You may be wondering how an entire business can focus on a childhood favorite like grilled cheese… It’s easy! The grilled cheese sandwiches at Little Muenster are not your stereotypical white bread meets American cheese. The chef at this restaurant has amped-up the simple sandwich into a sophisticated one by combining high-end cheeses with other ingredients to compliment them. For example, I ordered the #4 — which is Asiago, Parmesan and Muenster cheese with butternut squash and sage brown butter on peasant bread.
When hot, the Muenster cheese was perfectly stringy, the peasant bread was buttered and perfectly cooked until golden brown which ultimately created the perfect crunchy texture, and the butternut squash had a smooth, thick texture in the sandwich. The sage brown butter added the perfect sweetness in addition to the butternut squash. Would I order this sandwich again? You betcha! The entire menu is grilled cheese, although you are able to order a soup or salad on the side as well. I have been told their tomato soup is to die for, but I was perfectly satisfied with the grilled cheese.
My friend Stefanie and I had planned to head to Little Muenster on the Lower East Side — and we both couldn’t wait to go! For both of us, it was our first time going and I don’t know about her, but I was shocked to see how small the restaurant was. The space probably could comfortably fit maybe 15 people. So we ordered our sandwiches and had to wait a few minutes for people to finish up eating. This place is not a great spot to go to if you are looking to sit down and take your time eating. Once you order, it takes maybe 15 minutes for your food to be prepared. (I know, 15 minutes may seem like a long time for a simple grilled cheese to cook. But remember: some cheese takes a longer time to melt than others.) Next to the Meatball Shop, this is a fantastic place to find your favorite comfort food!
Note: this is the way I will make my future children’s grilled cheeses. No more dinky sandwiches… I now know how to spice it up at home!
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My mouth is watering!
When you visit me and Mike in Cleveland, we’ll have to bring you to Melt. (http://meltbarandgrilled.com/) They have a similar concept – specialty grilled cheeses. My favorite is their Sweet and Smokey Steak (flank, carmel onions and smoke gouda).
yum yum! can’t wait!!!
Holy, yum! The proper amount of butter is critical to getting that great crunch, in my opinion. I really liked this recipe from Holly the Everythingtarian http://www.thehealthyeverythingtarian.com/?p=17147
I totally agree about the butter! For a (healthier) crispy texture on the sandwiches I make at home, I have been brushing rosemary seasoned olive oil on the bread before placing it on the griddle that I use to make grilled cheeses. I was surprised at how flavorful olive oil and rosemary can be when cooked together!