Cultures around the world have enjoyed cooked bread and cheese since ancient times, according to the National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day website.
The Dayton-area has a number of restaurants known for their own version of the ultimate in comfort food. Here’s a look at some of them.
MY WAY GRILLED CHEESE
Who makes it: Tank’s Bar and Grill, 2033 Wayne Ave. in Dayton’s Walnut Hills neighborhood. Call: 937.252.2249
Why you have to try it: This one is not for calorie counters and is totally worth that extra time you’ll need to put in at the gym.
The Sandwich: Swiss, provolone, American AND cheddar with lettuce, tomatoes, banana peppers, mayo, mustard and horseradish on dark rye.
Cost: $6.99
ITALIAN GRILLED CHEESE
Who makes it: Coco’s Bistro, 250 Warren St. in Dayton’s South Park neighborhood. Call: 937. 228.2626
Why you have to try it: It is totally and completely grilled cheese for grown-ups who love grilled cheese.
The Sandwich: Panko-breaded sourdough bread, four cheese blend: Provolone + Mozzarella Fontina + white cheddar. And you get nummy, nummy, nummy creamy tomato bisque perfect for dipping. This is the ultimate comfort dish.
Cost: $12 on the lunch menu.
HOT CHEESE SUPREME
Who makes it: Christopher’s Restaurant & Catering, 2318 E. Dorothy Lane, Kettering. Call: (937) 299-0089
Why you have to try it: If this sandwich had a heartbeat, it would deserve a wedding ring.
The Sandwich: provolone, cheddar, Swiss, tomato, mayonnaise and scallions.
Cost: $8
SUPER-SIZED GRILLED CHEESES
Who makes them: Melt Bar & Grilled, 2727 Fairfield Commons, Unit C
Why you have to give it a try: Melt takes unusual approaches to well-known dishes.
The sandwiches: They have about 30 gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Our recommendations include: the Korean War Pig, Parmageddon, and Monte Cristo sandwiches. Melt features at least one new sandwich per month as part of its seasonal offerings.
Cost: Prices range from $5.75 to $16.50. Sandwiches can be ordered in whole and half sizes and are served with French fries or kettle chips.
ULTIMATE GRILLED CHEESE
Who makes them: The Florentine, 21 W. Market St., Germantown
Why you have to give it a try: This one is in the name. Florentine’s Ultimate Grilled cheese has a following that brings grilled cheese lovers to Germantown from near and far.
The sandwich: The Ultimate consists of brioche bread crusted with Parmesan, filled with Swiss, provolone, cheddar jack sliced tomato and basil, grilled to toasty brown and served with seasoned fries.
Cost: $12.99