Best Sandwiches in America: Cheese

Winner: Crab-Grilled Cheese

Restaurant: Restaurant R’evolution, New Orleans

Sandwich Creators: Chef/owners John Folse and Rick Tramonto

Inspiration: Adding some extra taste and oomph to a traditional grilled cheese sandwich.

Key Ingredients: Fresh local blue crab on brioche with grilled fontina, white Cheddar and Gruyere cheeses.

Price: $16

Food Cost: 29 percent

What the Judges Said: “Most times it’s best not to tinker with a good thing, especially the gooey goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich. And while the use of three cheeses adds dimension to this creation, it’s the addition of fresh crab that takes a traditional sandwich from Ford to Ferrari status. And at $16, the toll on the road leading to R’evolution may be a bit steep, but one we’ll gladly pay to ride in the fast lane.”

Honorable Mentions

Grilled Cheese by chef Mike Ransom for Jasper’s Corner Tap & Kitchen in San Francisco

Burrata Grilled Cheese by chef/owner Jesse Schenker of  Recette, New York City