Food For Thought - April 1, 2015

Oftentimes, familiarity can bring you comfort. You crave for it when you feel down because your partner broke up with you or because you had a bad day at work. Nothing can calm you down better than the thought of going home. And if you happen to be away, you try your best to find something that would remind you of home.

Like a dish that's creamy, full of carbs and yummy. Something your mom used to feed you. It's Mac and Cheese, of course!

Here are some of the BEST Mac & Cheese dishes in town:

MISSION CHEESE

What's Special About it:
Yummy cheese melted over macaroni: truly heaven for the palate! It's made with clothbound cheddar with a creamy start. It is also topped with super crispy bread crumbs that surprisingly stay crunchy until the last bite. The portion size is perfect for one person.


What Customers Say:
"This spot is great for small get togethers or a date. The cheese selection is eclectic. I didn't get the owner's name, but he is extremely hospitable, friendly and knowledgeable. They close at ten and he saw that we we're having such a great time and had us stay til eleven."

What to Order:
The California Gold (San Joaquin Gold, chevre, prosciutto, fig preserves) and the Monger's Choice (a pick-and-choose assortment of meats and cheeses).

Location:
736 Valencia St
San Francisco, CA 94110

Neighborhood:
b/t 19th St & 18th St in Mission



Rickybobby

What's Special About it: 
You're going to love your Mac and Cheese more with the add-on options. For and extra $3, for instance, you can top your dish with sweet pulled pork. Your order can also have jalapenos on it, but it will be hard to detect because of the way they are blended in. Just be prepared to be surprised with the spiciness that combines well with the richness of the pork and cheese.

What Customers Say: 
"They mix jalapenos (without the seeds) into the Mac n Cheese to allow the flavor instead of the heat to come through which was perfect since my date didn't want it to be too spicy. The pulled pork on top was very juicy and really made it outstanding!"

What Else to Order:
Pork fries. Beef and Bacon Burger

Location:
400 Haight St
San Francisco, CA 94102

Neighborhood:

Lower Haight


Wayfare Tavern

What's Special About it:
It's an upscale place but they also serve "simple" dishes like the mac and cheese. This dish is made with Vella dry Jack cheese and panko crumb crust. The white sauce has a hint of Alfredo on top of the traditional sauce. They use floppy noodles, making the dish almost soup-like. Be prepared to lick your plate clean!

What Customers Say:
"The restaurant is very swanky and fun to dine in. I came here on a Saturday for lunch. Our waiter was a bit odd, not overly friendly but not rude. He was more a "just the facts ma'am" type of waiter. The popovers are every bit as good as other yelpers have said. Delicious! I had the Skuna Bay salmon and my boyfriend had the burger. My salmon was amazing, one of the best I've ever had. I loved the swiss chard/cannellini beans/parsley that it came with. Everything was so flavorful."

What Else to Order:
Tavern Burger. Pan Seared Skuna Bay Salmon.

Location:
558 Sacramento St
San Francisco, CA 94111

Neighborhood:
b/t Leidesdorff St & Montgomery St in Financial District