By DCist contributor Ashley Wetzel
While the people of D.C. are used to the notion of delayed gratification, let’s take a collective sigh of relief. I can say with relative certainty that a week’s worth of 60 degree days signals spring has sprung, and after meeting with the team at GCDC, I can say with complete certainty that the eagerly anticipated (though slightly overdue) grilled cheese bar will open to the public on April 11th. With National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day (yes, everything now has a national day) celebrated on April 12th, they’re cutting it close.
First off, let’s talk menu. GCDC, located at 1730 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, is looking to be the spot for a high-quality lunchtime experience. The grilled cheese sandwiches designed to be their signature offerings feature various cheese blends and an array of unexpected ingredients, created by co-owner Steven Klores in the law firm basement “lab” of co-owner/father Bruce. Highlights include The Mediterranean (feta, mozzarella, roasted red pepper and marinated artichoke hearts on Kalamata olive bread) and The French Onion (gruyere-blend and caramelized onions on challah). I sampled The Grilled Carbonara (admire that beauty above) which was a mild yet flavorful gruyere blend that still allowed the pancetta to shine. Oh, and I can’t forget the leeks — yes, leeks — on a sandwich, a first for me.
Lunch patrons will be able to “grill their own” sandwiches, choosing from a list of bread, cheese, veggie, sauce and add-on options. There will be a vegan “Tomato Soup with a Kick” as well as a rotating soup of the day, available in cup, bowl, or “dunk” size. Last, but certainly not least, are the tots. The original variation is served with the GCDC special sauce (a creamy concoction, with a bit of a horseradish kick), while the poutine-style Canadian tots are smothered in cheese curds, bacon, and mushroom gravy.
For the happy hour and the evening crowd, GCDC will lower the lights, take down the menus and invite guests to try a selection of cheese and charcuterie. Beer, wine and cocktails have been selected to pair with small bites-style grilled cheese, savory, and sweet offerings. In addition, cheesemongers from Union Market’s Righteous Cheese will pick a weekly must-have item, so be sure to ask your server about the “righteous pairing.”
Do yourself a favor and order a Coney Island Egg Cream. The drink is for dine-in customers only, as the fresh taste and characteristic head require immediate enjoyment once the ingredients are mixed. You’ll be able to order a more adult Egg Cream Cocktail enhanced with whipped cream vodka and Frangelico, if that’s more your speed.
The space is modern, with a palette of grays warmed up by wooden arches that give it a bit of a cheese-cave vibe. Once opened, expect the walls to be livened up with artwork from local artists and a mural of Andrew Jackson’s big block of cheese on the White House lawn. The GCDC-ers were extremely inviting, and I imagine (and hope) that hospitality will spill over into the day-to-day management of the restaurant.
See the lunch and evening menus below.
