The ideal flat grill??

[neighbors1]

Foodies and chefs, I need some help! I have a viking flat grill...and cant find on the web if this griddle is ideally black, spotted, and unsightly...and covered with flavor. Or if it should should be shiny and new looking by using the viking heavy duty cleaning kit every so often. Every time, occasionally, never?? I have been using club soda and a rag to get the solid debris off. Besides looking like we dont clean, any other concerns with the black top? I use the griddle as much as possible. Any advice would be appreciated. I need some good input, my 3 year old is a connnoisseur of grill cheese and bacon. Thanks

[mymymichl]

As a chef for most of my life, my answer is to do whatever it is that works for you. Just get the old food off. That blocks the cooking heat.
Michael