Best Sandwiches in America 2016: Grilled Cheese

Winner: T-Brie-D Grilled Cheese

Restaurant: The Rind, Sacramento

Sandwich Creator: Sara Arbabian

Inspiration: “We wanted to do something ooey and gooey, but that had complex herbal, sweet notes to it that challenged the palate in an approachable way. It’s an exploration of the senses.”

Key Ingredients: Marin French Triple Creme Brie, Creminelli Prosciutto, Salted Caramel Sauce, Fuji Apples, Local Sourdough Bread, Rosemary, Guajillo chili and Cayenne Pepper Powder

Price: $14

Food Cost: $4.62

What the Judges Said: This sandwich was a revelation. It did offer the gooey quality level Arbabian sought, and, too, the sweetness from caramel and Fuji slices. But the salt from the prosciutto and the caramel sauce elevated the flavors beyond the expected. What sealed the deal for us, though, was the just-right heat from the guajillo and cayenne. T-Brie is a brilliantly constructed sandwich.

Honorable Mentions:
• PB&J Grilled Cheese: South Water Kitchen, Chicago
• Farmer’s Grilled Cheese: Toast Montclair: Montclair, NJ
• The Morning After: Better Than Sex Dessert Restaurant, Key West
• Midwestern Grilled Cheese: Farm Bar, Chicago
• Prosciutto Grilled Cheese: Great Lakes Brewing Co., Cleveland

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