Today, restaurants across America are marking National Grilled Cheese Day.

Loyal Scaiaholics will recall my concern last year when Norma’s Cafe, a stalwart in honoring food-related days, went heavy on grilled cheese sandwiches that contain macaroni and cheese.

“Where’s the innovation?!” I asked, quite reasonably, as I ate a “Gabe’s Big Tasty,” slathered with macaroni and cheese. I may be concerned, but I’m also not better than a sandwich topped with macaroni and cheese. What am I, a grilled cheese snob?! That’s the worst kind of snob [I believe that’s in Leviticus].

This year, just one of the finalists is topped with macaroni and cheese, but I feel like a similar issue is becoming pandemic among the grilled cheese community. A lot of these sandwiches are topped with a side dish, even if it’s not macaroni and cheese. No one, you’ll see, had the guts to design an alligator-based sandwich:

The After Party by Renzo M: Swiss Cheese, Chicken Fried Chicken, Bacon, Fried Egg, Hash Browns with Ranch on Texas Toast

“After Party” sounds weirdly selective, like I might have to stand behind a velvet rope to order it. Also, as long as we’re chicken-frying the chicken, why not chicken-fry the bacon as well?! That may have cost Renzo. I appreciate, though, that he’s the only one who went Monterey-free.

Chili Mac Attack by Sarah S: American, Swiss & Monterey Cheese, Chili, Mac & Cheese, Jalapenos, Bacon and Fritos with Ranch and/or Buffalo on Texas Toast.

Sarah is the only finalist who went with macaroni and cheese this year, but she’s also giving us options. I’m not a huge Ranch dressing fan, so Buffalo sauce is a welcome alternative. Also, Fritos on a sandwich seem redundant… but in a good way.

​​Boss Lady by Mike G: Monterey Cheese, Bacon, Burger Patty, Onion Rings, Fried Egg with BBQ on Texas Toast.

Mike thought, “Everyone’s shoving mac and cheese on there. Let’s fry up some onion rings instead.” I respect the innovation, but isn’t this more of a patty melt than a grilled cheese sandwich?

The Dallas Don by Crystal M: American & Monterey Cheese, Bacon, Brisket, Jalapenos, Tater Tots with BBQ on Texas Toast.

The Dallas Don was this year’s winner, so as a journalist, it was my responsibility to give it a try. I appreciated the insoucient kick from the jalapenos. Also, the Dallas Don is topped with tater tots instead of macaroni and cheese, so there’s still some innovation in the grilled cheese industry. In the spirit of innovation, perhaps you think I should have ordered a side dish other than more tater tots. Perhaps you are a fool.

But “Dallas Don” seems like it should have something Italian instead of Jalapenos. Also, if it’s the Don, how can we be sure this sandwich didn’t coerce the others to step back, threatening people who were voting with a warning: “We control the Tater Tots in this town”? Now, I’m concerned Lucky Luciano will win next year’s contest, provided he’s wearing a suit made of macaroni and cheese. My family’s Italian, otherwise it would have been insensitive to say that.

Each of these dishes is served on Texas Toast. In Texas, though, couldn’t we just call it toast? Then we could call other kinds of toast “Yankee Toast” or “City Slicker Toast.” I’ll see if I can get the state legislature to take up this issue next year.

We’re making progress on the macaroni and cheese sandwiches, though. Perhaps this gentle nudge will lead to some sort of Magellan-esque expedition to take the grilled cheese sandwich to strange new worlds.

Maybe loaded potato skins instead of bread. That may be even better than a po-boy grilled cheese. You’re welcome, Big Grilled Cheese. I’m from Dayton, a city of innovation. This is just as significant as powered flight.

​Just as significant.