Hi all. For the last 3.5 months, I have been commuting between San Francisco and Seattle for a temporary work assignment. There are several beautiful things I have learned about the city of Seattle:
1st - It may rain a good chunk of the year, but in the summer, which is BEAUTIFUL!
2nd - During said summer, the sun is up until 10 p.m., which is AMAZING!
3rd - This city loves it's mac n cheese, which is DELICIOUS!
So... in my exploration of this fine city, I have had both wonderful and not so wonderful experiences with this delicious dish.
First, lets explore Seattle's love for mixing seafood with mac n cheese. Several places in the city add crab meat to their mac n cheese. I tried this fat-filled treat at Belltown Bistro in (duh...) Belltown. It was pretty disappointing, but I think it was because they brought it out fresh from the oven. Just like a good Guinness, Mac n Cheese must rest before being served. After a few minutes it was better, but by that time, I had lost interest. However, At a new wine bar/restaraunt called Purple, I tried their lobster mac n cheese, which was really good. Great texture and the buttery lobster was excellent with the cheese.
Now, on the positive side of the "straight" mac n cheese dish (aka... no fish)... three different experiences. By far, the best was Kingfish Cafe on 19th. This is a true southern-fine-eatin' establishment. Given I am from the South, I feel qualified to say that I think I saw Jesus when I had their mac n cheese. It comes in a sort of brick cut from the pan and just mets in your mouth. I suggest sharing though; it is pretty huge. In second place was the mac n cheese at Beecher's Handmade Cheese in Pike's Market. It was a fantastic consistency... just the right level of flavor with a pure taste for those who like a classic. Plus, it is quick, convenient and portable to boot. Finally, The mac n cheese at the Icon Grill. At first, I was skeptical as they brought out the mac casserole and a little pitcher of something that looked remarkably like cheese whiz. As I have never been one to turn down cheese of any kind... even the fake kind... I pushed aside my fears and dove in. I must say, it was tasty. In addition, you had the nice bonus of feeling particularly decadent with dumping cheese sauce over mac n cheese.
More soon.
What a great summary of your cheesy time here - come back and try more places - we miss you!!
Posted by: Beth | August 23, 2006 at 08:13 PM