The Best Athens' Thing I Ever Ate...(series)

Five Star Day Cafe shot by Cassie, ShotbyCassie.com   All of this dreary Athens weather has increased my inner desires to curl up on my couch, watch Harry Potter marathons and eat comfort foods. And the good news is that in Athens, Georgia there is no shortage of those undoubtedly homey, reminds-me-of-my-grandma meals in our local restaurants.

 

   The best comfort food I ever ate in Athens? At the top of the list has to be Five Star Day Café’s grilled cheese and tomato soup. Sure, it sounds simple enough, but as someone who eats this combination of food at least once a week, I believe that Five Star has masterfully crafted the perfect duet.

 

   First begin with the fact that you can pick your own cheese (I always choose sharp cheddar) and the bread is thick Texas toast grilled to absorb all the goodness from the day’s fixings. The menu advises “go ahead, add a tomato slice!” and while I agree, the real gold is adding bacon. I mean, who doesn’t love bacon?

 

   The tomato soup, though, is the true breakout star of this pair. Don’t expect your average, straight-from-the-can, watery tomato soup. Instead prepare for a thick and creamy affair with pieces of fresh basil, chunky tomatoes, hints of spice and homemade croutons that add the perfect complimentary crunch. Your grilled cheese will practically beg to be dipped in this bowl with every bite. And that, my friends, is the best grilled cheese and tomato soup I ever ate.

Written by Food Tour Intern, Sarah Vakili.Sarah with her father on UGA's Homecoming Court 2011.