Better than Mom’s
Q. I would greatly appreciate it if you could obtain the recipe for Burt & Max’s mac and cheese. It’s amazing. — Shewana Passley, Coral Springs
A. Amazing is right, with its flavorful sauce enhanced with shallots, fresh thyme and garlic. Probably not like Mom’s mac and cheese you had growing up. Executive Chef Patrick Broadhead of Burt & Max’s (9089 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561-638-6380, burtandmaxs.com) was happy to share his rendition of this classic dish that never seems to lose its culinary appeal.
“This version is so popular because it’s super creamy, rich and decadent,” Broadhead says. “Plus, we use campanelle pasta, which looks like little bells with ruffled edges that really holds the sauce well. I think it’s one of those super homey and comforting dishes that takes people back to their childhood. But I bet they never had mac and cheese like this!” While it may not taste like Mom’s, the recipe will likely win you over.
Burt & Max’s mac and cheese is by far one of their most requested side dishes, and is served with ribs on the kids menu. The regular menu also offers the pasta with bacon and caramelized onion. It is Broadhead’s personal favorite, “because of the smoky, salty and sweet aspect.”
The chef also highlights the versatility of the dish and suggests combinations such as “lobster or king crab, cauliflower and peas, mushroom and truffle. I think you get the idea. There are endless options to personalize your own mac and cheese.”
It’s a good time to take advantage of Burt & Max’s current summer specials. Kids 12 and under enjoy a free meal with any adult entrée purchase. For the adults, Mondays and Wednesdays are Wine Days, when bottles of wine from the regular wine list are half off with the purchase of an entrée or specially priced $20 bottles available daily from a select menu.