A Sandwich to Drive For
O.K. I do write a bit about food. I mean, what’s not to like about this truly enjoyable thing that most of us get to enjoy every single day, more than once, with variety almost always on offer? Of course food, especially in variety, is a luxury. We live in a society where freshest, quality ingredients are easily had and the number and variety of restaurants (especially in good old Portland) leaves little to be desired. And today? It’s all about a mind-boggling grilled cheese sandwich I had over the weekend.
This bright red sign grabbed my attention from the street. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
A grilled cheese sandwich? Many wouldn’t consider this a full-on “entree,” or something worth really writing about. But dang, the rock n’ roll heavens must have reached down and zapped the grilled cheese I ran into at the local McMenamin’s on N.W. 23rd Ave. So darn good. So here I am now, preaching its savoriness. But I’m getting slightly ahead here. Yes, prior to meeting with this great work of cheese and bread, I was walking around in NW. Twas’ a super nice day, crowded sidewalks. Over 100 people in line at Salt n’ Straw (yikes). Lines everywhere, so where to go? I ended up heading north on 23rd to get away from the crowd and ran into the usually-slightly-less-crowded McMenamin’s Tavern and Pool. I’d been here before, and it’s always a bit more relaxed…perfect.
Was it McMenamin’s, or was it food heaven? Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not knocking McMenamin’s in any way, but I didn’t expect to have my socks blown off by their fare either. They’ve always made great hamburgers, yummy fries, awesome cajun tots, and, well, several other tasty dishes. Yet I haven’t really had them on my 5-star radar; they’re a burger place after all. But these times, they are a changin’.
As you can see, the sandwich I am talking so crazy about is not on the “regular” McMenamin’s menu. Rather, it is presently a Food Special…meaning it might not be there even while you read this. But if you’re serious about trying this sandwich (and you really should be), then just call ahead and ask if the Cider House Grilled Ham and Cheese is still available or can be specially made. Can’t hurt! Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
Well, after scanning the menu, I spotted a grilled cheese sandwich…specifically the Cider House Grilled Ham and Cheese. Yeah, I bet you’re thinking what? This guy’s talking about a grilled cheese sandwich and wasting hundreds of words while at it? Well, let me set the record straight. This grilled cheese sandwich is, to-date, the very best sandwich I believe I have ever tasted, consumed, had, been given, dreamt of, etc. etc. It’s that darn good.
So let’s talk in a tiny bit more detail about this most amazing creation. First, the brioche bread was expertly grilled. Next, there was a definite sweetness with the beehive apple butter, and when combined with the OSU Creamer cider-washed cheese and the ham, dang, so good. This combo, along with McMenamin’s practiced hand at preparation, made this sandwich fit for royalty. If it was the last sandwich I could ever order…this very likely might be it. lol.
Unfortunately I did’t get a picture of this incredible sandwich; it had disappeared before I knew I was going to write about it, lol. But the memory is there, so I’m sharing today. Hopefully you’ll get as lucky as I and get down there, catching this insanely good grilled (ham &) cheese before it’s gone ;).