This past June, Queso at Casa opened inside of Casa 401, inviting cheese lovers and intrigued foodies alike. “Queso at Casa and Casa 401 were born as an invitation to a different eat-and-shop experience in Downtown Easton,” shares owner Andrea Rincon. “My husband and I are aiming to provide sustainable and one-of-a-kind shopping and eating experiences inside our two-in-one shop. Queso at Casa is a tiny but welcoming eating stop inside our concept store Casa 401.”
What are they serving up? Raclette, a traditional Swiss dish that originated in the Alpine regions. “It is named after the French word ‘racler,' which means ‘to scrape,'” Rincon explains. “The dish involves melting a specific type of cheese called raclette cheese and then scraping the melted cheese over various accompaniments.” Once the cheese reaches the desired consistency, it is scraped off the wheel onto individual plates or directly onto accompaniments, which may include boiled or steamed potatoes, gherkins, pickled onions, cured meats and crusty bread. Rincon, however, is putting her own spin on the dish.
“Our creative twist aligns with our Latin culinary influences and background,” she says. “We are using Gouda cheese and incorporating other signature accompaniments such as chorizo, chimichurri sauce, artichokes, roasted red peppers or garlic aioli over a nicely toasted French baguette bread.” Customers can also opt for fingerling potatoes, which are air-fried in small batches, instead of the French baguette.
Rincon says their most popular variety, pictured here, is called “Casa,” which layers melted Gouda cheese right off the wheel, mango salsa, avocado, chorizo and chimichurri sauce.
Starting this month, Queso at Casa will also be offering three limited-time toasts: apple and bacon, pear and walnut, and prosciutto and fig jam. “We're also excited to offer raclette cheese at PA Bacon Fest and Easton Garlic Fest.”
14 N. 3rd St., Easton | 484.401.7586 | quesoatcasa.com
Published as "Eat This" in the October 2023 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
