It’s time to recreate the childhood classic… the grilled cheese. Our palettes have expanded, so say goodbye to plain American cheese and white bread. And no, adding a slice of tomato will not cut it. It’s time to have some fun. Here are some of the best grown-up grilled cheeses from NYC.
Little Muenster
Photo courtesy of @hungryhebrew on Instagram
Restaurants all across the country are revamping grilled cheeses. Little Muenster, in New York City, kicks things up a little with their French Onion Grilled Cheese. This grilled gruyere-cheese sandwich adds fresh arugula and caramelized onions leaving a balance of salty, sweet and a touch of tang on your tongue. Another favorite from Little Muenster’s is the Virginia Ham, with Brie, apple, spinach, and a coffee-Dijon spread. Anything on the menu will fulfill your appetite and satisfy your inner child.
Gorilla Cheese
Photo courtesy of gorillacheesenyc.com
New York City even has a food truck dedicated to the grilled sandwich phenomenon. If you see a tall blonde girl chasing a truck, that’s me running after the Gorilla Cheese truck. You would too if you tried their Spicy Buffalo Grilled Cheese with buffalo chicken, and smoked mozzarella. They also offer other add-ons such as pulled pork, crumbled bacon, or sautéed jalapeños to name a few.
The Melt Shop
Photo courtesy of @meltshop on Instagram
While nothing can beat the after-school snack grilled cheese by Mom or Dad, The Melt Shop comes in a close second. With four locations in New York City, The Melt Shop offers a super fancy grilled cheese called the Truffle Melt – a sublime mix of Havarti cheese, truffle oil, and arugula. If you want to get your veggies to balance out this greasy carb-loaded meal, you can order The Big Skinny – mozzarella, grilled mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, red peppers, arugula, and sherry vinaigrette.
The Pullman Kitchen
Photo courtesy of @thepullmankitchen on Instagram
Another grilled cheese gem can be found at The Pullman Kitchen. The headline of their menu is “Can You Beat the Beast” – a grilled cheese sandwich with fried chicken, bacon, ham, pepper jack, cheddar, tomatoes, spicy cherry peppers, and two cornbread waffles drizzled with maple syrup between two pieces of grilled sourdough.
This stacked sandwich weighs in around five pounds! If you manage to eat the whole thing, the cost is waved and you get a free t-shirt that says “I conquered the Beast of Midtown East.” Personally, I’m a little overwhelmed by that and opt for their Green Goddess – mozzarella, goat cheese, avocado, spinach, blended herbs pesto on 7 grain bread. Definitely more manageable.
New York City knows how to make mean grilled cheeses! Yet another reason NYC is an amazing city. Next time you’re in the Big Apple, go on an excursion to find your favorite grilled cheese; but be prepared, you may have multiple sandwiches classified as THE favorite.