Chef Paul and I visited Charcuterie today, a delicatessen which specializes in dressed meats, smoked meats and cheeses. Charcuterie is located in Unity, Maine just a 45 minute drive south of Bangor.

This artisanal shop is part of a growing Amish community and uses no electricity or modern conveniences. Everything is as natural as you can get and is completely hand made. The owner, Matthew Secich, and his family run the store and provide a unique and amazing experience to their customers.

A tempting variety of cured and smoked meats and cheeses hangs in an impeccably neat and clean storefront. Meats are all ground and sliced manually on premise.

Everything is sourced locally and when you walk in you feel like you have stepped back in time.

The Amish live such a peaceful and beautiful life. All thanks to God and what He provides.

And provide He does. They refrigerate using huge ice blocks which are kept in storage above the “cave” which is where the meats are cured. Kept at a constant 28 degrees Fahrenheit this is truly the envy of modern day refrigeration.

And while you stand in the shop you look around and notice the little things as well. Marinated and smoked olives,

and Artisan breads are the perfect accompaniment! It’s hard not to want to have one of everything!

I even got so carried away in the experience that I forgot to get some of their beautiful smoked cheese. I’ll get that on my next trip! 😉

They are only open a few days a week and they sell out quickly so be sure to get there early.

Both Paul and I HAD TO HAVE some of the Pastrami! AMAZING!! (And I should know, I’m from New York!)

I also grabbed some of the “Texas Hot.” A sausage with the kick of Habanero. Seems like it would be very hot, but, it’s perfect leaving a slow, lingering, mild heat on your palate. Maybe it should be re-named Texas “Heaven.”

And of course, I could not leave without the Smoked Kalamata Olives. OMG!! SO GOOD!

I know for sure that we will be heading down to Unity again in the near future to stock up.

Matthew and his family left a big city life to start anew down in Unity, Maine and we are so fortunate to have them here.