The annual Grilled Cheese Experience hosted by FOOD for Lane County took place here in Eugene, Oregon during the first 15 days of February. For the Experience, 18 restaurants in Eugene created their own innovative spin-offs of the classic grilled cheese. Unfortunately, we could only make it to 6 of the restaurants before we overstuffed ourselves and fell into a hardcore food coma. Here’s how our grilled cheese experience went down.
1. Falling Sky Pub
Photo by Jeffrey Ho
This was a suuuuper tasty pork sandwich. Although we all thought the egg on top was a nice addition, extra cheese would have made this sandwich more fitting for the ‘Grilled Cheese Experience’.
$13 – Given a choice of portobello or pork grilled cheese, served on sourdough.
Included: coleslaw, sauerkraut, sunny side up egg, beer mustard, swiss and smoked cheddar.
Cheesy Factor – 3/10
Overall – 7/10
2. Falling Sky Delicatessen
Photo by Jeffrey Ho
The gem in this was the latkes. Not nearly as cheesy as it sounded.
$13 – Latke grilled cheese.
Included:gouda, provolone, smoked cheddar, roasted vegetables, fried kale and butter onions between latkes butternut creme fraiche.
Cheesy Factor – 1/10
Overall – 5/10
3. Fisherman’s Market
Photo by Jeffrey Ho
First bite was dank AF. Last bite was even more dank. It was one of the more affordable grilled cheese which made it that much more enjoyable. So delicious, we just wanted more!
$8.99 – Shrimp melt served on grilled sourdough bread.
Included: petite shrimp, mayo, onion and lots of cheddar cheese.
Cheesy Factor – 8/10
Overall – 9/10
4. Hop Valley Brewing Co.
Photo by Jeffrey Ho
The cheesiest concoction known to Eugene and any human species ever.
$9 – Tomato, blue cheese bisque served in a house-made cheddar bowl.
Included: bacon and garnished with fried cheese patties
Cheesy Factor – 1738/10
Overall – 7/10
5. The Bier Stein
Photo by Jeffrey Ho
Super delicious creamy filling with a crispy crunch outside. The variety of beer at this restaurant didn’t hurt either.
$10.50 – Mushroom and onion grilled cheese on sourdough bread.
Included: sautéed wild mushrooms, onions caramelized in Ayingerz Celebrator Doppelbock Ale and brie.
Cheesy Factor – 8/10
Overall – 8/10
6. Blackboard at Provisions Market Hall
Photo by Jeffrey Ho
This was a crazy flavor fiesta! Perfect tuna to cheese ratio and fresh earthy bread with bomb pickles on the side.
$8 – Oregon albacore tuna melt served on Provisions levain bread
Included: green olives, red onion and Tillamook sharp cheddar.
Cheesy Factor – 5/10
Overall – 10/10
Okay, so now you can see why we all fell into a food coma. Overall, it was great to support a FOOD for Lane County event and get some amazing sandwiches in the process. We’ll see you next year, Grilled Cheese Experience. We are counting down the days.