By Blake Matson Becker, a writer and consumer of all things Asheville. You’re likely to find him galavanting around town with his two kittens.
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Is there such a thing as TOO MUCH cheese? The fromage fiends of Sweet Cheesus would laugh at that very thought. This local favorite food truck (now with a brick + mortar location within the wonderful Sweeten Creek Brewing (1127 Sweeten Creek Rd.)) serves up a plethora of regularly rotating menu items topped with ooey, gooey, cheesy goodness and does so with style. A friend of mine once said, “If something makes you happy, then that thing is good for you.” If that’s the case, I’d consider melted raclette cheese draped over creamy mac & cheese to be a superfood because it makes me oh so very happy.
If you’re unfamiliar with raclette, Sweet Cheesus will be sure to serve you a much-needed introduction with nearly every item they offer. Originating from the awe-inspiring Alps of Switzerland, Swiss shepherds, as far back as 1291, would soften blocks of the semi-hard cheese next to their hearths and campfires. Once at optimal ooze level, said shepherds scraped said ooze over potatoes, pickles, and onions. Some 700 or so years later, Sweet Cheesus makes sure to honor that historical practice through the prism of their modern palate.
The creamy top layer from half a wheel of Sweet Cheesus’ raclette is slowly, lovingly even, raked atop the likes of chicken, Philly, and pastrami sandwiches. Like your cheese served with a side of even more cheese? Try the “Mac & Cheesus”: gouda mac served with sautéed veggies or Thai-marinated chicken. Their “Grilled Cheesus” offers a refreshing take on the classic toastie through adding fresh tomato, caramelized onion, and, of course, a sizeable scrape. You can even pay homage to the Swiss OGs and enjoy a HUGE spiral-cut potato smothered with the appetizing Alpine export.
Nothing compliments the salt from cheese like the crisp, comforting contrast of craft beer. Sweet Cheesus is quite aware of this fact. With regular appearances at some of Asheville’s greatest breweries, such as Highland Brewing, Sideways Farm & Brewery, and the new team-up with Sweeten Creek Brewing, you’re never too far from that deliciously dynamic duo. So, go ahead and get a little cheesy. A little scrape never hurt nobody.
