The Finger Lakes is Catering to You This Summer
Amber Gansert-Dagnesi lives and works in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York State, and her appreciation of the good life has found its way into her catering business.
Amber Gansert-Dagnesi of Authentically Amber Charcuterie and More, is the fierce female force behind the beautiful, made-to-order charcuterie boards in the Finger Lakes region. Not only does she make these beautiful creations for special occasions, she offers classes for people to try their hand at making them. Amber’s cheese, charcuterie, crudités platters are delicious works of art.
Amber has lived in the Finger Lakes region for over 38 years, and loves it. “The natural beauty, the sense of community, and the variety of things to do—from camping and exploring the outdoors to enjoying the local restaurants—make it a wonderful place to live,” she tells me. “I especially appreciate the peacefulness of living in the country while still having access to everything I need. It’s a region that really feels like home.”
Authentically Amber Charcuterie and More was established on January 1, 2024, so it’s relatively new and growing, already attracting a loyal and diverse clientele. “I wanted to create a company that celebrates the art of charcuterie—bringing together different cheeses, meats, and other delicious treats—as a way to express my creativity and my love of feeding people,” says Amber. “For me, there’s nothing better than gathering with friends, celebrating, and sharing good food. This business is a reflection of that passion and a way to help others create joyful, memorable moments around the table.”
The Finger Lakes region might be rural, but it’s had a welcoming reputation for LGBTQ+ folks for some time now. The Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance, in partnership with local businesses, ensures that all travelers are accommodated, regardless of their identity. The region has a diverse array of LGBTQ+ attractions and events, including Pride festivals in Corning and Elmira. Additionally, cities like Corning and Ithaca have been recognized as LGBTQ+-friendly and offer various LGBTQ+-owned businesses.
Corning and Elmira host Pride festivals in June, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, while Ithaca has been named one of the best cities for LGBTQ people, with a thriving community and queer-owned businesses.
Amber agrees. “The LGBTQ+ community in the Finger Lakes is vibrant and welcoming, especially in some of the larger towns and cities around me, like Ithaca and Rochester. There’s no single center, but rather several supportive hubs throughout the region. For example, Ithaca has a strong progressive culture and hosts events like Ithaca Pride, while Rochester—which borders the Finger Lakes region—has one of the oldest and most established LGBTQ+ communities in the state, with organizations like the Out Alliance,” says Amber.
“Even in more rural areas, there’s a growing sense of acceptance and community, with local pride events, inclusive businesses, and support networks helping people feel connected,” she says. This Pride, which is right around the corner, she will be celebrating by spending time with friends and family, “celebrating love, community, and authenticity.”
“I’m also excited to be teaching several Pride-themed charcuterie classes—it’s such a fun way to combine creativity, connection, and celebration.”
Pride is all about showing up as your true self, and for me, that means sharing food, making memories, and supporting the LGBTQ+ community in joyful, meaningful ways.”
With Summer upon us the living should be easy, but it’s a busy and joyful time for Amber, helping others relax and celebrate. Coming up she has weddings, baby showers, birthdays, chamber of commerce gatherings, and is even catering for a day out on the boat. And she’s offering charcuterie classes, which she describes as “a fun and interactive way for people to learn how to build their own beautiful boards. Whether it’s an intimate picnic, a corporate event, or a group class, Authentically Amber Charcuterie and More is all about bringing people together to celebrate, connect, and enjoy great food.”
Amber’s Big Pride Gigs
“I’ll be hosting two Pride-themed charcuterie classes—one on June 17th and one on June 28th. These events are designed to be fun, creative, and most importantly, safe and inclusive spaces where LGBTQ+ folks and their allies can feel celebrated, welcomed, and connected. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or a supportive friend, everyone is welcome to join, mingle, and enjoy an afternoon of good food and great company.”
Amber’s Top 5 Things to Do in the Finger Lakes
- Explore Local Restaurants & Farm-to-Table Dining
- Tour Wineries & Sip Along the Wine Trails
- Visit the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park
- Step Back in Time at the Seward House Museum & Cruise the Erie Canal
- Experience the Magic of MacKenzie-Childs in Aurora, NY
Follow Amber on Facebook and Instagram. To inquire about charcuterie boards or classes, please message Amber here.
More Finger Lakes Highlights in Summer
Eleven finger-shaped lakes cross the heart of New York in this region boasting refreshing waterfalls, gorgeous gorges, sun-kissed vineyards, and lush forests.
Fantastic state parks like Buttermilk Falls, Watkins Glen, and Letchworth are perfect for activities like swimming, hiking, biking and camping. From pretty Owasco Lake to mighty Great Lake Ontario, boating and fishing are world-class! Complementing all the natural beauty, vibrant cities and towns present cultural treasures.
Seneca Falls captivates with the Women’s Rights National Historical Park and the Ludovico Sculpture Trail beside the tranquil Seneca-Cayuga Canal. Experience the history, culture, and living traditions of the Seneca with a visit to the Seneca Art & Culture Center and Seneca Bark Longhouse at Ganondagan State Historic Site.
Recently, Brave Women FLX shone a light on the female trailblazers who left their mark on the world while supporting the present-day women who are blazing their own trails.
Wine trails showcase premier vineyards with events like the Finger Lakes Wine Festival. The Finger Lakes Cheese Trail features local farm specialties.
Learn to make a culinary masterpiece at the New York Kitchen and spend the night like royalty at Belhurst Castle.
Go shopping at Finger Lakes Premium Outlets and Destiny USA, Syracuse’s supersized luxury outlet and entertainment center and also slow down and stroll through locavore favorites: Windmill Farm & Craft Market in Penn Yan and Iron Kettle Farm in Candor.
For more information and to plan your trip, visit Finger Lakes region and Finger Lakes alliance. Browse accommodation in the Finger Lakes here. Support other Finger Lakes women-owned businesses here.
