I have been a very long time fan of Caseus, but prior to today, my only experiences with them had…read morebeen from their truck. I have heard incredible things about the vibe and experience of actually going to their shop from many close friends, all fellow foodies, some which are even friends with the Caseus team. With their raves and my existing love for their grilled cheeses off the truck, my expectations could not have higher. I even held off my visit for just the right time so that I was in a good mindset to take it all in properly! Somehow, I'd say my expectations were surpassed.
Upon entering the shop, I was immediately warmly welcomed. Very comfortable vibe. They have lots of provisions (justifying their name), including sauces, condiments, and more. They have a refrigerated case with house made desserts and a variety of cheeses, as well as an additional case of more specialty cheeses. Their menu has many brilliant grilled cheese creations, the option to build your own or customize any of theirs with additional toppings, and a rotating special. I have been thinking hard about what I would order when I finally made it in, and I still struggled. Luckily, the person helping me was super passionate, sweet and happy to help and offer information. They described their top picks, one of which was one of my top contenders, so that was the winner. The Berries & Creme. It is their classic grilled cheese with the addition of Brie and house made blueberry compote. I believe all of their grilled cheeses have the classic (their house blend of cheeses) as the base. I am not a Brie fan, at all. I wanted to give it a shot, and knew that there was not a better place to do that than Caseus. I can't rave enough about the person helping me. They assured me that it was balanced and not overpowering how they incorporated it in, so I was excited to give it a go. No experience with Caseus would be complete without their tomato soup. The 8 ounce cup is the perfect accompaniment, and just the right amount to both dip and have a little extra to savor on its own. I browsed the shops pile they prepared my sandwich, and couldn't resist a bread pudding. They had 2 kinds today: sticky toffee and bananas foster. I was leaning bananas foster, but asked their preference anyway. Bananas foster it was!
When my grilled cheese was perfectly melty and ready, I took my lunch to one of the tables outside to enjoy it fresh. There isn't any indoor seating, which I appreciate actually. Much better flow to the space that way. The grilled cheese was probably the best one yet. It may actually be the first time I haven't built my own. This was absolutely delicious. Perfect execution. Lots of extra cheese crispies around the edges. Plenty of butter without being excessively greasy, a major turnoff for me. I can't tolerate the mouthfeel either, so I was extremely impressed with how they prepared it. This is where you want to whip out the term "sandwich artist", because they are just that. They put so much care, thought and love into what they do and each and every sandwich they serve. Every customer and their sandwich is just as important as the next. The sandwiches are accompanied by grainy mustard and a couple of cornichons. I even get excited for that part! I use every bit of that cup. The tomato soup is perfectly creamy without being too rich or heavy. They let the deep, fresh tomato flavor shine. They cook it just enough so that it's a deep developed flavor but still bright. There is not better tomato or grilled cheese.
I devoured it all, and still, upon arriving to my car, cracked open the bread pudding for a taste. I loved that it was extremely moist without being wet or overly saucy/sugary/caramely. It didn't read super heavy, while still being satisfyingly sweet. Plenty of nuts and banana. Soft, well saturated bread. It was perfect as far as I'm concerned. Really impressed.
Caseus is all about perfect execution, or at least as close to perfect as it can possibly get. They are masters of their craft, and you just feel so much joy from both your interactions. With them and their incredibly tasty food. I am so thrilled I made it to the shop, and know that now I won't be able to stay away. Definitely check them out as soon as possible if you have not. They are an incredibly special staple of the CT food scene.
