JAPP'S GRILLED CHEESE COOK OFF

This Sunday at Japp's Annex, six sandwich chefs took part in a competition for the warmest, gooiest, tastiest grilled cheese in Cincinnati.

With eclectic combinations like buffalo bleu cheese with chicken, fried green tomatoes, four cheese, or cheddar with salsa and sour cream, each chef showcased their secret recipe.

The cook off audience had a chance to sample each of the grilled cheeses and vote for their favorite using a token handed out upon arrival. There was also a panel of Cincinnati food bloggers serving as judges to award the best grilled cheese the coveted Golden Spatula award.

In addition to piping hot sandwiches, Molly Wellmann was mixing up Bloody Marys behind the bar. She fixed me an incredible drink loaded with veggie garnish.

While each of the grilled cheeses was uniquely delicious, my appetite was won over by the fried green tomato grilled cheese. The texture, the savory flavors that changed with each chew; it was a cold weather winner in my book.

JAPP'S NEED FOR MEAD

The lovely Miss Molly Wellmann invited me to a mead tasting at Japp's featuring a fellow who flew all the way from Colorado to share his brew with us. David, the mead connoisseur, told us about the origin of mead, the fermentation process, and the different flavors of each sample. Our group tasted six varieties hinted with different notes from sweet to carbonated to oakey.

 

My favorite was the Winter Solstice Mead, which had a creamy vanilla taste with hints of cinnamon. The Traditional Mountain Honey Wine was next, as it was the simple sweet mead that goes hand-in-hand with autumn.

Fun Mead Facts:
 - Mead is the world's oldest beverage; older than both beer or wine. It dates back to a prehistoric cave painting found in Spain.
 - The word "honeymoon" originates from mead. Back in the day, couples drank honey wine for the period of one full lunar cycle, which was said to ensure the birth of a male heir.
 - It takes 360 lbs. of honey to make one batch of mead.

Redstone Meadery is launching its product line in Ohio soon, but for now you can find it at Japp's being served by the glass or mixed in a cocktail.