La Farm Bakery
Cary

La Farm's menu features the Signature Grilled Cheese Sandwich, made with aged cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan cheese, tomato, chipotle mayo, and Mornay sauce. Co-owner Missy Vatinet said the chipotle spread made in house adds a touch of "spice and fun" to the sandwich. But what really makes it stand out, Missy Vatinet said, is the La Farm sourdough bread. "The most special part of it," she said, "is the baker's talent that goes into the loaf itself."
Joule Coffee & Table
Raleigh

The James-Beard-Award-winning chef owns a number of restaurants in the area, including Poole's Diner and one of her newest projects, Death & Taxes. For your grilled cheese fix, try her coffee shop Joule Coffee & Table. The lunch menu offers a smoky, tangy grilled cheese sandwich made with smoked cheddar pimento cheese on sourdough bread.
Toast Paninoteca
Durham

This one is made with a gooey, tangy asiago fresca, and two types of aged cheeses: Grana Padano and pecorino. For added taste, the sandwich also comes with a drizzle of truffle oil. Co-owner Kelli Cotter calls it a "grown up" grilled cheese. "When people are craving comfort food, that's usually the go to," she said.
Nashers Sandwich House
Raleigh

Owner and chef Matt Doyle said he was initially unsure about how people would receive this sandwich, but he said it has developed quite the cult following. "People have really taken to it," he said.
Sunflowers Cafe and Catering
Raleigh

The sandwich is served on the cafe's locally made sunflower bread, made with sunflower seeds. "It's about the texture," said owner Deborah Ferebee. "You get the soft of the pimento cheese and then the chewiness of the sunflower seeds." For a more classic version of a grilled cheese try a popular item that's not on the menu: a Havarti grilled cheese with mayonnaise on the sunflower bread.
Sandwhich
Chapel Hill

The first is served on sourdough with sauteed cremini mushrooms and the second is the gruyere with sauteed apples and bacon added - owner Janet Elbetri calls the sandwiches "first cousins." Elbetri said the sandwiches are hugely popular. "The tanginess of the cheese and the nuttiness of the mushroom go really well together," she said.
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