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Best Chain Grilled Cheese in LA

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(credit: grilledcheeseinvitational.com)

The Grilled Cheese Invitational (GCI) is the largest Grilled Cheese cooking contest in the country and is happening right here in Pasadena on April 28th! Get in the mood by driving by one of these restaurants with locations all over town, ready to slap a GC in your hungry hands.

The event was created by Tim Walker in 2003, in an artist loft in Downtown Los Angeles as a competition between friends and since then, has grown into a national movement dedicated to perfecting the art of grilled cheese, with thousands of cheese fiends and regional competitions across the country.

The Categories for competition are:
Love, American Style – White bread, butter, orange cheese (American or Cheddar).
The Missionary Position - Any type of bread, butter and cheese.
The Kama Sutra - A sandwich of the savory nature, with any type of bread, butter and cheese PLUS additional ingredients, and the interior ingredients must be at least 60% cheese.
The Honey Pot – Any kind of bread, any kind of butter, and any kind of cheese, and the interior ingredients of the sandwich must be at least 60% cheese, PLUS additional ingredients, and with an overall flavor that is sweet and would best be served as dessert.

When the Grilled Cheese Invitational is not happening you can find great grilled cheese sandwiches all over Los Angeles.

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(credit: delish.com)

My son is a vegetarian and still chooses In-N-Out as one of his favorite places to eat. Two slices of melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato, animal style without onions on a freshly toasted bun.

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(credit: thegrilledcheesetruck.com)

Grilled Cheese Truck

Various Locations throughout Los Angeles
Check their website to find out when they will be in your neighborhood
More Info

The Grilled Cheese Truck got their start during the 7th Annual Grilled Cheese Invitational back in 2010. They entered their Masterpiece Melt (and my personal favorite) the Cheesy Mac n Rib Sandwich. It contains Macaroni and Cheese with Sharp Cheddar, BBQ Pork and Carmelized Onions.

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(credit: yelp.com)

This one is my go to for a good old comfort sandwich. It has an amazing blend of cheddar, jack, Swiss and mozzarella on grilled garlic parmesan sourdough bread.

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(credit: johnnyrockets.com)

I love the 50's diner feel and their grilled cheese is after school special good. Just like mom used to make, 2 slices of white bread and 4 slices of your choice of cheese, American, Cheddar, Swiss or Pepper Jack.

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(credit: granvillecafe.com)

Filled with Basque, Gruyere and Parmesan Cheeses but also stuffed with caramelized onions and a garlic aioli. On parmesan encrusted bread and served with a tomato bisque for dipping. So good for a warm up on a cool evening.

Adrienne Van Houten is a Glendale blogger who publishes the site Adrienne's House. Come on in and put up your feet.

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