Grilled cheese goes couture

"Gossip Girl" stars noshing on the infamous $50 grilled cheese?! (Photo: CW)


Just saw a segment on the "Today" show about a $50 grilled cheese (!!!) that was featured on glossy CW show "Gossip Girl."

Executive Chef Christopher Lee of NYC's Gilt (455 Madison Ave., 212-891-8100) is behind the creation, which includes fontina cheese, shallots, shaved black truffles (white truffles, when in season) and, of course, decadent truffle oil.

Now, while Chicago may not have any super high-end grilled cheese offerings, I found some that could definitely compete with the "Gossip Girl" gourmet sandwich—and hey you don't have to pay $50!

Crust (2056 W. Division St., 773 235-5511). The hip, organic eatery serves theirs with kalona cooperative cheddar, brioche bread and a tomato basil soup. $8.

Fixture (2706 N. Ashland Ave., 773-248-3331). Mmmm. This one comes with taleggio cheese, brioche and drizzled with truffle oil (!!). Oh, and it is complemented by smoked tomato soup, too. $10.

Jerry’s Sandwiches. Comes with a choice of two cheeses and grilled on your choice of bread: Tuscan white, classic white, multigrain or dark rye. $7.75. 1045 W Madison St., 312-563-1008 or 1938 W. Division St., 773-235-1006.

Kitsch’n Roscoe (2005 W. Roscoe St., 773-248-7372). It’s simple, but hearty with grilled tomato, caramelized onions and choice of cheese. $6.99. (Also served at Kitsch’n River North, 600 W. Chicago Ave., 312-644-1500.)

Silver Cloud (1700 N. Damen Ave., 773-489-6212). All January, every day is the 4th Annual Anti-Resolution Killer Carb special: $9.95 gets you Silver Cloud’s signature grilled cheese (special cheese blend served on Italian bread), mac & cheese, and mashed potatoes and gravy.