Sunday, September 15, 2013

The Grilled Cheese Grill - Portland, Oregon


What's more comforting than a grilled cheese sandwich made by Mom?   Believe it or not, the answer might just be a hot and gooey grilled cheese sandwich cooked up by a couple of bearded dudes in a gleaming silver trailer in Portland, Oregon.
We'd heard that The Grilled Cheese Grill featured the best grilled cheese in Portland (who could doubt Reader's Digest?) - but how cool to learn that it's all served from a truck, at one of Portland's numerous food cart pods -- this one located at SE 28th and Ankeny.


It's hard to decide which is more enticing - the sleek, torpedo-shaped trailer that houses the grill, or the double-decker Partridge Family style school bus that serves as the dining facility. The youngest in our party insists that the bus is THE place to dine, and climbs to the top floor several times. 
The tabletops are covered in easy-to-clean decoupage featuring dozens of elementary school class pictures.   

Step up to the grill window and place an order.  You'll be greeted with a smile, and handed a claim check featuring the face of a 1980's TV icon.   Appropriately, mine was Mr. T of the A Team.   
    
Our order is as varied as our party, and one can experience everything from classic grilled cheese to nouveau cuisine.  
The Gabby features four cheeses – Tillamook Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella and Colby Jack. The Jersey offers sautéed mushrooms and Swiss on marble rye. The Mondor layers Pepperjack Cheese, avocado, fresh red onion and roasted red pepper.  The Kindergartner (appropriately chosen by our Kindergartner-to-be) is classic grilled cheese on white or multi-grain topped with the regions best - Tillamook Cheddar Cheese.  You can opt to have the crusts cut off.  And there are plenty of other options that will have you reliving your misspent youth. 
A few bites, and we're all luxuriating in a luscious lactose high.  The recipe is simple - just butter, bread and cheese. But, what stringy, delicious satisfaction!  If you're ever in Portland, take some time to savor a scrumptious, second childhood courtesy of the Grilled Cheese Grill.

©2013 T.W. Barritt All Rights Reserved   

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

This sounds so...delicious! And "who could doubt Reader's Digest?" An excellent Point to Ponder...

Axelle the french cook said...

I'm working in administration and one of my dream is to leave this job, buy an english bus and make almost the same thing !
I like this article, thank you.

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

What a great find T.W. - gooey and delicious sandwiches. I'll have The Mondor please. I'll be back next time for the Kindergardener without the crust...
Sam

Zany said...

They can cut the crust off?! Seems they thought of everything...

~~louise~~ said...

Happy Sunday, Mr. T!

Just writing that brings a chuckle:) That trailer is some site as is that double decker! What a novel idea. I've heard of the cart pods on the West coast but I had no idea they were so "lavish."

Nothing beats a comforting, melty grilled cheese sandwich. The Gabby sounds like my style. I wonder if they have any Gidget claim checks, lol...

Thanks for sharing...enjoy your Sunday:)

Deana Sidney said...

One of my favorite things. A grilled cheese with chips and pickles. Makes you feel like a kid and that's a good feeling. What a great place... would certainly try if and when I get to Portland

Laura Luciano said...

I bet Ford was jealous and so am! :)

Barbara said...

Simply love the double decker dining area, T.W. Such fun!
Lordy, is there anything better than a grilled cheese? I am dying for one, but just can't bring myself to make it, all that butter, cheese and bread....no, can't do it. But if that truck was in the neighborhood, yes. I'd have The Gabby. No doubt about it.
Drool.

Gloria Baker said...

I love melted grilled cheese and these look amazing T.W!

Velva said...

Oregon has a great food truck scene.....I am not surprised that you tapped into it!

I find grilled cheese sandwiches very comforting along side a bowl of tomato soup.

Velva

Catherine said...

Dear T.W., That is a long way to go for delicious grilled cheese! Looks like fun though. Blessings, Catherine