The quest for the perfect grilled cheese sandwich

This place is apparently pretty famous for their burgers. That said, it should have come as no surprise when this dreadful thing showed up: hatefully constructed with gaping hole, at least three slices of unmelted american cheese, and all topped off with a sprinkling of grill droppings. Clearly, the kitchen staff does not take kindly to audacious patrons who snub their cheeseburgers. I didn’t actually finish it, but I can say it’s possibly the worst grilled cheese sandwich I’ve ever been served, due largely to the disdain with which it was prepared. I awarded it a shameful 2/10…and am seriously considering writing them and asking that they have the decency to remove it from their menu. To their credit, though, the fries and burgers were, in fact, delicious- evidenced by Kate actually finishing a whole one. ($5.50)

(See below, The Nook gets a piece of my mind.)

The Nook
Attn: Mike Runyon & Ted Casper
492 Hamline Ave S.
St Paul, MN 55116

Re: Grilled Shamrocks Cheese Sandwich

Dear Mike & Ted,

I visited your fine establishment on Saturday the 26th, at the recommendation of friend   who boldly asserted that you guys made the best burgers anywhere. He wasn’t wrong. I enjoyed a bit of one at the end of our meal, and it was effing delicious. That said, a burger wasn’t actually what I ordered. As a longtime lover of grilled cheese sandwiches, I’ve recently made it my mission to scour the earth for the perfect grilled cheese. Adopting a simple 1-10 rating system, and a photoblog to chronicle the process – I’ve devoured many. When I saw one on your menu, I couldn’t help myself. I knew better, but alas.

Knowing that burgers were your specialty, it should have come as no surprise when this dreadful thing showed up: hatefully constructed with a gaping hole, at least three slices of not-quite-melted American cheese, and all topped off with a sprinkling of grill droppings. Clearly, the kitchen staff does not take kindly to audacious patrons who snub your cheeseburgers. I really didn’t mean to hurt anyone’s feelings, and certainly mean no disrespect to local artist Michael Birawer, who allegedly endorses the thing. Now, I didn’t actually finish it, but I can say it’s possibly the worst grilled cheese sandwich I’ve ever been served – due largely to the obvious disdain with which it was prepared. (It scored a 2/10.) To your credit, the fries and burgers were, in fact, absolutely delicious. I’ve never even seen my friend Kate finish a whole cheeseburger.

You’re probably wondering, “So, what’s your point?” I’m glad you asked. As a devoted grilled cheese enthusiast, I cannot stand idly by while an establishment with such obvious principles serves such a sub-par grilled cheese sandwich. What I’m asking is simple: approach it with the same fervor and gusto as you do your burgers. Use more than one kind of cheese, add some garlic, some bacon, make it with three slices of bread, for effs-sake! Or, I beg of you. On behalf of grilled cheese lovers everywhere: remove it from your menu. Please.

Sincerest Regards,

Erin

(Enclosure)

Smokey gouda, sharp cheddar, basil pesto, and applewood bacon on wheatberry-grain bread. This was pretty tasty. I wasn’t in love with their pesto, (it was a little bit processed for my liking) and the whole mess was bordering on soggy. However, the bacon was top notch and the cheeses were melty and plentiful. Overall, a solid 7/10. (On a side note, these fries are a 9.) ($9.50)

This is the holy grail of grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s made from THREE slices of house-made bread, white cheddar, mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmigiano, roasted garlic and chive aioli. It’s as sophisticated a grilled cheese as I have ever eaten. Despite the social implications of the SERIOUS garlic on this sandwich, it’s definitely a 10/10. Go get one right now. ($7.99)

This sandwich is made from texas toast, american cheese, and tasty bacon. (You have to ask for the bacon) It’s nothing special, but I order it every time I go. The bread is a little boring, and it has a bit of a “Cap’n Crunch” effect of the roof of your mouth. Nonetheless, it’s a reliable 6/10. ($4.99 +bacon)

In efforts to legitimize my grilled cheese quest, I’ve decided to go public. (I’ll probably continue to post on Facebook as well, but this will be my primary outlet.) I’m quite eager to explore and exploit my new digs, and perhaps a wider audience. Hope you enjoy the new format!

Regards,

Erin