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Review: Gourmet Grilled Cheese at Epcot’s Taste Track


Disney4me
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Today, we’re grabbing lunch from a pop up seasonal spot in Epcot! And this one involves Grilled Cheese!!

You know these kiosks…often you’ll find them closed (and sometimes not even there!) if you’re lucky enough to visit during less busy times of the year.

Spaceship Earth, How We Love You

Epcot!

But since we’re smack dab in the middle of Spring Break, we’re seeing lots of extra food around the Parks to help feed the hungry crowds and minimize wait times at regular Counter Service and Table Service Locations.

Thanks to readers Daniel Wanderman and Megan McQuillan‎ for letting me know recently that we needed to get over to Epcot’s Taste Track to check out an incredible menu of Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. I can’t wait to show you these!

Atmosphere

If you’re looking for Taste Track, hang a right as you’re facing Test Track, and head back toward Future World. If the kiosk is serving, this is where you’ll find it.

Taste Track

Taste Track

You won’t find much in the way of seating — as in tables and chairs — but there are the same highboy tables that you see scattered around World Showcase, especially during the Flower and Garden and Food and Wine Festivals.

Taste Track Tables

Tables Near Taste Track

Taste Track Tables 2

More Tables

There are also some benches shaded by umbrellas situated a short walk away. And there are a few low planters with walls that conveniently double as both benches and tables.

For a landmark to get your bearings, Cool Wash is directly behind you if you’re facing the Taste Track kiosk.

Cool Wash, Across from the Taste Track Kiosk

Cool Wash, Across from the Taste Track Kiosk

Everything on the menu sounded pretty fantastic and we were excited to sample a range of things. Let’s check out what we chose.

Eats

For such a small booth, there’s a surprisingly diverse menu offered here!

With three different Gourmet Grilled Cheese Selections, plus Soup and Salad options, this could be a stop for the whole family. There are also some fantastic Craft Beer Selections. Because Grilled Cheese and Beer.

Taste Track Menu -- Click to Enlarge

Taste Track Menu — Click to Enlarge

I thought the Kids’ Meal option of Grilled Cheese on Goldfish Honey Wheat Bread was fun, too. I tried to snap a pic from the family behind me; alas, they must have been hungry because they snatched it too quick. :-)

When it came down to it, my friend and I decided to sample all three of the “grown up” options. We began with the Fontina and Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich. This one combines Fontina Cheese, Sliced Tomato, and Fresh Basil with a Balsamic Glaze, and it comes together on Sourdough Bread.

Fontina and Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Fontina and Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The very first thing I did was to take the sandwich apart (it wasn’t cheese-glued together as you would expect) and remove nearly all of the basil. Don’t get me wrong; I love basil. But there was a huge sprig on my sandwich — stem and all — and it would have been knock-me-down overpowering. Still, the sammie looked a little anemic, so I didn’t expect much from this one.

Fontina and Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich -- Cross Section

Fontina and Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich — Cross Section

I was wrong! It was way better than I expected. I’m sorry that I didn’t get the inside shot of it, but the flavors of melted Fontina (a DFB favorite!) against the bright Tomatoes, fragrant Basil, and rich Balsamic Glaze came together beautifully. After I divested the sandwich of $2 worth of Basil, it was delish.

But even so, it was good that I started with that one, because the best was definitely yet to come.

Next, my friend and I checked out the Canadian Cheddar and Apple Grilled Cheese. This one is prepared on Cinnamon Raisin Bread.

Canadian Cheddar and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Canadian Cheddar and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The Sandwich was certainly the most visually interesting, with the swirls of Cinnamon and the Raisins peeking out of the bread.

Canadian Cheddar and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich -- Up Close

Canadian Cheddar and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich — Up Close

I opened it up and saw that it was as advertised — it was all there. Apple Butter on both sides, White Cheddar, and Sliced Apples. I was a little dubious about the raw Apple, but it turned out I didn’t need to be. The crunchy texture against the other rich components was amazing. More than the others, this is the one I couldn’t stop eating.

Canadian Cheddar and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich -- Inside

Canadian Cheddar and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich — Inside

The sandwiches here are offered with a side of either Tomato Basil Soup or a Salad. To be honest, I didn’t expect much flavor from the Salad, but I thought it was a great option, as it would lighten up an otherwise rich offering.

I was right about the lightening, but not about it being a boring option. Turns out that the Salad has all of the same ingredients as the Grilled Chicken Salad offered as an entree (well, except the Chicken). In addition to chopped Romaine, there’s also shredded Cheddar, Golden Raisins, Candied Pecans, and sliced Granny Smith Apples.

Side Salad with Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Side Salad with Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The dressing is a very light White Balsamic Dijon Vinaigrette. And the whole thing is perfectly tossed and all kinds of interesting. I was so glad that we got two so I didn’t have to share!

Another Look at the Side Salad

Another Look at the Side Salad

But the third sandwich. Well. See for yourself.

Doesn’t look like much, eh? But it so is. Because hiding between those golden layers of Sourdough is a combination of Gruyere, Applewood Smoked Bacon, and Caramelized Onions. FTW.

Gruyere and Applewood Smoked Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Gruyere and Applewood Smoked Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich

We opted for a side of Tomato Basil Soup with this one.

Gruyere and Applewood Smoked Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Side of Tomato Basil Soup

Gruyere and Applewood Smoked Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Side of Tomato Basil Soup

Again — and this was the case with all three Sammies — the bread was perfectly, perfectly grilled. I’m partial to Sourdough for grilled cheese anyway, so I couldn’t have been more pleased.

Gruyere and  Applewood Smoked Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Gruyere and Applewood Smoked Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich — Up Close

Until I opened this one up for a look inside. And then I was. We all know that Caramelized Onions and Gruyere are a match made in heaven (hellooooo, French Onion Soup). But toss smokey Bacon in there and…well. There are just no words to tell you how spot-on perfect this was.

From a trailer! In the middle of Epcot!!

Gruyere and  Applewood Smoked Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich -- Inside

Gruyere and Applewood Smoked Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich — Inside

The cup of Tomato Basil was teeny tiny, but it actually proved to be perfect for dipping bites of the sandwich.

Taste Track Tomato Basil Soup

Side of Tomato Basil Soup

The flavor was creamy and rich, and every bit as good as other Tomato Basil Soups I’ve sampled around the World. I haven’t had a bad one yet.

Taste Track Tomato Basil Soup Up Close

Tomato Basil Soup — Up Close

It’s interesting to note that you can also get just the soup if you aren’t into Grilled Cheese. Bahahahahaha! I know! Not into grilled cheese. As if. :-D

Overall

So, I’ve pretty much gushed my way through this post. Therefore, you probably won’t be surprised by my next statement. Go there. And get this.

I know, I know. There’s soooooo much fantastic food to experience at Walt Disney World. But I would actually swap a counter service meal for a trip back to Taste Track. These sandwiches were so much better than I expected them to be, and they’ve inspired me to get creative with Grilled Cheese Sammies at home!

If you’re looking for something a little bit different for lunch or a light dinner, I definitely recommend that you hit this spot up.

And do keep in mind: it’s a busy time, so it’s completely possible that these sandwiches won’t be around all the time, or even for long. But I hope for your sake that they are! Because they’re outrageously good.

Now I’d love to hear from all of you! Does a Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sammie sound like an awesome lunch or dinner option for you? Let us know by leaving a comment!

Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and:




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