Certified Concepts’ owners, Chef David Carrier, Bo Chambliss, and Jess Snyder have been very busy. Not only do they own the popular burger joint Certified Burgers & Beverage on St. Simons, last year, they opened Certified Pantry & Provisions just steps away from the restaurant. Certified Pantry is a five-star approach to grab-n-go, with cold prepared meals, a hot bar, daily family meals and an impressive deli case featuring beautiful cured meats and fresh cheeses from local farms/dairies, as well as some favorite imports. And to add to the convenience, there’s a drive-up window for call-ahead orders!
The inspiration for Certified Pantry & Provisions was the need for those wanting the convenience of a prepared meal without sacrificing the quality that comes from a high-end kitchen. Family meals change weekly and a new international dish, like chicken tikka masala, is incorporated each week. The hot bar changes daily and offers two meats, like grilled tri tip and roast chicken, and two or three sides, like macaroni & cheese, colorful grilled vegetables, or roasted potatoes, all by the pound. Picanha, a cut of beef popularized in Brazil, can often be found on the hot bar, in a mixed grill family meal, or in the deli case if you’d prefer to take it home and grill it yourself.
In the deli case, you’ll find delicious cheeses such as Mimolette (France), Idiazabal (Spain) and Robiola (Italy) alongside local favorites Thomasville Tomme and Asher Blue from Sweet Grass Dairy in Thomasville, GA. There’s also a superb spread of delectable charcuterie, including Italian salumi (not to be confused with salami!) like culatello, guanciale, mortadella and soppressata, house-made pastramis and house-smoked ham. There’s plenty here to put together an impressive charcuterie board as well – or you can have The Pantry do it for you! They stock a variety of flatbreads, crackers, crisps and breadsticks to round it all. If you’re in the mood for a sandwich, choose from the ones on the board, like bahn mi or muffaletta, or create your own from the bountiful choices in the case. Grab one of their house-made boba teas, in flavors like Thai iced tea, mango oolong or matcha green, to wash your sandwich down – or save it for dessert! The refrigerated case is filled with grab-n-go favorites such as Dan Dan Noodles, Tuna Poke Bowls, and Chopped Salad, as well as house-made items like salad dressings, pimento cheese and smoked fish spread. You’ll also find fresh pastas and even more charcuterie along with local and imported butters and pickled vegetables. In the reach-in freezer, there are dashi and shrimp, mushroom, chicken and veal stocks alongside frozen house-made soups like red pea & ham or turkey-andouille gumbo, some pastas and large ice cubes and spheres for your craft cocktails.
The array of beverages is an eclectic mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices. You’ll discover spritzer-style ales and craft beers from Creature Comforts Brewing Co. in Athens, and choices from Anderby Brewing in Peachtree Corners and 3 Taverns Craft Beers in Decatur. The wine selection runs the gamut of white, red, rosé, sake, and vermouth. There are ready-to-drink premium non-alcoholic cocktails from Mocktail Club and artisan sodas from New Creation Soda Works just outside Athens.
CP&P’s pantry items are a step up from what you’re likely to see in a local grocery store. They carry their own Certified Blend from St. Simons’ Wake-Up Coffee, flavored with dark chocolate, cherry, and almond. There are imported pastas, sauces, “00” flour and olive oils from Italy, regional jellies, jams and honeys, and mustards and jams from France. In addition to the Valrhona chocolate chips and couvertures, you’ll find fine chocolates from Thomas Keller + Armando Manni and candies from Candy Club and Mexico’s Sugarox.
Non-food items include beef tallow soaps from Hunter Cattle Co. in Brooklet, GA – the same folks who supply Certified Burgers & Beverage with their beef. (You’ll also find their bacon in the deli case.) Certified Pantry carries a wide array of cookware from Made In, including sauciers, stockpots, pans and casserole dishes, along with knives and dinnerware.
Catering was another inspiration for the opening of Certified Pantry & Provisions. Chef Carrier enjoys the freedom of crafting client-specific menus for all kinds of occasions. Let him break out his custom shawarma rig from Sea Island Forge, and he’s a happy chef. Likewise, having a grill and griddle brought to your home can make for a memorable poolside cookout. Catering for both Certified Pantry & Provisions and Certified Burgers & Beverage is being handled out of the Certified Pantry kitchen. Catering director Amy Debreceni is onsite Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., but it’s best to call for an appointment if you’d like to meet. She can assist you with putting together an intimate dinner party, wedding weekend welcome dinner, family reunion or real estate caravan. Any event you can dream up, she and Chef can make happen. Amy can best be reached by email at certifiedcateringssi@gmail.com.
Whatever you’re looking for, Certified Pantry can fit the bill, whether you need a grab-n-go meal or to plan a backyard burger bash, cocktail party or lowcountry boil. If you love to cook, they have unique items that will elevate your next meal. And if cooking just isn’t your thing, pick something up and serve it as your own creation – your guests will never know! Similarly, if you need a hostess gift, call ahead and have them curate a gift basket for you or pop in for a bottle of wine on your way to the soiree.
Certified Pantry & Provisions is located at 24 Midway Square on St. Simons, just south of the intersection of Sea Island and Frederica Roads. They’re open Tuesday – Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can reach Certified Pantry by phone at 912.771.8659.
