I miss my outdoor grill. Our apartment complex decided to ban them earlier this year because of the fire hazard. But the grill pan does a great job, I must say.I agree! I swear it tastes better with the marks! My theory is that the searing makes the spices in those dark areas taste better.
We (meaning husband lol) use the outside bbq grill a lot because, well, Florida, and it doesn't heat up the inside of the house. But I love my cast iron grill pan with the lines and use it a lot too.