Many cities have a laundry list of “must see” items that truly make them unique. Can you pick just one thing to see in New York? For me, if forced to choose just one, it would have to be the iconic Statue of Liberty. Using the same limiting factor for other cities would force me to choose Bourbon Street in New Orleans, South Beach in Miami and Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
Looking at my city where I live, Cleveland, Ohio, there is really one choice – The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Many people actively wonder why the Rock Hall (as it is called here in town) is in Cleveland and some of them really want it moved to New York, but here it is and hopefully here it is to stay.
From a foodie perspective, it is also difficult to choose just one restaurant in town. If you were going to fly into Cleveland for the evening, where would I recommend that you go to eat? Surprisingly, Cleveland is actually becoming a foodie town. There are great new restaurants and superstar chefs (Iron Chef Michael Symon) and plenty of places come to mind. In the end, though, I’d take you for a grilled cheese sandwich.
A trip to the Melt Bar and Grilled (yes, it is grilled) is a “must do” in Cleveland. Started a few years ago, the place specializes in gourmet grilled cheese. While you can have melted American cheese on bread (they call it the Kindergartener), you can also venture out and have Ahi tuna, lasagna or bratwurst on your sandwich (or all three). You have choices of dozens of ingredients and a variety of different cheese. If you want, you can even get your sandwich battered and deep fried (ala Monte Cristo). Served with a mountain of fries and with dozens of cold beer on tap, I cannot in good conscience take you anywhere else.
Recently I made grilled cheese at home that was much closer to the Kindergartener than the mountainous sandwich you can get at the Melt.
This sandwich uses Grands ® Biscuits in place of the bread.
I flatten it out with my palm first.
Then roll it to about 5″ in diameter.
You will end up with 8 discs. Fry up (on a non-stick surface with nothing or a little butter) one side of each disc. Those will be the insides.
Once done, flip it over, put on the cheese (2 slices or more spread out to cover as much of it as you can) and top it with the other (fried side on the inside).
Fry until done, then flip. This allows the cheese to melt properly.
Grands!® Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Prep Time: 20 Min | Cook Time: 20 Min | Makes: 4 large sandwiches | Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
- 1 can (16.3 oz) Pillsbury® Grands!® refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (8 biscuits)
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 8 slices (2/3 oz each) American cheese
Directions:
1. Separate dough into 8 biscuits. Press or roll each to form 5 1/2-inch round.
2. In 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat until hot. Add biscuit rounds, a few at a time; cook 3 minutes. Turn; cook about 3 minutes longer or until light golden brown. Remove from skillet.
3. Place 2 slices of cheese on each of 4 biscuit rounds. Top with remaining biscuit rounds.
4. Return to skillet; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Turn; cook about 2 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
Rantings of an Amateur Chef 
These look so good! I looove grilled cheese. If I ever end up in Cleveland I know where I will be having dinner!
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best grilled cheese sandwich I had in Cleveland was at Moxie — been a few years but that was a sandwich to remember!
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Simple and delicious, an all time favourite!
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Omgosh! Looks amazing!
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I miss living in Cleveland – so many great places to eat! When we went & visited family for Easter we hit up the eastside Melt. Today, what I wouldn’t give for some 911 wings from the Lizard!
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Love gourmet grilled cheese! These look awesome 🙂
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I know what we’re having tonight! Does the bread turn out like naan?
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I am so trying this…and next time we are in Cleaveland, I’m so trying the Bar and Grilled.
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Talk about comfort food – yum yum!
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My family is going to LOVE this! Thanks!!
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