Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese (Los Angeles, CA)

After the TEAVANA Oprah Chai event, I was seriously hungry! I had skipped breakfast and was stuck in traffic for almost two hours before getting to the event, so all of that wonderful tea was the only thing keeping my stomach from growling. Well, the event was held at the Starbucks on Melrose, and I knew that I was close to plenty of great places to eat. I checked my Foursquare list and noticed that Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese was practically across the street! No need to look further, I was in! I had been anticipating this restaurant opening for what seems like forever! Also, my parents knew Eric Greenspan’s parents from years and years ago, so there was another bonus reason to try it. 🙂

The tiny storefront stands out because of the bright yellow, but otherwise you might pass right on by! By the way, you may remember my trip to The Grilled Cheese Spot exactly a month ago. Interesting that they both go for black, white, and yellow decor. Great minds think alike!

Here is the menu that I had to choose from. It was a hard decision, but I picked a couple that we would like to try plus a few extras of course!

If you notice on the menu, there is a short list of Hand-Crafted seltzers. Well, here is the set-up! He went over the flavors, but I cannot remember everything that he mentioned. I do remember that the reddish-colored one on the left is actually the Orange Creamsicle flavor. Odd that it isn’t orange, right?

I nearly wanted him to shake one up for me, but I already had a tea to juggle along with lots of tasty goodies!

Now, let’s finally get to the food!

The Champ

Raisin walnut + Tallegio + Beef Short Ribs + Apricot Caper Puree + Sun Dried Tomato + Arugula

When they served this sandwich at The Foundry (R.I.P.), we ordered it so I already knew that it was fantastic. If you watch food programs on TV, you probably would have seen Eric Greenspan talking about his winning entry at the Grilled Cheese Invitational. Well, this is it and it is wonderful! I love the sweetness of the Raisin Walnut bread and the Apricot caper puree, in contrast to the Beef short ribs. Simply wonderful!

The Med

Challah bread + Goat cheese + Tomato + Artichoke + Roast peppers + Avocado

The Med is short for Mediterranean, and I gravitated to it because I love goat cheese and veggies. It is the only vegetarian sandwich (except for the simple Classic), so of course I had to try it!

Latke bites

Potato pancake bites with apple crème fraiche

These were round potato pancakes about the size of a donut hole. We were 50/50 on these. The outside was fried, crispy, and had the perfect amount of salt.

The apple crème fraiche was a great addition, and a play on the traditional applesauce and sour cream toppings. I might have preferred the choice of a more applesauce-type of condiment, but I still wouldn’t turn this one down!

Now, the part we weren’t as sold on was the inside of the latke bite. It was not seasoned very well and almost tasted doughy. Now I understand the reason for the regular latke shape, so there is crispiness and flavor all throughout the potato cake.

Throwback Apple-Pie

The apple pie you LOVED as a kid

When I asked the cashier what the apple pie was like, he said he hadn’t tried it yet because it was a new addition. Someone else mentioned that it was like a certain “golden arches” eatery’s apple pie. She was right!

She also recommended putting a slice of cheese on it, like some people do with apple pie. Another employee just coming into work was super excited because he said that I was the first person to order anything off-menu. Really? I was sure that someone would have tried getting secret-menu options made because that’s been a trend. Either way, I’m glad I tried it this way. Kinda awesome!