Tablitas by Maria | Charcuterie & Grazing Tables in Tampa Bay

Our Story

Since I was very young...

I developed a deep love for food and its many aromas. The smells coming from the kitchen were signals of what was about to happen—moments of togetherness, laughter, and so much love.

My grandmother and my mother cooked for their families every day—three meals a day. At 4 o’clock sharp, the smell of sofrito simmering on the stove meant dinnertime was approaching, how exciting! To me, sofrito has a magical scent—one that invites your kids to come out of their rooms into the kitchen, asking, “Mama, what’s for dinner?”

I can still hear my mama reply to me in her famous tone of voice: “Comida"!

Those were the days when our biggest concern was playing hide-and-seek with our cousins, running inside between games and dances to grab some water, and sneaking a skewer of guava and fresh white cheese, mortadella with a piece of "pan sobao" con queso de papa before racing back outside.

That’s when I learned something that has stayed with me forever: food has the power to bring people together. The most delicious meals are made when loved ones gather. Those were the moments when the finest dishes came out of el "chinero" — the crystal glasses, cloth napkins, polished cutlery, and embroidered tablecloths that transformed an ordinary meal into something special.

Today, through Tablitas by Maria, I carry that same love and appreciation into every board I create. Each board is different, each one is crafted to honor your family, your guests, and your most meaningful moments.

This is my story. Let me help tell yours.