When I first went to Beecher's The Cellar, the underground sit-down restaurant under the NY outpost of the famed cheese shop, I didn't fully know what to expect. Sure, I thought their range of mac and cheeses would be good, but how good could they truly be? What resulted during my first bite was the immediate recognition that Beecher's makes the best mac and cheeses I have ever tried.
My first visit to Beechers featured both the kale/"lil peppers" and the balsamic/mushroom/fennel mac and cheeses. I don't really like mushrooms, and balsamic in such a dish just seemed odd to me, but this mac and cheese was perfectly balanced with sweetness and cheesiness. The kale and lil peppers (pickled Italian hot peppers) mac and cheese was also great for a heat-lover like myself and the pickled peppers added a nice vinegary-flavor to the dish as well.
And what could potentially top these amazing cheesy treats? The marinated cheese curds! These spicy but light cheese curds are the perfect way to snack before or during a Beecher's meal - and despite the worry I expressed to the waitress about whether getting both would be "too cheesy," the consistency of these fresh curds didn't lead to overkill at all.
I would eat at Beecher's multiple times a week if their food wasn't so obviously heart-killing. Instead, I have to restrain myself to only a few trips a year, which each time are really wonderful. Warning for those visiting during weeknight evenings though - there can be a wait, so grab a reservation beforehand if you can.
900 Broadway (at 20th Street)
Flatiron, Manhattan
Just a few short blocks from the N/R trains at 23rd Street, and a slightly longer 10-minute walk from the F/M trains at 23rd Street
These are strong words - "best mac & cheese" - now I need to go!
Posted by: Cuddles | 04/26/2015 at 07:13 AM