So, where did I eat dinner that fit all of those clues from my last post?

Claim your table, and let your server know where you are, with these markers

SARITA’S MACARONI AND CHEESE
345 East 12th Street
NYC, NY 10003
WWW.SMACNYC.COM


S’MAC, as it’s better known, is a Mac and Cheese place featuring 12 standard flavor mixes, specials and a create your own option. S’MAC is affiliated with the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) and makes every effort to eliminate cross contamination in their restaurant so it is also a hot spot for gluten free diners.

Woah that a lot of Mac and Cheese!

The place is so jam packed all the time that they take up two store fronts, one for take out and one for dine in options. Although small the atmosphere just seemed fun and full of life to me.

Mike, James, Andrew and I battled our way to find a table for 4 in this tiny little restaurant and put our stuff down before ordering. The dishes can be ordered in 4 sizes: Nosh, Major Nosh, Mongo and Partay!. Being the overzealous eaters that my friends and I are at all the time, especially at new place, we ordered a whopping 5 Major Munches (the second size on the menu) with Gluten Free noodles for an extra 3.00 charge. Best of all, They also have gluten free Breadcrumbs!

Although the extra charge is rather steep it’s well worth it if you love a good dish of Mac and Cheese. All 5 dishes, which could feed 4 of us and then some, was 73$s. Not too bad!

I have to say that I have a great group of friends, especially these guys. First of all they were all willing to go gluten free for me so I could have more variety. In addition, we ordered so many because they wanted me to have a variety of tastes to experience the place fully, seeing as I don’t live in the city. Our order included: 4-Cheese, Mediterranean, Cajun, Masala and Buffalo Chicken. To top it off, they were ALL willing to offer their input on each individual dish, making me not look like the crazy whacko who eats her food slowly to critique. It made for a very fulfilling and fun dining experience.

All dishes are cooked in their own pan that is put directly in the oven. Each item had a distinguished and unique flavor from the others although all were the perfect blend of creamy middle and ‘crunchy’ top and bottom shells from the cooking technique.

The 4-Cheese was plain and simple, reminicient of mac and cheese from childhood. It was creamy and delicious.

The Mediterranean had to be the most unique of the dishes as it included a mix of olives and goat cheese and the main dish. This made for an earthy taste which I would have enjoyed without the olives, which were incredibly over powering.

Mike Diligently Taste Testing

The Cajun had a kick to it and was quite flavorful because of the added peppers, onion and garlic. The sausage reminded me of a classier version of adding hot dogs to Mac and Cheese and a kid, which I had to admit made me smile.

The Masala was… fantastic. As Andrew put it, although it sounds kind of odd, ” It’s different but the same, it give you that “I’m unique but you’ve had me before” feeling”. I think this just about sums it it to be honest, and if you want it to make more sense try it! The flavor of this dish was a great blend between traditional Mac and Cheese and Traditional Indian food. It came together perfectly.

The Buffalo Chicken was not a hit with us. Unlike the Masala, which blended the unique flavor or two distinct dishes, the Buffalo Chicken failed to do so without leaving your tongue confused. The blue cheese was chucked to one side, the flavor seemed inconsistent and over all the buffalo was a bit too ‘hot’. We just couldn’t get it and didn’t like it.

All in all S’MAC is a hit with me, Andrew, James and Mike.  We all agreed that the Masala was our favorite, with the Buffalo Chicken coming in as least favorite for everyone but me.

What did I like? In order of Least favorite to most: Mediterranean, Buffalo Chicken, 4-Cheese, Cajun and Masala.

 S’MAC brings together a typical American Comfort food with a delightful twist. You will get your money’s worth and your wait’s worth eating here without a doubt, if you love that kind of thing anyway. So, grab some friends and some plastic forks and Partay (if you know what you like) or Nosh it (if you don’t)! Either way you’ll be pleased!

Food Quality: 1

TOTAL: 5 Shamrocks