5 quirky grilled cheese sandwiches
New twists on grilled cheese sandwiches are popping up at local restaurants. The classic dish was a favorite growing up — especially when accompanied by tomato soup — but now a few eateries are pairing it with other ingredients or reinterpreting it altogether.
April is National Grilled Cheese Month (who knew!), so it seemed like the right time for a roundup.
You will spend most of your meal contemplating the gjetost cheese on La Femme Du Fromage’s
sandwich ($10). Gjetost is made by caramelizing whey, leaving behind a cheese with a similar taste and consistency as peanut butter. When combined with bacon and bananas, you have a dessert ‘wich worthy of “The King.” Experience this unique cheese at La Femme, inside East End Market at 3201 Corrine Drive in Orlando (407-571-9947; lafemmedufromage.com).
In addition to some fancy sandwich combinations, Tom + Chee offers a number of grilled cheese donuts with everything from blueberry compote to chocolate stuffed in between. The restaurant’s
version ($4.45) simply pairs a crisp plain doughnut with cheddar cheese for a sweet and savory dish. Try one for yourself at 12533 State Road 535 in Orlando (321-395-4930; tomand chee.com).
Grilled cheese gets a pungent kick with Dandelion Communitea Cafe’s
($9.75). House-made kimchi, or salted and fermented vegetables, is piled into the sandwich along with cheddarlike vegan “cheese.” Fans of spice will love the mix. Get yours at 618 N. Thornton Ave in Orlando (407-362-1864; dande lioncommunitea.com).
($5.95) goes handheld at Toasted. This grilled cheese shop uses fontina to meld the meat, house-made barbecue sauce and caramelized onions together. If that doesn’t sound appealing, a number of other ‘wiches (and burgers) are on the menu at 1945 Aloma Ave. in Winter Park (407-960-3922) or 10783 Narcoossee Road in the Lake Nona community of Orlando (407-930-8682).
Grilled cheese bar 33 & Melt serves up some dishes almost as quirky as their names.
combines muenster and swiss cheeses with tender pulled pork, tangy barbecue sauce, pineapple, crispy bacon crumbles and fresh jalapeno for a wacky bite. Visit 13790 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd., No. 1000, in Windermere (407-614-3843; 33andmelt.com).
I’m using the term “grilled cheese” loosely for this pick — but Taverna Opa’s ($10) is literally on fire. Vlacotiri, a sheep’s milk cheese, is flambeed with brandy at your table for a showstopping appetizer. Look out for the flames! Try this breadless grilled cheese at 9101 International Drive, Suite 2240, in Orlando (407-351-8660; opaorlando.com).