story by Michael Heaton, The Plain Dealer
LAKEWOOD, Ohio — He did it.
Adam Richman, host of the Travel Channel show “Man V Food,” filmed last February, but aired last night, conquered a 31/2-pound grilled cheese sandwich, an order of fries and coleslaw, at Melt Bar and Grilled in Lakewood. Only a handful of other people have been able to master the same meal.
Melt, which now has another location in Cleveland Heights, hosted a watching party at both places. Melt owner Matt Fish began the evening at the Lakewood spot and intended to head over to the East Side place afterward.
“He really tore into it at first,” said Fish. “But halfway through, he began to tire. I think as the sandwich cooled, it actually became more physical work to eat.”
But Richman prevailed.
The Melt Challenge sandwich contains 13 different cheeses, including American, cheddar, provolone, blue, feta, gouda, pepper jack and others. The Lakewood location was at capacity as people who were there at the time of the taping came back to relive the event.
The show also highlighted other Cleveland culinary gems. Richman had a massive gyro from Steve’s at the West Side Market, and he had barbecue at Hot Sauce Williams.
Melt server Eric Gonzalez came back to relive that historic night but said he was sworn to secrecy.
“I came in to work that night not knowing what was happening. You had to stand on a chair to see him eat. It was like a football game with people chanting and clapping.”
Fish said that Richman was a real pro.
“He was super cool and very down to earth,” Fish said. “He could be funny and a little Hollywood when he needed to be. But when it came to the food, he was all business.
“He had a trailer out back and after he finished eating, went in there and rested for an hour. When he came back, he mixed with the crowd and was a lot of fun.”
In the crowd Wednesday night was another big eater. A local one. Alex Kniceley, 22, from Lorain has the distinction of completing the Melt Challenge twice — in one week.
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