April 12 is National Grilled Cheese Day, and those of us here at the Dish could not be happier to have an excuse to celebrate the glorious, melty, cheesy goodness that is the Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

The Grilled Cheese sandwich is fascinating in its simplicity and the ease with which one can be whipped up, but it’s also a menu item that can be tweaked and polished to an almost endless extent.  In fact, innovative lovers of melted cheese and bread have experimented and honed their craft to the point that grilled cheese restaurants – eateries that boast varieties of grilled cheese sandwiches as their primary offering – have begun springing up around the country (I’m looking at you, Cheesie’s Pub and Grub of Chicago!)

Whether you’re a mom looking to feed a hungry little one, a college student low on funds or a gourmet cheese connoisseur, the impressively versatile grilled cheese sandwich can be perfected to suit your needs.  Below, some of our favorite versions of this deliciously simple and always delightful culinary creation:

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Let’s set the stage: you are on a dining date for two.  Maybe it is a fancy “date,” maybe it’s a casual dinner that’s part of a budding romance, or maybe you and your significant other just wanted to stop by a favorite neighborhood haunt and get a bite.  Whatever the circumstance, when your server shows you to your table, it’s set up in such a way that sitting side by side, on the same side of the table, is an option.  What should you do?

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Each month, Restaurant.com focuses on a different culinary theme for our ‘Behind the Menu’ feature. From sushi bars and sports bars to candle-lit, romantic atmospheres, we cover all that our restaurant partners have to offer. This way, YOU – our customers, can experience a wide variety of dining options. Who knows – sampling the theme of the month may lead you to discover your new favorite restaurant is the exotic eatery right around the corner!

This month, we’re stepping out and shining the spotlight on restaurants featuring live music. Who doesn’t like a little Barry Manilow with their chicken parmesan?

Listening to live music during a meal adds a unique ambience to the overall experience. You certainly won’t be serenaded by a mariachi band or lulled into a relaxed state of bliss by a string quartet in your own kitchen (unless you invite them, of course.)

From swanky piano bars and sophisticated blues hubs, to down home, country cabins or acoustic nights at local cafés, there’s sure to be a restaurant that serves up music to your ears.

To learn more about ‘Behind the Menu’ and the lively restaurants featured this month, visit Restaurant.com here.

For those of you who love a little live music on the side, do you have a favorite restaurant to visit that serenades while you eat?

Fall is officially in full swing – leaves are changing, days are shorter and pumpkin dishes have hit the menus! Pumpkins are not only good for carving; they also make tasty seasonal dishes. Chefs are using this healthy ingredient (rich in fiber and Vitamin A) in more creative ways than ever.

Whether you choose savory dishes or sweet treats, there is an array of options to surprise and delight everyone’s palate this season.

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Each month, Restaurant.com focuses on a different restaurant genre in our Behind The Menu feature. Several of our restaurant partners, united by the common theme – think alfresco dining or a lesson in Italian cuisine – are highlighted, and inspired readers can search Restaurant.com for even more related options

This month, we’re saying “sayonora” to same old and taking a trip to the Orient to highlight the unique flavors of Japanese cuisine.  One of the most well-known Japanese dishes is sushi, but there are a multitude of other options on the menu at Japanese restaurants that cater to a wide variety of palates

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Each month, Restaurant.com focuses on a different restaurant genre in our Behind The Menu feature. Several of our restaurant partners, united by the common theme – think alfresco dining or a lesson in Italian cuisine –  are highlighted, and inspired readers can search Restaurant.com for even more related options. [Continue reading...]