Cheesy Dreams Come Alive at The Corner Melt

Step into The Corner Melt and you’ll find a very concrete space minimally decked out with neon lights (“The Land of Bread and Butter”) and an appropriate wall painting of Babe the Blue Ox from the American fairy tale of Paul Bunyan. The proprietor of the establishment, Jimi Sides, is no different. A motorcycle riding, leather jacket-wearing dude from Minnesota making his melted cheese dream come alive in the capital.

The first on the menu is the classic Merica Melt (RMB 30). This is of the classic melted cheddar on white bread variety and served with a small side of tomato soup. This entry level option comes straight from your grandmother's weekday lunch repertoire. A little slice of classic Americana on the other side of the world.

The Midwest Melt (RMB 40) traverses its way into stoner food territory with a hearty slab of melted gouda and bacon smothered in mac and cheese, and topped with a small dollop of French’s mustard to tang it up a bit. Certainly one of the current favorites on this modest yet comprehensive comfort food menu.

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This list goes on with the Saint Cloud Melt (RMB 45), consisting of ham, gruyere cheese, and Dijon mustard. This guy is served on a French baguette and is more for those fans of a submarine-style sandwich. As a whole this one is simple but effective. Although it wasn't our favorite, it will no doubt have an audience for those looking for a less greasy option. 

The last one is the Marshall Melt (RMB 55), which everyone seems to be talking about. It's a delicious combo of avocado, sliced turkey and bacon, fused together with a smokey chunk of melted gouda and finally smeared with sriracha mayo. We could see this becoming the flagship item on the menu.

Don’t leave without giving their short list of primo sides a taste (RMB35). We liked the tater-tots which sit in a shallow jacuzzi of hot melted cheese and ground beef. Other options include the au gratin potatoes or the classic mac and cheese.

There is also a simple breakfast menu where you can snag an Egg McMuffin-style breakfast sandwich served on a toasted English muffin packed with egg, bacon, and sausage. This and a bottomless coffee will set you back about RMB 35 and in the near future you will have the option to send in your orders using WeChat for those who prefer to grab and go. 

For drinks they have a stockpile of Pabst Blue Ribbon (RMB 15) at a decent price to continue with the classic American vibes, along with hard lemonade (RMB 40), Fireball Whisky shots (RMB 35), and pickle or tickle backs (RMB 40).

You may think that making a grilled cheese sandwich is the easiest thing in the world, which it probably is. But Jimi and The Corner Melt undeniably take it to the next level by giving you this deliciously simple experience, in a comfortable venue filled with the red hot ambiance of classic guitar driven indie rock. We can only imagine the hoards of crusty, flannel wearing patrons that will soon flood this eatery, looking to be gastronomically transported back to the clogged arteries of America's majestic heartland.

Photos: Jimi Sides, Steven Schwankert