5 Must-Haves at EC Cheese & Deli
though taken over by new ownership a few years ago, this shop has been a longtime destination in the Valley for all things dairy
McKenna Scherer, photos by Andrea Paulseth
Voted by locals as the #1 best place to buy cheese in the “Best of the Chippewa Valley 2022” poll, EC Cheese and Deli's boast of being the Valley’s top choice for cheese seems to be the general consensus.
With dozens of cheese varieties, a unique and scrumptious sandwich menu, plus top-tier ice cream, and more, the shop has garnered longtime regulars who are loyal to their chicken salad or specialty sandwiches and is committed to serving up local eats.
We asked the store team what their top five must-haves are. Feast your eyes upon these goodies:
The Dieters Delight sandwich. Served on rich whole wheat bread and layered with Monterey jack cheese, fresh smoked turkey breast, sprouts, tomato, onion, lettuce, cucumbers, and slathered with mayo, this sandwich packs a punch sure to fill you up without weighin' you down.
Chicken Wild Rice soup. EC Cheese & Deli owner Jodi Liddle said the team was surprised their soup landed in the top three in the 2022 "Best of" polls for best soup in the Valley, but anyone who's tried it out themselves gets why. Landing at #3, any soup at the shop captures that inviting, homemade vibe that warms more than just your stomach.
The BLT. A classic favorite, the local shop serves up a BLT exactly the way you like it: bacon, lettuce, and tomato. No floof, no games. Served on toasted wheat bread with mayo spread across, the bacon shines through as the tender star in this handheld.
The EC Cheese & Deli's cooler trough of beautiful cheese varieties was calling my name, so I figured I'd throw in one of my own favorites (hey, I grew up in Eau Claire, I've had my fair share of cheese okay): Muenster cheese. You've had your Swiss and your Colby Jack and maybe even your Habanero and spicier cheeses, but I think the Muenster is often overlooked. This particular variation is Muenster Goat Cheese from Nordic Creamery, made in-state, and it is just perfect.
Topping off the shop's five must-haves wouldn't have been complete without a scoop or two of their sweet ice cream. Their choice? Rum Black Cherry ice cream in a waffle cone. You have the choice of snagging some 'cream in a cup too, but with the delightful sweetness of the shop's waffle cones, why miss out?!
With a range from "child size" up to a double scoop (plus root beer floats), you can feast to your heart's desire on a treat here, too.
Keep up with EC Cheese & Deli on their Facebook and learn more on their website (ecdeli.com).