Regards,
K.P. Nan A., Victoria, BC




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Hi Carmen and Nicole,
Thank you for the cheese platters; they were a big hit. The presentation was beautiful, too. Most employees here are scientists, including several geologists, and they've been analyzing the slabs all morning, which has been amusing to watch!

I'm sure we'll be in touch again for more catering.

Laurie K., Victoria, BC
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Dinner was absolutely fabulous. Everyone thought the food was great and they really liked the presentation.

Thanks again.

Cathy N, Victoria, BC






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Hi Carmen and Nicole,
I just wanted you to know that your brown bag lunches were a huge hit at the Itinerant Conference. Everyone was thrilled with the quality, freshness, variety. The special order lunches you made were especially appreciated. I had one participant come up to me and say that she had never before had anyone take such care to make sure she had a lunch that met her dietary needs and she was extremely impressed.

Thank-you for making that possible.
Pam G., Victoria, BC

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Dear Nicole and Carmen,
Feed back is coming plentiful! All the people thanking for the conference have a word of thanks specially for the food and many envy us, in Victoria, for having you! It was not only delicious, plenty and tasty, but also wonderfully presented.

Again, merci merci merci
Helene, Victoria, BC
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Dear Carmen and Nicole,
Thank you so much for your generous support for our Victoria Guest Services Network 10th Anniversary. I was very much looking forward to seeing you at our event. The cheese displays you provided were outstanding! You definitely left an impression with your wonderful selection of cheeses. Your business cards were very popular and I am certain you have gained some new business. A good time was had by all.

Warm Regards,
Deborah S
Guest Service Coordinator
Concierge Desk
The Fairmont Empress
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The lunch yesterday was absolutely wonderful. It caused quite the buzz and people took your business cards.
Thank you so much for everything.

Holly, Victoria, BC

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Hello Charelli’s!

It was a huge success and the food (just as we expected) was exceptional both in selection & presentation. It certainly gave us an idea for future.Thank you for including some of your business cards. We'll definitely be a repeat customer and new customers will follow.Again - thank you so much for making Danielle's event everything she could have hoped for.
Have a good day.
Dinning Hunter, Victoria, BC
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Hi, Nicole, Carmen
The event was a huge success! The pairings were very well received and the selection of cheeses was amazing! We had so many compliments about the cheeses and the presentation - everything looked so beautiful.
Thank you so much for making our event so enjoyable for everyone. On a personal note, it was an absolute pleasure working with you - you made my job a little bit easier!
Best to all, Cindy-Lou, USA
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Wasn't that a party!
I'm always so sad when it is all over!
Thanks again for all your hard work and kindness. Your expertise and calmness is so much appreciated.

Thanks again for another fabulous job. Everyone raves about your cheeses and we have kept your cards so we can pass on the good news.
We'll stay in touch!
Justa K.
Urbana, Victoria, BC


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Hello Ladies
Just wanted to let you know that the food was fantastic. Everybody just raved about it. I thought the presentation was outstanding and also the food. It was sooo good. The two people that helped were fabulous. We couldn't have been more pleased. I would highly recommend you to anybody and everybody.
Thanks again for everything.
Bonnie L.., Victoria, BC

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Hi Carmen & Nicole,
Your "executive lunch" menu won raves at the meeting, so much so that we'd like to also have you cater our lunch on Tuesday, Aug. 7.
Cheers
Karol, Victoria, BC



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Dear Carmen and Nicole,
Thank you so much for preparing the lovely basket for my brother and my sister-in-law. Jackie phoned yesterday to say it was amazing and contained wonderful treats! Gordon will be home today from a business trip and she was sure he would be thrilled, too.

Sincerely,
Linda T., Edmonton, AB

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Hi Carmen Hi Nicole:):)
First off, I want to Thank you again for ALL the "above and beyond" service you so graciously and generously gave me last week!!!!! I have been raving about you both ever since and I am sure that your lineups are going to be even longer now:):):)

Take care and I look forward to seeing you both soon.
Sincerely,
Marina R., Victoria, BC
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As usual the service was impeccable, the smiles great and the hug wonderful.

I also very much appreciated the offer of a coffee. Now that is paying attention to a customer's needs after a long, long drive from Curteis Point, just to buy at Charelli's in Victoria .

But we also came for the "Old European Charm" albeit it is from Dutch origin.

It was true pleasure again to visit, very nice purchases, as always excellent quality. The Swedish Vodka Currant a superb choice.
Peter, Victoria, BC
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Hi Carmen & Nicole
We loved your food for the party Sunday. It was a smash hit!! Everything was perfect and just the right amount. We'll definitely recommend you to others and hope to have you cater other events at our house.
Thanks again for everything!
Cheers!
Suzie

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Dear Nicole and Carmen,
A brief note to say hello and also to tell you how much we miss your cheeses and other products and especially the pleasant service. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Victoria in March and are looking forward to seeing you again next March.

Best wishes, Donna and Des.
Donna and Des I., Winnipeg MB
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Hi Carmen and Nicole,
Thank you very much for your excellent service. Everybody was very pleased with the food and presentation.
I'm very sorry I still don't have the pleasure to meet you. I think I have been in at least 4 events that you guys have catered and I still don't have the pleasure to meet any of you in person.
Thanks again for your help!
Regards,
Jenny R., Victoria, BC
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Good morning, Carmen and Nicole!I want to thank you both from the bottom of my heart for the lovely food and service you provided for our event last Thursday. We and our guests really enjoyed the food and its presentation. All of the businesses involved in the event were very pleased. We are happy to have found you for our caterers.
Thanks again and hope you find time for some holidays!Best,Jonalyn S., Victoria, BC
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Good morning Carmen & Nicole! Thank you so much for accommodating our request on such short notice. We have heard wonderful reviews about Charelli’s, so I’m sure the lunch will be fabulous.
Thanks again!
Zoria, Victoria, BC



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