Grilled Cheese CLOSED AS OF 1/06 (and Chocolate Cake)

After the sophistication of the previous sushi meal, I craved something a little more infantile. What pleasure is more primeval than that of a grilled cheese sandwich?

And what is the most enticing aspect of a grilled cheese sandwich? The silky texture of the hot melted cheese? The crunchy toast? Or the contrast between the luxuriously soft cheese and the toast? These are questions I pondered as my teeth sunk into the "3-Cheese" at Grilled Cheese on the Lower East Side. My sandwich consisted of a heavenly blend of Monterey Jack, cheddar and Swiss melted over grilled onions, roasted garlic, mushrooms and red peppers. I was also quite satisfied with the fresh 7-grain bread (you can also order your sandwich on a baguette or white toast). The folks at Grilled Cheese are in the process of changing their menu, but as of yesterday, they also featured a “Grilled Motzy” (mozzarella with pesto) and several options for those of you who prefer your grilled cheese with a slice of ham.

My inner child then asked, “Can I have some dessert?” She asked nicely, so I took a hike up 1st Ave. to Tarallucci e Vino and had myself a nice slice of chocolate cake. Dense with ground almonds and covered with powdered sugar, it was an adult solution to a juvenile dilemma.

Grilled Cheese: 168 Ludlow St. (212) 982-6600.