Editor's Note: In this great city of ours, one could eat a different sandwich every day of the year--so that's what we'll do. Here's A Sandwich a Day, our daily look at sandwiches around Chicago. Got a sandwich we should check out? Let us know. --The Mgmt.
[Photograph: Michell Eloy]
"Gourmet" grilled cheese sandwiches are often written off as the stuff of hipster fodder—an overpriced version of an otherwise cheap classic. So a tiny restaurant in Bucktown whose menu features more than one of these cheesy delicacies is perhaps the rightful recipient of an Etsy knit hat full of skepticism. And Melt certainly has the potential to garner a few raised eyebrows with its chalkboard wall menu (to be fair, they do have menu's printed out) and its penchant to add a little bacon to nearly everything.
But one bite of The Appleton ($7.95) will quell any cynicism as to Melt's sandwich destination worthiness. The Appleton boasts a cheesy melange of Cajun-spiced cheddar, pepper jack, and muenster, topped with red apple slices and bacon aioli, all pressed between a semi-sweet baguette. The sweet apple slices are a nice balance to the medley of part savory/part spicy cheeses that ooze out from the bread with every bite. And this sandwich can be modified to cater to all dietary wants and restrictions. Want a little meat? Add Applewood smoked bacon or some turkey slices for an extra $2. Happen to be a vegan or lactose intolerant? All cheese can be replaced with soy cheese. Tack on soup or a bag of chips (every sandwich comes with a choice between the two), and you've got a delicious, filling and relatively cheap lunch.
Melt
1840 N. Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)
meltchicago.com
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