The Kentucky Derby is all about big hats and mint juleps*.  Fortunately, I’m partial to both!  Unfortunately, I’m in Los Angeles and the Derby isn’t.

Grilled Cheese Truck at First Thursdays, San Pedro May 2, 2013
Grilled Cheese Truck at First Thursdays, San Pedro May 2, 2013.

I managed to find a taste of The Derby here in Southern California by skipping the tracks and tracking down the Grilled Cheese Truck.

They’re serving a grilled cheese sandwich with Maker’s Mark infused Brie, Bacon, and Candied Pecans.

Maker's Mark Brie, Bacon and Pecan Melt from The Grilled Cheese Truck
Maker’s Mark Brie, Bacon and Pecan Melt from The Grilled Cheese Truck.

 

I tried one a couple days ago during a visit to the Grilled Cheese truck at the May observation of San Pedro’s First Thursday Art Walk.

As expected, there was a line of people at the trucks window, eager to get their hands on some cheesy goodness.

Waiting in line at the Grilled Cheese Truck during San Pedro's First Thursday Artwalk
Waiting in line at the Grilled Cheese Truck during San Pedro’s First Thursday Artwalk.

But the brie-bacon-pecan melt was worth the weight.  Certainly cheesy, the sammie was also salty and sweet; it was like a grilled cheese sandwich mixed with a sweet and savory pecan pie.

If only they served mint juleps to pair with the sandwich!

* Shout out to Kevin Krigger, who has a shot at being the first black jockey to win the Derby since 1902 and Rosie Napravnik, who might make history as the first female winner!