Several months ago, I was asked this random question:
"If you had to eat the same thing everyday for the rest of your life, what would it be"?
I answered immediately: Grilled Cheese or Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich...
At the time, I thought to myself...really?...Would this answer change depending on my mood, who was asking the question? current environment?
Well, it has been over 10 months and for some reason, this question has come up in several conversations.. I am sticking with my original, gut feeling.
I could eat a grilled cheese or ham and cheese sandwich everyday.
Now, everytime I make one at home or order one while eating out, I am reminded about this question and my answer is validated, I love a good grilled cheese!
I must also say that not all grilled cheese sandwiches are created equal. One would think that this basic of all basic comfort foods would have little variation in taste, texture, style and structure. Not so. While there are hundreds of possible combinations and numerous attempts have been made to take a gourmet swing at this culinary staple, nothing beats the simple combo of bread and cheese, cooked in butter/margarine/PAM on a hot griddle or skillet.
Since this question was posed to me, I have been keeping track of some of my favorites...
The short list:
Waffle House--consistent and cheap
Atlanta Bread Company--Provolone on Sour Dough
Courtney's Restaurant-Birmingham, AL--just good
Hilton Hotel-Myrtle Beach, SC--Crispy Bread, lots of real Cheddar
OK Cafe-Atlanta, GA--just good
Demitri's BBQ-Birmingham, AL--WOW! Best Cheese--all time favorite
(Update New Contender as of 11-5-09: The CABIN Pancake House in Pigeon Forge, TN
WORST EVER-Piccadilly Grille-Bread toasted in toaster then 1 piece of American Cheese placed in the middle and served in styrofoam box. Another surprise disappointment was the Grilled Bacon and Cheese at the Cracker Barrel--really! Not so good...
When at home, I prefer honey wheat, a little mayo and 1 slice cheddar, 1 slice provolone grilled in a little butter on hot cast iron skillet...makes me smile...
Enjoy!
"If you had to eat the same thing everyday for the rest of your life, what would it be"?
I answered immediately: Grilled Cheese or Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich...
At the time, I thought to myself...really?...Would this answer change depending on my mood, who was asking the question? current environment?
Well, it has been over 10 months and for some reason, this question has come up in several conversations.. I am sticking with my original, gut feeling.
I could eat a grilled cheese or ham and cheese sandwich everyday.
Now, everytime I make one at home or order one while eating out, I am reminded about this question and my answer is validated, I love a good grilled cheese!
I must also say that not all grilled cheese sandwiches are created equal. One would think that this basic of all basic comfort foods would have little variation in taste, texture, style and structure. Not so. While there are hundreds of possible combinations and numerous attempts have been made to take a gourmet swing at this culinary staple, nothing beats the simple combo of bread and cheese, cooked in butter/margarine/PAM on a hot griddle or skillet.
Since this question was posed to me, I have been keeping track of some of my favorites...
The short list:
Waffle House--consistent and cheap
Atlanta Bread Company--Provolone on Sour Dough
Courtney's Restaurant-Birmingham, AL--just good
Hilton Hotel-Myrtle Beach, SC--Crispy Bread, lots of real Cheddar
OK Cafe-Atlanta, GA--just good
Demitri's BBQ-Birmingham, AL--WOW! Best Cheese--all time favorite
(Update New Contender as of 11-5-09: The CABIN Pancake House in Pigeon Forge, TN
WORST EVER-Piccadilly Grille-Bread toasted in toaster then 1 piece of American Cheese placed in the middle and served in styrofoam box. Another surprise disappointment was the Grilled Bacon and Cheese at the Cracker Barrel--really! Not so good...
When at home, I prefer honey wheat, a little mayo and 1 slice cheddar, 1 slice provolone grilled in a little butter on hot cast iron skillet...makes me smile...
Enjoy!
