While the lack of main menu mac's may stop some from trying to order the worlds best use of cheese and pasta, it doesn't stop me. What's the harm in asking if I can order off the menu even if I don't come close to looking like I'm 12 (just because I may act my shoe size sometimes...)?
Just over a month ago I went to dinner with my parents for their birthdays (born just 4 days apart) and while Strizzis has an Italian flare with some American influence, I had no option for a mac and cheese on the main menu (I guess I shouldn't be surprised). The waitress however was kind enough (or didn't care) that I asked if it was O.K. to order off the children's menu and she even told me that the potion was a pretty respectable size so I didn't need to worry about going hungry ordering it.
With that kind of reinforcement, I had no choice but to fulfill my destiny... erm order it.
The Review
Brand:
Strizzis (Kid's Menu) Macaroni & Cheese
Price:
$7.99
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| Now that I think about it... I didn't get ice cream at the end of my meal. I got gypped! |
All American Favorite!
Preparation:
*First find a Strizzis. They have a few locations to choose from in the east bay.
*After being seated and reviewing the menu, try to order the mac and cheese. If the server gives you a look, point that it's for the kid at the table (you did bring a kid correct?) and say it's for them.
*While waiting for your food, enjoy the fresh bread and olive oil that is brought out for you. Your whole meal will be starch, just let it go and enjoy some warm bread. It's endless bread, so go hog wild!
*When your meal arrives, make sure to thank the server, have your napkin placed properly on your lap (not tucked into your shirt collar) and that you keep your elbows off the table while you eat.
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| Served on a plate. Seemed a little weird personally, as I think it would have presented much better in some kind of bowl. |
Taste:
As the plate was placed in front of me, I got a faint cheesy smell, though it was competing with the meals that my parents had ordered (one was a salmon dish if memory serves). The sauce was a bit salty, but it was still cheesy, with a distinct American cheese taste. Mixed into the sauce were smaller chunks of what I think was Parmesan cheese. It covered the noodles well and was nice and smooth. Whatever those chunks of cheese were, they didn't pack a huge wallop. The noodles were firm and cooked, but not al dente.
Final Score:
This mac was decidedly middle of the road. It wasn't amazing and it wasn't bad. A kid getting this wouldn't be upset with it and nor was I. My only real criticism was that while the meal came out on a plate, it let the whole dish get colder quicker because of how it was presented. Serving it in a smaller bowl would have kept it warmer longer and would have made it feel like it was more food. Being on the plate, there really wasn't anything below any noodle that was stabbed by your fork before it was placed into your mouth. The left over sauce did make for a good wipe for their fresh table bread.
Nutritional Information:
I didn't see any nutritional information in the restaurant (though I didn't ask) and there isn't any nutritional information on their website. The one thing going for it is that the portion size is smaller being that it's on the kids menu, so while it may have a reasonably high calorie and salt load for a serving, you're not getting tricked into multiple servings worth on your plate.
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