If ever there was a "Champ," Chef Eric Greenspan fits that title. I cannot rave enough about the grilled cheese I had here today; and don't worry, I am going to. But first, a little back story about
Eric. Raised in California, but born in New Jersey, Greenspan has worked in many fine kitchens including Bouley, Union Pacific, Alain Ducasse, Patina, and The Foundry on Melrose. After graduating from UC Berkeley, Greenspan attended Le Cordon Bleu culinary
school in France. I find it interesting that he has been a contributor to Food Network's "The Best Thing I Ever Ate," because once you taste his food; you are sure to think it's some of the best things you'll ever eat! I'm going to start off with the Latke
Bites ($3.25) with apple creme fraiche. I'm starting with these because I don't think I've ever met anyone who ever came close to making a latke taste like this. Crunchy on the outside, and moist, hot and fluffy on the inside. The creme fraiche is an adult
version of sour cream and applesauce. This might be on my dying meal menu! French fries ($2.75) come with garlic lemon aioli and I love that combination! Tomato Basil soup ($4 bowl/$3 cup/$1 dip) is available as a side too. Now I'm going to cut to the chase.
I studied the menu for a good ten minutes until the amazing Sean told me that I could make my own sandwich. Sean helped me pick ingredients from the most popular sandwich (The Champ) to create a masterpiece! My sandwich was over the top! I chose sourdough
bread, taleggio cheese, and beef shortribs. ($9.75). Now you know, when the cheese is dripping down your chin, that this is one outstanding sandwich! And it was! Loaded with meat and cheese and well-buttered and toasted; it was a sandwich after my own heart
(literally). You can order sandwiches from a Classic ($3.25) with white bread and American cheese to the Johnny Apple Cheese ($7.50) with sourdough, aged white cheddar, apple mustard chutney, pastrami, and green apple. There are eight sandwiches
on the menu, or for people like me; nine, if you create your own. For anyone who would come here and not order grilled cheese (I'm not sure why) there are thoughtfully, three salads on the menu as well. East coasters will love the variety of
Utz Chips ($2.50) too. Drinks include regular fountain beverages and house made specials like Blood Orange Creamsicle ($3.75) or Key Lime Rickey. Oh, and don't miss dessert. The S'mores ($3.25) taste just like you made them at your own campfire,
only better. Eat them at your own risk. Sticky, gooey fingers are definitely going to happen. If you are looking for the perfect grilled cheese to try this summer, hop on over to Greenspan's! Greenspan's Grilled Cheese 7461 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles (323) 591-0177 Hours: Daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Recommended Dishes: The Champ, Make Your Own, Johnny Apple Cheese, Latke Bites, S'Mores.