Ep 8. Grilled Cheese

Bobby Flay is back with another episode of Throwdown, and this time he's taking on one of America's most beloved comfort foods: grilled cheese. In this season 4 episode, Flay sets out to challenge some of the country's best grilled cheese chefs, and how they manage to put their own unique spins on this classic dish.

As always, Flay doesn't reveal his plans until he's face-to-face with the chefs, so the competition is fierce. In this episode, we get a glimpse at some of the many ways grilled cheese can be made: from traditional American cheese on white bread to more exotic versions stuffed with lobster, bacon, and even duck.

The episode opens with Flay talking about the childhood memories that grilled cheese evokes for him. He explains that the nostalgia factor is part of what makes the dish so special, and why he's excited to see what these chefs come up with.

First up is the Grilled Cheese Truck from Los Angeles, California. This food truck has made a name for itself with their unique twists on the classic sandwich. They use artisan breads, a variety of cheeses, and creative add-ons like mac and cheese and even potato chips.

Next is The Grilled Cheeserie from Nashville, Tennessee. This restaurant began as a food truck, and has since expanded to three brick-and-mortar locations. They feature a rotating menu of grilled cheese specials, and even offer house-made tomato soup for dipping.

The final competitor is Tom + Chee from Cincinnati, Ohio. This restaurant is known for their "fancy grilled cheese," which includes ingredients like apples, bananas, and balsamic glaze. They also feature tomato soup for dipping, but with a twist - it's served cold and topped with a grilled cheese crouton.

As the chefs get to work, Flay watches from the sidelines and takes notes. He's impressed with the Grilled Cheese Truck's use of creative toppings and artisan breads, but notes that their version leans more towards a gourmet sandwich than a classic grilled cheese. The Grilled Cheeserie's sandwich is more traditional, but their use of multiple cheeses adds a nice complexity to the dish. Finally, Tom + Chee's sandwich is the most unique - Flay notes that the sweetness of the apple works surprisingly well with the cheddar cheese.

As the chefs finish up, Flay reveals his own version of grilled cheese - a spicy pepper jack cheese with roasted tomatoes and chipotle aioli. He also shares some tips for perfect grilled cheese, including using a sturdy bread and going easy on the butter.

When it's time to taste the sandwiches, Flay is blown away by the creativity and variety of flavors. The Grilled Cheese Truck's sandwich is a standout - it's loaded with mac and cheese, crispy bacon, and a tangy BBQ sauce. The Grilled Cheeserie's offering is a classic grilled cheese elevated with three cheeses and tomato jam. Tom + Chee's sandwich is the most unique, with the sweetness of the apples and the tanginess of the balsamic glaze playing off the melted cheddar.

In the end, Flay declares a tie between The Grilled Cheeserie and Tom + Chee. He notes that both sandwiches stayed true to the classic grilled cheese while adding interesting twists. As always, Flay is gracious in defeat and compliments all of the chefs on their delicious sandwiches.

Overall, this episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay is a fun and mouth-watering look at one of America's favorite sandwiches. Whether you're a traditionalist or someone who likes their grilled cheese with a twist, there's something here for everyone.