Taste FOOD FILES
MORE CHEESE, PLEASE! Ooey, gooey between-bread delights abound in Phoenix
BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
Grilled Cheese
Tarbell’s The Tavern Chef Mark Tarbell uses fresh challah bread, which he smothers in rich butter and toasts while adding white cheddar to both slices. He pairs it with his homemade organic and extra creamy tomato bisque for dunking. $13. 3209 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix; 602.955.7730; www.tarbellstavern.com.
Bacon – or Avocado – Grilled Cheese
Fàme Caffe The airy spot, known for its farm-to-fork cafe fare, has two grilled cheese offerings. The bacon option has, of course, bacon along with aged cheddar and grilled tomatoes, while the avocado version subs the bacon and tomatoes for avocado and spinach. Both are served on guest’s choice of country or grain toasted bread. $10.50. 4700 N. Central Ave., Phoenix; 602.314.4660; www.famephx.com.
Churchill Grilled Cheese
Twisted Grove
Did you know April is National Grilled Cheese Month? Our childhood – and let’s face it, adulthood – favorite can be partially traced back to ancient Rome, where similar recipes are mentioned in historic text. And the French have been making croque-monsieur, which is a fancy baked or fried ham and cheese sandwich, since the early 1900s. But, it wasn’t until the 1920s when an Iowa man invented a bread slicer and James L. Kraft opened a cheese plant, making both bread and cheese affordable for families, that grilled cheese became a staple. Back then, not only was it frowned upon by the upper class, but downright laughed at. But, Kraft – eventual owner of Kraft Cheese (not to mention the New England Patriots and a zillion other brands) laughed all the way to the bank, and eventually the universe embraced the cheesy delight. So, in honor of the classic American sandwich staple, here are some of our favorite toasty treats around town.
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Uptown April '18
Angel’s Trumpet Alehouse This grilled cheese packs an herby punch. It’s made with smoked mozzarella and fontina cheese and then topped with tomato and a honey drizzle. Then, to finish, a helping of fresh leafy greens pesto is added. Served with choice of fries, coleslaw or salad. Bacon jam or Spam can be added for $1. $9.50. 810 N. 2nd St., Phoenix; 602.252.2630; www.angelstrumpetalehouse.com.
Tavern Grilled Cheese
Arcadia Tavern Arcadia Tavern’s variation is served with melted American, provolone and Swiss cheeses, and then coupled with Applewood bacon on sourdough bread. You can jazz it up by adding turkey for an additional $3.95. $9.95. 4801 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix; 602.840.3950; www.arcadiatavern.com.
Roosevelt Grilled Cheese
Bliss ReBAR A funky take on the classic, this option is comprised of yellow and white cheddar cheese melted with crispy bacon and sweet pear slices
You can choose from a goat cheese and fig offering, a pesto grilled cheese with sun dried tomatoes, a cream cheese-inspired grilled cheese and even some meat-stuffed options. $6. Multiple locations, www.thewhiningpig.com.
Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup
Frank & Albert’s at Arizona Biltmore Wisconsin cheddar, smoked heirloom cherry tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of lemon olive oil are sandwiched between two pieces of delectable asiago sourdough and grilled to perfection for a little melted slice of heaven. It’s served with tomato soup for a gourmet take on the classic comfort food combo. $16. 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix; 602.955.6600; www. arizonabiltmore.com.
Triple Grill Cheese
Deli Tavern
Switch Restaurant & Wine Bar Two words: Texas toast. This butter and garlic-loaded bread has melted provolone, cheddar and American cheeses. Add avocado or bacon for just $3 more. $9. 32603 N. Central Ave., Phoenix; 602.264.2295; www.switchofarizona. com.
Eggs in Purgatory
Twisted Grove This is not your traditional grilled cheese and tomato soup. This grilled cheese comes plated with reggiano-san marzano tomatoes with short ribs, topped with a sunny side up egg and basil. $11. 3160 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix; 602.730.3533; www.twistedgrove..com.
sandwiched between two slices of toasted sourdough bread. Served with a side mixed greens salad sprinkled with house vinaigrette. Side of crispy shoestring fries optional. $9. 901 N. 4th St., Phoenix; 602.795.1792; www. blissrebar.com.
Grilled Cheese
Deli Tavern Filled with Tillamook Cheddar, Swiss and American Cheeses, the sandwich is grilled to a crispy perfection on sourdough bread. Pair it with Deli Tavern’s turkey noodle soup, dip it in any available sauce or enjoy just as it is with a side of house chips. $8. 130 N. Central Ave., Phoenix; 602.583.7564; www.delitavern.com.
Beckett’s Table & Southern Rail
Beckett’s Original Grilled Cheese
Beckett’s Table & Southern Rail A known Valley favorite, the Beckett’s Original is stuffed with fontina, manchego, white cheddar and crispy pancetta. And, the bread itself has scrumptious asiago cheese baked into it, putting it over the top in flavor. It’s also paired with a roasted red pepper tomato soup, which is perfect for dunking. $10. 3717 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix; 602.954.1700; www. beckettstable.com. 300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix; 602.200.0085; www.southernrail.com.
Grilled Cheese Menu
The Whining Pig You know what’s better than one grilled cheese offering – lots of them! At the Whining Pig, there is a full grilled cheese menu with five variations of the American comfort food classic.
Uptown April '18
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