Go Get Your Cheese On!

         If you take a walk around Toronto you will notice that a specific comfort food, that you often make when there is nothing else to eat, is becoming the current rage. I'm not sure if other cities are jumping in on this novelty treat, but regardless, this comfort food is being made more extravagant and upscale. Certainly the most posh restaurants in the country will begin selling this simple sandwich for ridiculous prices, and oddly, people will pay for. But for now, the lowly Grilled Cheese sandwich is content being a delicious dish served on side streets in the most trendy and bohemian of neighbourhoods.

The Details
         A few weeks back, Miss McCormack and I visited one of these fine trendy establishments in Kensington Market, and wow, were we amazed. We were first amazed by the sheer number of options. Each flavour combination seemed more adventurous than the last, and we quickly realized that our decision would not be an easy one. Secondly, we were amazed that they do everything fresh. If you want bacon, they cook it right there, on the spot. There are no heat lamps, no frills, just 2 guys grilling some cheese. After much deliberation, we finally decided to try two different sandwiches, then we could swap halves. Best decision ever!

Our Decisions





         The first sandwich we decided upon was the Blackjack. This sandwich was composed of jalapeño Havarti cheese perfectly melted with black olive pesto, spinach, and tomatoes between two pieces of fresh whole wheat bread. The olives gave the sandwich a nice tang and the jalapeño Havarti cheese gave it a nice kick. The sandwich was served with ruffled chips and a gigantic homemade pickle, all for $6.

         The second sandwich we tried was Apple Crisp. This sandwich was the perfect combination of savoury and sweet, and you even have the option for adding bacon (freshly cooked of course). Between two pieces of whole wheat bread we found gooey cheddar cheese, crispy-caramelized apples, red onion, and avocado (we decided to go meatless). Apples and cheese have always been a popular combination, and the guys at Grilled Cheese have certainly jumped on that. Just like all their sandwiches, it was served with ruffled chips and a gigantic pickle, all for $8.





Overall Thoughts
         Despite the long wait for our food (and we arrived before the lunch rush), the sandwiches were delicious and full of flavour. Although the wait for our meal was long, I really can't complain because I know that the cook uses fresh ingredients that are cooked to order. The only real disappointment was the chips that were served with the grilled cheese sandwiches. I feel that the store-bought potato chips really took away from the wholesomeness and experience of the food. The homemade pickle was a really nice touch though. Overall, I would highly recommend visiting this fine and trendy establishment.


Address & Hours
The Grilled Cheese
66 1/2 Nassau Street, Toronto, ON.


Monday - Thursday: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Friday - Saturday: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
        Sunday:     11:00 am - 6:00 pm

If you're a TTC rider, take the Spadina streetcar (bus) and get off at Nassau. Walk west and cross Augusta Ave. You can't miss it. Just look for the long line!

Go get your cheese on!

                                                                                                                                                                                  Enjoy!
                                                                                                                                                                                       Mel

UPDATE: The Grilled Cheese has since shut down. I guess it doesn't matter how delicious your food is, you can still be a twit. For more information you can read this BlogTO post.