Did you say Cheese?
Melty, Ooey, Gooey, Cheese!
I, as do many people, have this love affair with cheese. Might I even say a slight addiction possibly? One of my family’s favorite spots in Galena, Illinois is the Galena River Cheese and Wine shop just at the front of town past the historic flood gates on the left of Main Street. We stop in as often as we can really, and it’s not just for the cheese.
Oh, So Many Things!
There are so many things to choose from in this shop. Cheese, Sausages, Coffee, Olive Oil, Wine, Fine Spirits, and Whiskeys; another one of my favorites. If I really could, I would probably spend an hour or more in here finding something special for that week’s finner choosing or to include in a special dinner with my amazing wife.
But today’s trip was for something even more special and near and dear to every member of my family. It even brings me back to my very own childhood, with fond memories abound. What might this very item be? Well, Grilled Cheese of course!
My old modus operandi was, if you’re going to have a grilled cheese and bacon sandwich, don’t have one, have two. If you’re going to have vanilla wafers, you have the whole box. – Author: Al Roker
The Galena River Wine and Cheese shop has a special offer and something truly unique about their grilled cheeses. They’re prepared with your choice of cheese, with some premium options available of course. A regular grilled cheese is your choice of; one, three or five-year cheddar cheese, both white or yellow depending on the age. Premium offerings usually are all other cheeses. You can even choose more than one! This is really ideal when you want just a snack and are willing to share with someone. Or commonly like me where my second half often gets stollen before I can actually get to it. After choosing your cheese it’s freshly cut off of one of the fresh large blocks they have available! A wonderful, and quite generously sized, hunk of white sourdough bread is used for each side of the sandwich pilled high with that melty cheese goodness, and smothered in a European style butter on both sides. Next comes the griddle. You can tell it’s seen some use with the wonderful patina covering the griddle adding flavor and toasting the sandwich to perfection. Off the griddle and with a quick chop in it goes into a container for your very own trip to nirvana.
Where To?
So where can I get my hands on one of these delectable ooey-gooey grilled cheese sandwiches? Take a look below, I’ve included a small map for you pinning their location. Pro Tip: Parking can be a bit of a pain recently in Galena, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We’re still working it out, so please forgive us. There is ample parking usually at Depot Park just across the river, the entrance is off of Bouthiller St, by Otto’s Place. It’s a relatively easy walk, though some weekends have shuttles so be sure to check first.
What Service!
I have really got to say though I am always impressed when I’m here in the shop and just how kind and attentive the staff is. Ask any question; you’ll get an answer even if that person doesn’t specifically know, someone there will.
About the Author
My Names Steve! I’ve been coming to the Galena area for over 30 years now. Starting when I was a little kid and traveling on adventures with my parents to this great place called Galena. I now share these adventures with my family and you in the hope that they might bring some happiness to those around me. My family also operates this vacation rental business and have been doing so now for more than a decade giving families much like yours; memories they can all share and reflect upon.
