The Cheesy Taste of Victory
January 27, 2008
half of it was created by the Italians, and had been securely documented by Marco Polo well before 1295. the other half was created by the English, and has been around since 1170. but the two never successfully merged together until the 19th century, in America. Casual observations indicate that Thomas Jefferson may have been the genius behind it all. But its undeniable rise of popularity during the Civil War cements its place in history. The great creation that I speak of is Macaroni and Cheese. That's right, cheddar cheese and elbow macaroni. You see, I’ve recently been on a major Macaroni and Cheese kick. But not just any kick. I’ve been in search for the best macaroni and cheese out there. Now I’m not talking about your everyday mac ‘n cheese in a box or “easy mac”. And while we can thank Kraft Foods for introducing the first ‘boxed macaroni and cheese’ dinner in 1937, it’s not what I would consider a high quality product. So no, not Kraft. No, not Annie’s. No, not even Stouffer’s Macaroni and Cheese (which, in my opinion, is arguably the best tasting macaroni and cheese you can buy out of a box) I’m talking fresh, quality Macaroni and Cheese. And restaurant chains that serve macaroni and cheese as a side item just don’t cut it. KFC? Theirs tastes like the styrofoam they package it in. Boston Market? Way too runny. And spirals?? Come on! It’s MACARONI and cheese. Not SPIRALS and cheese. Plus, I wanted macaroni and cheese as a standalone MEAL. A meal where if someone asked, “What are you eating for dinner?” and you say, “Macaroni and Cheese.” They're not like, “Oh…I see. Anything else? ..or just mac ‘n cheese?” (as if too imply you don't have a REAL appetite) I knew I couldn’t rely on any chain restaurants or mass food companies to fulfill my wishes, so I initiated a more delicate search, one aimed at smaller, family owned establishments that take more pride into what they do. I went to various restaurants in Northern Virginia, California, and the Boston area. And while I devoured some great dishes in the process, including ones from “Common Ground Grill” in Allston, and “Noodles and Company” in Northern Virginia, I still hadn’t found exactly what I was looking for. I began to think that I never might. That is, until I came to New York City. You see, this past week I was in town to perform at The One Love Show, (which was a blast) and the next evening I was hanging out with my friend Luke, who you all know. Having eaten mostly junk over the past few days I wanted something different. That’s when I recalled reading about a place in NYC that served macaroni and cheese. It was calledS’Mac. Short for Sarita’s Macaroni and Cheese. I was curious. I then watched the following video and FREAKED OUT:
(CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE VIDEO) **WARNING**YOU MUST WATCH THIS VIDEO BEFORE YOU READ ON TO GET THE FULL EXPERIENCE** Ok, so now that you've seen the video, you know what i'm talking about. I immediately urged for us to go so off we went to S’MAC in the east village. Upon arrival at S’MAC, my eyes widened as I looked over their menu. First of all, they had a very extensive menu. Second of all, EVERYTHING on their menu was Macaroni and Cheese! I began to salivate just reading through these menu items.. “The All-American”, “The 4-Cheese”, “The Mozzarella”, “The Cheeseburger” “The Cajun”, “Goat Cheese”, “The Manchengo”, “The Garden”…etc etc. They had so many different types. I was in awe. I didn’t know what to choose. I wanted to try them all. In addition to that, you could even create your own macaroni and cheese, by picking from their extensive list of ingredients including various cheeses, veggies, and meats. All customized to your liking. So without taking too much time deliberating, and out of respect for the cashier that was being very patient with my indecisiveness, I had narrowed down my choices to the following: (complete with official descriptions) “The All-American”- Just the way you remember it as a kid! Nostalgia at its finest - a tasty blend of American & Cheddar cheeses. “The Cheeseburger” - For the Hearty Meat Eater! Ground Beef done to perfection with onions, garlic and a hint of ketchup and mustard. Don't forget the best part - a combination of American and Cheddar cheeses. Initially, I wanted to go with the “All-American” but the carnivore in me wanted something heavier, so I opted to go with the Cheeseburger, which was essentially The All-American with a nice, meat lovers twist. Each selection came in 3 sizes, Nosh, Major Munch, and Mongo (From smallest to largest). I then walked to the counter “I’d like a Major Munch Cheeseburger, please”. “Break Crumbs on that?” “Yes, sir.” Apparently each dish is cooked fresh and baked to order, as Luke and I waited nearly 15 minutes in anticipation. And then, the moment of truth came. Placed in front of me now was a deep iron skillet pan, still hot to the touch, and filled with ingredients that were still sizzling that you could hear it. A layer of bread crumbs and cheddar cheeses were baked into the top of the entrée. I thought to myself, Could this be THE ONE? Using my spoon, the outer layer crackled like a thin crust before it dipped into the soft and creamy center. And then.. it happened.. I was tasting the tang of the cheddar. I was tasting melty American cheeses. I was tasting freshly boiled al dente macaroni. I was tasting flavorful yet extremely subtle hints of sweet and spicy. The seasoned beef was mouth watering. My taste buds were literally on sensory overload. I was tasting the soft and the crispy. I was tasting the piping hot and the creamy. I was tasting Italy. I was tasting England. Dammit, I could even taste the American CIVIL WAR! I was tasting past, present and future. I was tasting every ingredient and every magical combination in between. It was true. I was tasting the best Macaroni and Cheese I’ve ever had. So, after conceivably hundreds of years in the making, I envisioned the ghosts of Marco Polo, King Henry II, and Thomas Jefferson sitting down at a table and enjoying a bowl of this wonderful creation that they helped bring into our world. And at a table across from them, was this overzealous individual..
"Ah..the cheesy taste of VICTORY!"
Cassie Petrey said:
This blog has made everyone that I know EXTREMELY hungry for mac and cheese. We've all been ordering it, but it's not quite what we're looking for. I am venturing to S'MAC when I get back in the city on the 18th. 
Bella said:
Thanks man, you just made me really hungry for mac and cheese. 
Ben Romans said:
I'm hungry... 
