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In a town that’s known for it’s food you might think it hard for a small, quirky, non-Cajun, non-Creole, counter-service restaurant to find a niche in the market. Not so for New Orleans’ relatively new gourmet grilled cheese sandwich eatery.  While working in New Orleans for a few weeks I quickly got over wanting to eat red beans and rice, jambalaya, and oysters on the half shell every day. My pursuit of the best Poboy sandwich and the most flavorful gumbo began to bore me. One night I happened to stumble upon The Big Cheezy. This sandwich shop that “pushes the boundries of the classic grilled cheese” sits on the main drag through the New Orleans suburb of Kenner. It would be their third installment. Their flagship store is on Tulane and Broad and one can be found in the French Quarter.

stark yet bright interiors give off a casual vibe in a clean setting

watch the team create your awe-inspiring sammie!

When stepping up to the counter I was greeted with the most warm smile by Jasmin Jones. She asked if it was my first time in and when I responded yes she graciously walked me through “how it works”. She was eager to explain that there were signature sandwiches on the menu and that I am free to add, delete, or substitute any item to make it the perfect sandwich for my palette. She then smiled again and said that I could just create my own sandwich if I choose. She further explained that there were sides and soups (also cleverly referred to as dipping sauces). My sandwich was delivered to the table by Manager Will Bowden. He ran down a bit of the history of the joint. It was evident that both Jasmin and Will were glad that I was there. They really appreciated the business. This type of welcome and service is seldom seen these days. Sometimes it seems like people could care less if you eat at their place or not. Not so at The Big Cheezy!

Manager Will Bowden and Sandwich expert Jasmin Jones……service with a smile!

It was hard to choose which sandwich would be my inaugural introduction to a world outside of the traditional Poboy. Jasmin explained that their “The Juice” sammie was their most popular. I watched one come out of the kitchen and did not doubt her. On grilled sourdough and carefully layered between oozing gooey melted jack cheese and cheddar were piles of grilled green bell peppers and roast beef with NOLA famous “debris” gravy. The sight of the sandwich made me wonder if I had ordered the right thing. You see, I went a different route. One name stood out to me, “The Old Goat”. Then when I read what was featured on the old goat, I had to have it. But “The Juice”. I coveted my neighbor diner’s sandwich. Was this a sin?

The Juice with a side of waffle fries!

I digress! It was “The Old Goat” for me. Many who know this blogger knows that a sandwich that is his namesake must be the selection. Tangy goat cheese and creamy cheddar are melted on top of grilled peppers and thick-cut applewood smoked bacon. If that wasn’t enough, the mouth-watering concoction is crowned with a shmear of red pepper jelly. I quickly forgot about my neighbor’s sandwich. I found myself wanting to eat as slowly as I could to savor every bite and really take in the unusual yet very complimentary flavor combinations. Not to discount the sandwich but I must mention that I ordered the creamy tomato-basil soup for dipping. Wow, what a combo! This soup puts La Madeline to shame.

The Old Goat and it’s smooth sidekick tomato basil soup

A build your own sandwich creation

In the age of specialty burger joints and taco boutiques popping up on every corner it was refreshing to see a new player in the game to keep us eating out. And to think that this concept is right in the middle of  the land of Creole and Cajun cuisine is refreshing. So move over John Besh…….Will, Jasmin, and the crew are putting their footprint on the New Orleans food scene and they wear a size 13.