In this blog we are going to introduce you to a trend in the culinary world that’s been seeing renewed interest: Scratch Kitchens. This innovative approach to food preparation is all about crafting meals entirely from scratch—no shortcuts, no compromises, just fresh ingredients and homemade goodness.
But one might ask, why should it matter to me? Simply put, scratch kitchens are transforming the way we experience food. When you combine fresh, high-quality ingredients with the meticulous process of scratch cooking, the result is a meal that’s richer in flavor, texture, and nutritional value. At Charlie’s Deli, we’ve embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly because we believe that food made from scratch truly tastes better.
But we don’t stop there. Understanding the diverse needs of our customers, we’ve also integrated gluten-free options into our menu. With the growing awareness of gluten sensitivities and the demand for healthier alternatives, we are committed to offering delicious options that one might require without sacrificing taste or quality.
So, what makes a meal truly special? At Charlie’s Deli, we believe it’s the combination of fresh ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and the love of scratch cooking. We will take you behind the scenes of our kitchen, where we craft mouthwatering dishes from scratch.
Join us on this culinary journey as we explore the art of scratch cooking and celebrate the flavors that make every meal at Charlie’s Deli a memorable experience, with our scratch kitchen being the heartbeat of our operation. We take raw ingredients and turn them into delicious meals that keep our patrons coming back for more.
The Scratch Kitchen Process
So, what is a scratch kitchen? Scratch cooking generally refers to preparing dishes from the very beginning , or well, scratch. However, there isn’t a universal definition, and for many, scratch cooking can range from fully homemade creations to partial scratch methods.It can be better understood like this,
The Full Scratch Kitchen: For some, cooking from scratch means preparing every element of a meal by hand. This includes baking their own bread, churning their own tomatoes for sauces or even growing their own vegetables. This approach allows for complete control over the ingredients and nutritional value, ensuring every component is fresh and tailored to taste.
The Partial Scratch Kitchen: For others, scratch cooking is more about striking a balance between convenience and homemade goodness. This might involve making a pie with fresh fillings but using a pre-made crust or preparing a sauce from scratch while using store-bought pasta. Partial scratch cooking still offers a high degree of control over nutrition and flavor, without the time commitment of full scratch cooking.
For us at Charlie’s we start with the best ingredients available. Then we wash, chop, and prep them. Then it's time to make those ingredients into something we're proud of. It takes a little longer, but it's worth it.
Prepping the best sandwiches for you!
Why this trouble? Because this process certainly has its own benefits: first, it is a healthier alternative because we get to control what goes into our food and avoid preservatives and additives; secondly, the taste is better because the ingredients are fresh and locally sourced; lastly, we get to maintain high standards of quality.
Now compare this to pre-made or processed food options. They almost always have artificial ingredients and preservatives. It is convenient, but it will never measure up to the goodness and quality of a meal done from scratch in almost all cases. With a scratch kitchen process you know exactly what's going into your food. No mystery ingredients or preservatives here!
Of course, that's not all. Scratch cooking is a lot healthier, too. By using fresh ingredients, you retain essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. And that feeling of eating something that somebody made for you just right? Priceless.
The Philosophy Behind Charlie's Deli
Charlie's Deli is a local favorite that has been open for years. It all started with a simple concept: to provide fresh, tasty food that is made from scratch. And this philosophy governed every step of our operation.
Because we believe good food starts with good ingredients, and that is why we use only the freshest produce, meats, and dairy. What makes us special? We try to provide the best quality assurance for all our customers. Each sandwich, each salad, and each soup is prepared with special care, so that you can have the best. We're not just feeding people; we're creating experiences. And preparing it in a scratch kitchen makes it even more special.
Need a few examples? How about their gluten-free Turkey Club Sandwich, loaded up high with fresh turkey, crisp bacon, and the works? Or maybe you're in the mood to eat a little lighter but just as great? Their gluten-free Chicken Caesar Salad is amazing.
Corned Beef Sandwich
Don't take our word for it. Listen to what our customers say. One regular raved, "I've been gluten-free for years, and Charlie's is the first place where I don't feel like I'm missing out. Their sandwiches are amazing!"
The freshness is inseparable from Charlie's Deli. Many of our ingredients are sourced directly from local farms, benefiting not only the community but also ensuring that we have access to the freshest produce available.
And why does this matter? Fresh ingredients consistently deliver superior flavor. A tomato picked yesterday will be far more flavorful than one picked weeks ago and stored. Fresher ingredients are also generally more nutrient-dense.
The chipotle TBA is a perfect example. Creamy avocado, juicy turkey, crisp lettuce, and ripe tomatoes are an ode to the power of fresh ingredients.
Fresh ingredients may have more to offer than just taste. Even healthier in other ways, fresh produce has a higher retention of the required vitamins and minerals, so healthy meals are fed with not just delicious food but also nourishing you towards better health.
Signature Dish at Charlie's Deli
Now, let's go through some of the all-time favorites of our customers. Our top selling sandwich: Classic Reuben, with traditional corned beef, smoked Swiss cheese, Pearl Bakery marble rye bread, sauerkraut, thousand island sauce, and waffle cut pickles brushed with fresh butter to grill, it comes with one free side, and gluten-Free bread options as well. It's truly an explosion of flavors. Tap here to order now!
Another bestseller is our Chicken Caesar Salad. We roast the chicken in our kitchen, mix it with fresh herbs and our homemade mayo - it is a far cry from the pre-made stuff you might find elsewhere.
Don't leave out our soups. Our Tomato Soup with French herbs and four cheeses is made with ripe tomatoes, providing the perfect pairings for your meal as it goes perfectly well with all our sandwiches.
Tomato Soup w/ french herbs and four cheeses, available in different portion sizes.
By now we all know fresh is best, right? But how does this focus on freshness truly compare to the average deli or fast food experience? Many fast-food establishments rely on pre-made, processed ingredients, which are often loaded with added sugars, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. At Charlie's Deli, we try and take a different approach. Here, you can trust that what's on your plate is made from fresh, high-quality ingredients, prepared with care to ensure both taste and nutrition.
So, don't miss the Charlie's Deli experience. There's more to us than just being a deli; with every meal crafted with fresh ingredients and a passion for quality, come and discover the difference today!
