Grilled Cheese With a Purpose
A Chicago Loop institution born at a farmers market in 2010, powered by 25+ local farms and the belief that every sandwich should mean something.
Gayle V's Best Ever Grilled Cheese | Our Story
The Market Moment
In 2010, I was selling Prairie Pure Cheese at Green City Market when I noticed Bennison's Bakery right next to me and Nordic Creamery butter across the way. "Maybe I should make grilled cheese," I thought — and so it began.
A Cheese with a Purpose
Dr. Brian Gerloff partnered with the Aves family's century-old Belvidere dairy to help sustain the farm — and asked me to sell their Butterkäse at market. The demand didn't just sustain the farm; it helped them build a new barn.
A Menu Built on Relationships
Every topping has a story: Duke's beer mustard, Southport Grocery's Good Food Award–winning smoked onion marmalade, Jake's Country Meats pork finished with Broad Shoulders BBQ Sauce. More than 25 local farmers supply every ingredient — and I know every one of them by name.
From Booth to Block 37
A farmers market booth grew into a seasonal pedway space, then — thanks to loyal customers who kept us alive through a pandemic — into a permanent home at 108 N State Street. Block 37 brought a real dining room, live music, and regulars who show up every week.
Still Here, Still Melting
I still work the markets but you will find me at the restaurant in Block 37 every Friday and still sign off every interaction the same way: "I hope you love it!" This shop is that original farmers market energy — warm, specific, and rooted in real Chicago.
