Mac 'N' Cheese fit for a Cowboy (or gal)

You know you're not in Kansas anymore when you read a menu that promotes buying a round for the kitchen crew and has a sharing dish worth $68 called the "Fat Ass Platter". The Palomino, which is located only steps from the Calgary Tower has attitude and pub fare far different from its food-serving counterparts located on Stephen Ave walk. The Palomino's deep south attitude and rustic decor was the perfect setting for a little variety in our mac 'n' cheese tour.

Shelley and I devoured The Palomino's "Macaroni n Cheese'"- White cheddar, Canadian cheddar and bleu cheese dish for $13 while being serenaded by Neil Young, Johnny Cash and Co. Our server voluntarily admitted to eating their "kick ass mac 'n' cheese" up to three times a week, a woman after our own heart. The Palomino's mac definitely delivered in terms of authenticity, cheesiness and flavor; the bleu cheese adding quite a unique, yet subtle flair. We rated its presentation on the low end of the scale, although we will always remember it for the side ramiken of ketchup it came with and kitschy red and white picnic-patterned paper backdrop. We enjoyed the cavatappi pasta that they use and will be sure to add chicken or pulled pork for only $4 extra next time we are in the mood for a night at the saloon. Yeehaw!

The Palomino

• Authenticity 4/5
• Flavor 4/5
• Cheesiness 4/5
• Baked Topping 2/5
• Creativity 3/5
• Presentation 2/5
• Total = 23/30
  

Bravo Brava

What better way to start the weekend then with a trip to one of our favorite restaurants Brava Bistro. Located on 17th ave, an experience at Brava Bistro consists of chic ambiance and a menu with something on it for everyone, including delicious accompaniments like mac 'n' cheese. This date with mac was a little different than the other two because it wasn't the main focus of our meal. Brava's side of mac 'n' cheese for only $5 is just enough to make you want more and we did. Luckily we had ordered several other dishes; Seared scallops, Margherita Flatbread, Warm Peppers and Goat Cheese and the Mussels.

The mac 'n' cheese was the cheesiest we've had yet and definitely scores points for being the most authentic, no frills mac just like the stuff that comes in the box. Don't let that fool you though, as their blend of sharp cheeses and white cheddar places them in a league way above Kraft Dinner. Brave Bistro will remain on my list as one of the best places to eat in Calgary, but my loyalty with them is not based on their mac 'n' cheese dish, even though it's a nice precursor to a delectable meal.

Brava Bistro

• Authenticity 3/5
• Flavor 4/5
• Cheesiness 5/5
• Baked Topping 0/5
• Creativity 1/5
• Presentation 1/5
• Total = 14/30

Getting our Mac on at Avenue Diner

Avenue Diner prides itself on being the "Superhero of Comfort Food" and their gourmet mac 'n' cheese dish saved the day by pleasing our appetites. Shelley and I knew that this Diner's mac was a must the minute we saw the giant graphic of cheesy perfection starring at us in the foyer while waiting to have breakfast a few weeks ago. Avenue Diner's "Dad's famous white Cheddar mac and cheese" for $16.29, was worth every penny and exceeded our expectations when we returned last week in need of a warm-up on a chilly afternoon on Stephen Ave.

The two of us shared the generous portion of Dad's mac 'n' cheese that is comprised of shell pasta and copious amounts of white cheddar, topped with freshly diced green onions and baked to perfection. The creator of this delicatessen added some fresh greens on the side for sake of aesthetics and for the sake of our waistlines, I'm sure! You have the option of adding truffle oil, basil chicken, sauteed mushrooms or bacon for a little extra flavour. We decided to go with the bacon, which made our mac flavour-packed and our taste buds giddy.

Avenue Diner

• Authenticity 4/5
• Flavor 4/5
• Cheesiness 5/5
• Baked Topping 4/5
• Creativity 4/5
• Presentation 4/5
• Total = 24/30