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...

{Click on the Images to Enlarge}

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

Say Cheese!

I know this is not a dessert related topic...but I had to share this. Last weekend I went to the Grilled Cheese Invitational, which was basically a big cheese festival!


There was a grilled cheese competition, a bunch of grilled cheese trucks, and best of all, free samples!! We chose The Grilled Cheese Truck and the sandwiches we got were totally worth the long lines. The TBM one below was maybe the best sandwich I've ever had, seriously.


Tomato Basil Mozzeralla Grilled Cheese


Brie and Pear Grilled Cheese on Raisin Bread


Some people really like their cheese...