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Is there a comfort food as perfectly comforting as a sinfully rich grilled cheese sandwich? I think not.
Unless . . . it's dreamy peanut butter and jelly slathered between two slices of really good bread.
At Los Gatos Gourmet - a chic little wine-cheese-charcuterie shop that also makes to-die-for sandwiches - these greatest hits from childhood are given a decidedly upscale twist that elevates them from ordinary to exceptional, thanks to superlative ingredients.
The LG Gourmet Cheese Melt ($6.95), for example, offers a variety of artisan cheeses (Irish cheddar, gruyere, Swiss and brie) between slices of excellent Acme French-style pain de mie. It spends just enough time on the grill to develop a satisfyingly crunchy exterior, while the interior is all melty indulgence.
The PB&J ($5.95) has robustly flavorful no-sugar-added Koeze Cream-Nut peanut butter, made from roasted Virginia peanuts by a family company, based in Grand Rapids, Mich., for three generations. Paired with intensely fruity Italian strawberry and blueberry jams and grilled on that wonderful bread, it's a savory meal.
The smoked turkey and brie ($6.95) is a substantial combo that also includes fresh mixed greens tossed with a zippy house-made vinaigrette, served on a sliced baguette.
Roasted eggplant and fresh mozzarella ($7.95) - a special the day I visited - is stuffed with roasted red peppers, torn basil and other greens dressed in
Other choices that will lure me back include: prosciutto di parma paired with mixed greens and the house-made vinaigrette and aioli on ciabatta ($6.95); house-roasted turkey with tomatoes and mixed greens on ciabatta ($6.95); and black forest ham with fig jam on a baguette ($8.95).
Or, I might tuck into a cheese board that includes an assortment of artisan cheeses, olives and that incredible fresh Acme bread. Charcuterie boards also are available with various pates, salamis and olives. Either way, it's $10.95 for one or $15.95 for two.
Those are plenty of excellent choices. But I'll probably go right back for that comfort food.
Los Gatos Gourmet
109 W. Main St., Los Gatos,
(408) 354-5440
Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday, and to 9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.
Types of food: Sandwiches, salads and soups. Also, cheeses, charcuterie, wines from Santa Cruz Mountain vineyards.
Average meal price: Around $8
Good choices: Dreamy peanut butter and jelly, soothingly rich grilled cheese; other enticing offerings include house-roasted turkey, and eggplant and mozzarella. The aioli and vinaigrette are house-made.
Attitude: Friendly and welcoming
Amenities: Grab one of the tiny tables in the adjacent Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company, or order your meal to go and enjoy on a bench outside. Either way, the people- and dog-watching is superb.
Vegetarian options: You bet. Try goat cheese, roasted red peppers and sliced cucumbers ($7.95). The house salad ($4.95 half, $7.95 whole) has mixed greens and cucumber topped with roasted vegetables and goat cheese.
Drinks: Delicious Fizzy Lizzy fruit-and-seltzer drinks ($1.95), bottled sodas and a nice selection of local wines by the glass
Takeout containers: To-go sandwiches are wrapped in butcher paper.
Eat in car: Very carefully.
Next-day edibility: Best if re-wrapped in plastic.
Who goes there: Laptop-toting Los Gatans, dog-walking moms, anyone who loves fresh, seasonal ingredients
Credit cards: Yes
Parking: Free in city lots
Etc.: A jar of the Koeze peanut butter sells for $6.95, and the Italian jams are $7.95 each if you want to try making your own upscale PB&J.
Restaurant reviews are conducted anonymously. The Mercury News pays for all meals.