Bar Special: Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

Chef Alexander is featuring a comfort food tradition for this week’s special menu selection at the Carpe Vino Wine Bar: Grilled Cheese & Fresh Tomato Soup. . .but not exactly the way you remember it in your Mama’s kitchen.

That’s because Chef slow roasts fresh tomatoes and then adds San Marzano canned tomatoes to pump up acidity. He sautés yellow onions and garlic in olive oil and fresh thyme; then combines with the tomatoes and cream and cooks. Then the mixture is pureed and strained before serving. Finished with thyme and brown butter.

The grilled cheese sandwich is simple but delicious. Chef coats slices of (OMG!) white bread with butter and grated Parmesan (to add crispness), layers on white cheddar cheese and then toasts in a pan.

Served at the bar only from September 8 to 13; cost is just $10.