SWD Guest Q&A With Passionate Owner Of parCht

On our recent trip to Taos, our very first discovery was a bottleshop and bites charcuterie and wine bar called parCht, where after a long drive we meandered in to relax and soak in the enchanting Taos vibe we know and love. We were immediately greeted with a warm and generous smile from Nicolette (co-owner with her partner Hunter) and were made to feel like old friends. She guided us through an eclectic local and world mix of cheeses and meats, and suggested wines to pair them with.  She was our gracious hostess and also a fountain of information on new tasting rooms and pop-ups happening in town.  Because for Nicolette, parCht is much more than a hip place for a fun date of tasting and learning about their carefully selected foods that seriously excite the palate.  It’s her calling to meet people and genuinely share the best Taos has to offer, and for you to love the Southwest lifestyle as much as she does.

We are pleased to introduce the most welcoming and delightful person you could meet, Nicolette Casale …

SWD GUEST Q&A:

SWD: Are you originally from the Southwest?  If not, what brought you to the area?

Nicolette: I am a native New Mexican born in Albuquerque… I have never left the Southwest and continue to enjoy the amazing scenery, friendly people, and rich culture.

 

SWD: Soft Tacos or Crunchy?

Nicolette: I always lean towards soft, but can still appreciate the crunchy…it just depends on the filling!!

 

SWD: What is your favorite adventure or getaway in the Southwest?

Nicolette: Hopping in the car with our two fur babies and finding a big open space and some water for all of us to enjoy.

 

SWD:  What is your favorite Southwestern National Park?

Nicolette: Zion and Arches are both amazing…it’s too hard to pick just one favorite with so many beauties to choose from.

 

SWD: Red or Green (or Christmas)?

Nicolette: I was a green girl my entire life, but recently I have found a love for red, so I am now a Christmas baby all the way!!! It is the best of both worlds!

 

SWD: What is the most satisfying aspect of what you do?

Nicolette: Meeting and making connections with people and being able to share our passion for good food, wine, and beer.

 

SWD: What is the most challenging aspect of what you do?

Nicolette: Trying not to eat ALL of the fun cheese + charcuterie + bites that we feature. YUM!

 

SWD:  Corn or flour tortillas?

Nicolette: Well they each have their place…corn tortillas for crunchy tacos, enchiladas, and huevos rancheros + flour tortillas for pretty much everything else especially sopping up cheesy chile goodness.

 

SWD: Do you cook?  What do you love to make?

Nicolette: I am a far better baker than cook, but I do enjoy sticking to my Italian roots and making homemade meatballs and marinara sauce.

 

SWD: What do you absolutely refuse to eat?

Nicolette: I will try anything once, BUT I don’t love eating insects or weird canned meats.

 

SWD:  This may have just been answered, but … What are your thoughts on menudo (and no, we don’t mean the boy band)?

Nicolette: I choose posole over menudo, always.

 

SWD:  If you hypothetically moved away from the Southwest, what would you ask people to send to you in a care package?  What would you miss the most about the Southwest?

Nicolette: Dion’s ranch dressing and lots and lots of HOT green chile (preferably from Lemitar.)

 

SWD:  Is there a Southwest destination you’ve been wanting to visit?

Nicolette: Havasupai Falls…it looks stunning!

 

SWD:  Do you have a mantra?

Nicolette: Just Breathe

 

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parCht Website

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