It has been an exceptionally godawful winter. Under such unendingly miserable conditions, heavy-duty comfort food is in order. First, because it’s comforting, and the weather has been uncomfortable. Second, because comfort food helps build a thin layer of blubber under the skin, to better insulate against the cold.
So, there’s been a lot of macaroni and cheese around here. Inevitably, this consumption patterns leads to a deathmatch: bring on the Mac Attack, it’s time to compare favorite macaroni and cheese dishes.
Given the extreme conditions, macaroni and cheeses with extra goodies (lobster, sausage or vegetables) were disqualified as too unsettling for comfort purists.
That brings the discussion to two outstanding versions of macaroni and cheese. There is the very popular macaroni and cheese found at City Barbecue locations and the recently re-discovered version found at the one remaining local Hoggy’s outlet. Both versions are pure noodles and cheese, and both are sold by the pint/pound for a decent binge.
Irritatingly, the tasting panel was split in their preferences. Texture fans opted for City Barbecue’s version. It’s exceptionally smooth and creamy, delivering consistent mouthfuls of soothing noodles.
On the other hand, flavor fans leaned more towards Hoggy’s. It puts a little penne in its macaroni mix and the cheese hangs out in little clots of richness.
If the tasters had preferences, it’s worth noting that everyone liked all the versions -there wasn’t a single negative comment.
If the tasters were dumbfoundingly divided, that takes the ultimate burden of decision to the professional reviewer. Given a personal affinity for 1) Clots of cheese and 2) Underdogs, this deathmatch victory can go to Hoggy’s.
You can do your own Deathmatch by picking up a pint at one of several City Barbecue stops. Alternately, Macaroni and Cheese is sold by the pound at Hoggy’s at 830 Bethel Road (inside of Johnny Buccelli’s).
CLICK HERE to browse the Dish Deathmatch archives for more food fight fun.