The Perfection that is Croque-Monsieur

This Goes Beyond a Grilled Cheese

I had heard of Croque-Monsieur before, but tried it for the first time today for lunch.  I am ashamed to say that I remember it from the film "It's Complicated" when the Merryl Streep character made it for the Steve Martin character and he just raved.  I thought, what's the big deal, it's just a grilled cheese sandwich.  Boy was I wrong!!! The sandwich starts with quality French bread to which is added fried ham, butter, béchamel sauce, and gruyere cheese. This is not diet food, but it is the most scrumptious food that I have had this trip.  It was served to me with a simple green salad and an awesome cup of coffee. I was truly sad when the meal ended. When I return to Baltimore, I will certainly be trying my hand at this dish.