S’Mac

What’s more comfortable in the comfort food category than good ‘ole mac and cheese?  And there’s no better time to enjoy that piping hot cheesiness than in the dead of winter.  Anyway, beyond the food, heading over to S’mac in the East Village gets you out of the kitchen for awhile…as if you didn’t spend enough time in there throughout the Holidays.

S'Mac's Classic Dish

S’Mac’s interior fittingly reflects the various orange shades of cheeses that are baked to perfection in the cast iron skillets they so deftly wisk to your table. If you don’t like a classic messed with, go for their All American, elbow noodles ensconced in a blend of American & Cheddar or the 4 Cheese with Cheddar, Muenster, Gruyere and a touch of Pecorino.  Those willing to challenge the palate and experiment have choices ranging from the Mediterranean Sea: Goat cheese, sauteed spinach, kalamata olives, and roasted garlic; La Mancha: Manchego cheese accented by fresh fennel and onions; or the Parisienne packed with Creamy Brie, roasted figs and shiitake mushrooms, & fresh rosemary. Weight watchers have the Garden Lite with low fat Cheddar, Parmesan, roasted cauliflower and portobello mushrooms, roasted garlic, broccoli.

My favorite is the spicy Cajun brimming with Cheddar & Pepper Jack cheeses, andouille sausage, green pepper, celery, and some genuine Cajun seasoning.  Be on the lookout for their current specials.  Latest offerings include their Masala Mac jazzed up with East Indian spices and the Buffalo Chicken Mac with Cheddar & American cheeses, boneless chicken pieces, and buffalo wing sauce topped off with a crumbled blue cheese. You can choose from regular, multi-grain or gluten free macaroni with or without breadcrumbs.  If you’re on the go and don’t mind the heat in your own kitchen after all, call ahead for a “Take and Bake” order.

By subway, take the L train to 14th St. and walk 2 blocks down 1st St. to 345 East 12th St.

photo courtesy of S’Mac