The 2011 Grilled Cheese Invitational

This was the second year I went to the Grilled Cheese Invitational in Downtown LA, and it was amazing. I have so much to share, but I'll keep it simple. While I only voted for a few of the actual competitors, I had a couple winners of my own...

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The Vendors

The Dogtown Truck

The California Dog, Avocado, Fried Onion, Arugula, Tomatos, Basil Aioli - My Favorite Hot Dog

Grub

Betty Fraser, from Top Chef and Owner of Grub, Serving her Grilled Cheese


Homemade Ginger Ale, Grilled Cheese with Dill, and Tomato Soup *WINNER*


The Fosse Cookie: Chocolate Chip with Potato Chips

Tillamook

Three Cheese

Campanille

Burrata with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes


Assorted Spicy Meats


The Feast Truck

Tomato Basil


Turkey, Pepper Jack, Stuffing and Cranberry Aioli *WINNER*


Apple Pie


The Competition
There were several people competing, but it was such a mob scene I was only able to taste a few...














The Scene:


Grilled Cheese Inspired Poetry Contests


Free Water, very necessary


The Crowds


Free Samples


Chef Ricardo Zarate in the Competition, who was just named Best New Chef by Food & Wine


Me with the Tillamook mascot