JAKE DE PAUL: MAC ‘N’ CHEESE AT THE TOP >>>
OK, macaroni and cheese isn't particularly healthy either. Sure, you get protein, calcium and carbs, but does that matter when there's a glistening moat of butter standing between your fork and the noodles?
But oh, the list of pros weigh heavy, like a poundful of Kraft Cheese and Macaroni at three in the morning when you're crawling into bed. Macaroni and cheese is cheap. And most importantly, macaroni and cheese is damn good. Go ahead and feel sorry for the lactose-intolerant or the vegan who can't indulge in this wonder food.
Like wine, you can tell much from mac and cheese by smell, color and presentation, and though you may balk at using connoisseur techniques for such an Americana-addled food, it helps. With that in mind, take a walk to the Top of Tacoma Bar. Within the confines of this McKinley Hill bar, I was served steamy mac and cheese in a bowl with a big soup spoon, while Black Sabbath wailed on the juke box. This large serving of comfort was a blend of pure creamy cheddar â€" likely a blend of sharp and mild â€" and macaroni. This is a traditionalist's delight, unfussed with nouveau anything.