Last October, humor writer Alice Laussade thought it’d be hilarious to poke fun at Monte Cristo sandwiches by way of a fabricated list of restaurants in town serving the dish. Not everybody was in on the prank, though. Readers and D Magazine staff included. As stated in Nancy’s editor’s note: “It took eight editors and a heated 20-minute conversation to figure out Alice’s high-concept joke.” True story. The backbone of the punchline was built on the notion that the sweet and savory dish was so archaic that nobody would actually believe it was a “trend.”
Thing is, while the sandwich definitely basked in its 15 minutes (three decades, really) of fame in the United States from the 1930s through the ’60s, the classic dish can currently be found on menus in Dallas. It’s so commonplace, in fact, that it makes an appearance among the seemingly endless offerings at The Cheesecake Factory and on the “Classics” section of Which Wich’s sandwich list.
Sure, the Monte Cristo might not be invited to sit at the cool kids table with poke bowls and amaro-based cocktails, but it’s holding its own.
So where in Dallas can you actually sink your teeth into the sugary, cheese-laden classic?
Jed’s Grill: The breakfast Monte Cristo is served daily from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. The dish is made using thick slices of ham, melted gouda cheese, and French toast battered bread. It’s served with country potatoes and a side of fruit preserves.
Dream Café: Smoked ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese are sandwiched between grilled French toast. The sandwich is dusted with powdered sugar and served with honey mustard and a cup of fruit.
Trinity Hall: The “Monte de Carlow” is made using sliced turkey, ham, cheddar cheese, and Swiss cheese. It is dipped in egg, griddled, and dusted with powdered sugar.
The Holy Grail Pub: A sandwich made with sliced ham, turkey, and Swiss and American cheese is deep fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar. The dish is served with a side of blackberry preserves.
Know of anywhere else in Dallas serving a Monte Cristo sandwich? Feel free to share in the comment section below.
