2009 Grilled Cheese Invitational

A volunteer from Kraft hands out free sandwich bites at the 2009 Grilled Cheese Invitational. (Robert Takata / For The Times)

Sept. 16, 2014 12:23 PM PT

Held on Saturday, April 25, 2009 in Los Angeles State Historic Park, the 2009 Grilled Cheese Invitational features nearly 250 gladiators of the grill competing for grilled cheese supremacy in three categories: Missionary Position (just cheese, butter and bread), Kama Sutra (anything goes) and the Honey Pot (dessert sandwiches).

One man wears his support for cheese on his head. (Robert Takata / For The Times)

Competitors in the 2009 Grilled Cheese Invitational. (Robert Takata / For The Times)

Keeping the frying pans hot at the 2009 Grilled Cheese Invitational. (Robert Takata / For The Times)

The tomato soup man came equipped with two coolers of tomato soup that he bartered for grilled cheese sandwiches. (Robert Takata / For The Times)

A sandwich maker at the Kraft tent. (Robert Takata / For The Times)

A pile of free sandwich triangles in the Kraft tent. (Robert Takata / For The Times)

A deer head shaped with grilled cheese sandwiches. (Robert Takata / For The Times)

Competitors frantically try to finish their sandwiches before the final bell. (Robert Takata / For The Times)

Competitors try to impress the judges: the Doctor of Cheese, the Mayor of Cheese and chef Eric Greenspan of the Foundry. (Robert Takata / For The Times)

C’est la cheese. (Robert Takata / For The Times)

Chef Eric Greenspan’s offering (not in competition) featured taleggio and braised short ribs on raisin bread. (Robert Takata / For The Times)

Winners proudly hoist their trophies at at the 2009 Grilled Cheese Invitational. (Rob Takata / For The Times)