Worth Tasting Cookbook Luncheon at The Beach House at Joy by the Sea 

The iconic comfort food, the grilled cheese sandwich, is getting its much-deserved day in the sun. 

Have you noticed that the grilled cheese sandwich is experiencing a resurgence in popularity? Who can resist the gooey, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cheesy goodness, just like mom used to make? Is this seemingly new gourmand grilled cheese just a phase or is history merely repeating itself? 

Although people believe the grilled cheese sandwich originated in the 1920s United States and gained popularity during the Great Depression, combining bread and cheese dates farther back than one would imagine.  

Ancient Roman texts describe recipes similar to modern grilled cheese called “libum.” The French created the croque monsieur, an open-faced grilled cheese sandwich, in the 17th century.  

The grilled cheese sandwich is enjoying a resurgence of sorts. From EPCOT’s smash-hit Festival of the Arts Pop Eats Booth Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese to New York’s Serendipity 3 restaurant, where you can expect to shell out $214 for a grilled cheese made with French bread baked with 23-karat gold, rare Italian cheeses, and a tomato bisque made with lobster. 

But Central Floridians don’t have to travel to New York or Paris or fight the crowds at EPCOT to enjoy an upscale take on the old comfort food classic. The Worth Tasting Cookbook Luncheon, held at Joy by the Sea on Sunday, March 9th, will feature MacKenzie Smith, award-winning author of “Grilled Cheese Social” and a New Smyrna Beach local, as its guest.  

Food lovers and cookbook enthusiasts are in for a treat. The Worth Tasting Cookbook Luncheon will delight guests with an exclusive event featuring Smith, celebrating the art of cooking, community, and, of course, delectable flavors. Guests will indulge in a specially curated lunch inspired by Smith’s beloved cookbook, known for its creativity and mouthwatering takes on the classic grilled cheese. 

Attendees will meet the author as she signs their copies of “Grilled Cheese Social.” Stephen Fries, co-host and co-founder of Worth Tasting Culinary Adventures, will interview and chat with Smith for approximately 40 minutes with an engaging 15-minute Q&A session to follow.

With a love for all things cheesy, Smith, the creative force behind GrilledCheeseSocial.com is not only a cookbook author, she has nearly a million social media followers, is a two-time food network champion, former executive chef at Black Dolphin Inn, and a globe hopper food and travel guide. Many national media outlets, including Vogue.com, the Rachel Ray Show, and the Food Network, have featured her work. Smith’s mission is to share her love for comfort food and inspire others to explore the endless possibilities. 

Worth Tasting  

And who is the team that developed this brilliant Epicurean concept? That would be Stephen Fries and serial entrepreneur Christopher Bartlett, co-founders of Worth Tasting, a curated culinary event taking place in New Smyrna Beach March 7-10.  

Stephen and Chris have hosted Worth Tasting in downtown New Haven, CT, for 15 years. They are both on the Board of the International Association of Culinary Professionals. Stephen is Professor Emeritus of Hospitality Management and spent 36 years as Professor & Coordinator of the Connecticut Community College program. Chris is the CEO of GEM Advertising and produced Poetic Sunset Escapes, found on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. 

Worth Tasting, a carefully curated, all-inclusive culinary adventure will fully immerse guests in all things “New Smyrna Beach and Joy by The Sea.” From dinner in a “treehouse” restaurant, culinary walking tours including exploring the local farmer’s market, where guests will enjoy local produce and other locally sourced foods prepared with expertise at the Oceanside beach mansion, creating the perfect salad food boards for lunch beside the crystalline waters of the Atlantic. The Worth Tasting event includes the exclusive “cookbook luncheon.” 

But if you aren’t able to attend the entire Worth Tasting event, don’t despair. The Worth Tasting Luncheon is open to the public. The cost is $59 per person and includes a signed copy of “Grilled Cheese Social” by Smith. Lunch will include favorites from her book with some tasty side dishes, complete with a sweet ending treat. 

Dining against the stunning backdrop of The Beach House at Joy by the Sea, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this event offers the perfect blend of coastal charm and culinary delights, making this a must-attend gathering for foodies and cookbook collectors alike. The grilled cheese sandwich is once again enjoying its day in the sun. 

Worth Tasting Cookbook Luncheon: Sunday, March 9, 2025, 12:30 pm 

• The Beach House at Joy By The Sea, 2901 S Atlantic Ave,  New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169 
• Tickets: $59 for information MacKenzie Smith Cookbook Luncheon 

Worth Tasting: If you’re looking to experience three days of everything food, check out Worth Tasting New Smyrna Beach  

Recipes

MacKenzie’s Classic Go-To Stretch-tastic Grilled Cheese with Muenster, Garlic Mayo, and Salty Butter on Sourdough  

Ingredients: 
1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon garlic paste
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 slices sourdough bread 4 slices Muenster cheese 2 pats salted butter  

Directions:  

Mix together mayonnaise, garlic paste, and lemon juice and let sit for at least 10 minutes. Smear 1 tablespoon of the garlic mayo on each slice of bread and store the remainder in an airtight container for later use. Add Muenster cheese and close the sandwich so that both of the garlic aioli sides are facing inward.  

Butter the exterior of the sandwich and place it in a medium-sized pan or panini press over medium heat. Cook for a few minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Let sit for 1 minute before serving.  

Cookies + Cream Cannoli Grilled Cheese  

Ingredients:  

4 Oreos, crushed  

1 teaspoon confectioner’s sugar  

1⁄3 cup ricotta cheese  

1⁄2 cup cinnamon sugar (1⁄2 cup sugar mixed with 2 tablespoons cinnamon)  

2 slices brioche bread  

2 pats salted butter  

Directions:  

Combine crushed Oreos, confectioner’s sugar, and ricotta in a small bowl and set aside. Place cinnamon sugar in a shallow dish and set aside.  

Smear the Oreo-ricotta between the two slices of brioche and evenly smear the exterior with butter.  

Heat a frying pan (or panini press) over medium-low heat; add the buttered sandwich. Cook for a few minutes, until the brioche is golden, and the ricotta is heated throughout. Remove from heat place the sandwich in the cinnamon sugar dish and carefully toss to coat on both sides. Serve immediately.