Monday, November 1st 2010
Best Mac N Cheese in MKE
By 2 Cents
Macaroni and Cheese has a history in the United States dating back to 1802 when our 3rd President Thomas Jefferson first served the dish in the White House. And what better to pair with your noodles than one of the many delicious cheeses from Wisconsin. Wisconsin cheeses have an illustrious heritage of more than 160 years of quality and craftsmanship. Today, Wisconsin produces more than 600 varieties, types and styles of American, international-style and original cheeses that win more awards than any other state or country. With such a traditional dish such as Macaroni and Cheese, there are many different interpretations that have set each apart and make your taste buds scream for more. But, where in Milwaukee are the most delectable plates of cheese and pasta?
We scoured the city and came up with the Top 5 definitive list of Absolute-Must-Have Mac n’ Cheeses.
First Place: TRISKELES
Tucked away in the outskirts of Walker’s point and Bay View, is a small restaurant that harbors the absolute gem of Milwaukee’s Macaroni and Cheeses. Triskele’s talented chef adds quality cheeses and no “fillers” to a heavy cream and a parmesan reduction. The customer can choose between 3 different cheeses (aged cheddar, goat AND/OR gorgonzola), as well as the option of adding chicken or Andouille sausage. 2 Cents and the Chef both recommend getting all three cheeses on your plate to create a experience your mouth will not soon forget.
Second Place: GINGER
As if Ginger wasn’t already a wonderful place to enjoy wine and tapas, featured on their menu is a small plate so full of flavor you are sure to be ordering it time and time again. Ginger’s talented treatment of combining 6 different cheeses (asiago, romano, grana padano, mozzarella, parmesan, and fontina) and added use of rosemary, sets this ‘Mac’ apart. And with the added option of a succulent garlic herbed chicken. This is sure to be one dish that will not disappoint. Try it out during happy hour (5-7 Tues-Fri) when tapas are only $3!
Third Place: TIME SQUARE BISTRO
Hidden in a most uncommon place is a pizzeria and bistro that packs a punch. The Macaroni and Cheese here is one for the books. Using a cavatapi noodle that is made with semolina rather than wheat, which most macaroni contains, the pasta has a better bite to it. Using Wisconsin cheeses and a mozzarella that is also used on their pizzas, this bowl has a dab of Sriracha sauce, which you don’t quite taste, but would miss if it wasn’t there. And at such a great price it can double as a tasty lunch or dinner as well!
Fourth Place: STACK'D
The Third Ward has gained a new staple for delicious burgers and Stack’d Bar definitely enters the Macaroni and Cheese world swinging. Featuring Wisconsin cheddar and smoked gouda cheese it has become a standard among many, but adding a touch of blue cheese gives this dish a sucker-punch! If you’re looking to add an extra something to your dish, this menu includes the unconventional option of adding turkey. After one bite, you will never add chicken again. The turkey is so moist in comparison that it deals the final blow to an amazing meal.
Fifth Place: CAFE HOLLANDER
Hollander has a long standing flame for creating comfort food that warms the soul, and their debut of a goat cheese puts them on 2 Cent’s map! Created with a tasty goat cheese from New Holland, Pennsylvania, where they specialize in Belgian cheeses, This dish turns Mac and Cheese on its head with its unique flavors. They also use a Rosemary Oil which adds a subtle sweetness and goes well with the goat cheese. This plate is so great that even the employees love it too!
Honorable Mentions:
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Centraal
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Honey Pie
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Trinity Three Irish Pubs
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Trocadero
