rev:text
| - Cheese and Crackers is a brand new business run by (I believe) a long-time local, and well-worth the return visit. A deli featuring both artisanal and local items in cheeses and crackers --of course!-- but also chocolates and meats, C&C proprietor Bart is immensely friendly and knowledgeable about the products he carries (and happy to take suggestions, if you've got 'em). Intelligentsia coffee, Audra's Toffee Tales, local honey, Cocopotamus fudges, and artisanal chocolates from Chicago and San Francisco (deliciously displayed in its own case) are among the mix of offerings. Bart is also hoping to offer a small selection of wines in a few months.
I believe Bart can talk about meats all day long, and is happy to try to convert you to his love of meats with plenty of free samples. I had some spiced pork shoulder, some beef thing, some cooked salami, and some black truffle something or another all in short order! And, in the time we spent in the store, we discovered that Cheese and Crackers already has at least one regular on a familiar first-name basis with Bart. Although there is no signage for sandwiches, Bart will make you one --as he did the regular-- with whatever meats and cheeses and other assorted sandwich bits you like (I believe the breads are Pekara, which I'd like to see more of on the other side of the counter!), or if you trust him, one of his own devising!
I miss the downtown Champaign artisanal deli Persimmon --I still miss the delicious sandwiches and gelatos-- so I'm excited and hopeful for Cheese and Crackers!
|