Kozmo Gastropub

Allow me to begin by reiterating how high my expectations were for this place. So high, that my boyfriend and I drove an hour out of the way for it. It was an hour of great anticipation. Because it's called a "gastropub," I also assumed that it would have a bar-type setting. This was not the case. Tucked in the middle of a quiet shopping center, my first thought was, "how cute." Austin's (my boyfriend's) first thought was, "don't bring me here on a sunday. There aren't enough TVs." But because we try to be nonjudgmental people, we stuck to the plan and went in; still filled with hope for delicious macaroni. Who's to say that a trendy place with colorful drinks can't have tasty comfort food too?

As we sat in our booth with our menus, we realized that it took us a few minutes just to find where the macaroni was listed. Austin pointed out that we shouldn't have to search for something that's supposed to be amazing. I thought this was valid. In the dim lighting, we finally saw what we were looking for, along with a $19 price...WHAT? Being us, we probably freaked out louder than we should have. None the less, we'd driven all this way and would rather die than not get what we came for. We also ordered the fish and chips. Simply because we knew one bowl of macaroni wouldn't be enough for both of us to split.

When it finally came, the creamy white macaroni and cheese was covered by tons of bacon, just like I'd hoped. At first bite, it tasted just like regular old macaroni with crunchy bacon. However, the truffle oil really made a difference in making it something special. I could tell that they'd mixed the cream sauce and oil from scratch. Aside from the fancy sauce, it was really more like a cheesy Alfredo than actual mac and cheese. This is not necessarily a bad thing. It was very good pasta and sauce. But, because I'm searching for the classic comfort food that is macaroni and cheese, this was slightly more pretentious than what I was hoping for. In Austin's words, "it seems like they're trying too hard." The fish and chips were also pretty tasty. It was Catfish instead of the usual Cod for something a little unexpected. I suppose there's not much you can do with fried fish and potato wedges, and this was nothing extraordinary. 

THE VERDICT: Although it was very tasty, Kozmo Gastropub had macaroni and cheese that didn't speak to my soul as much as a well made box of Kraft. It was also incredibly overpriced for what it was. But, maybe that's the broke college kid speaking. Austin's opinion: "My Aunt Kathy's is better."

Next time, we're going to a place that makes fancy fried macaroni balls!

Until then...

The Search Begins

My name is Ashton and I love to eat. You may call me a self-proclaimed cookie connoisseur, a mac and cheese enthusiast, a pasta-farian, or a celebrator of chicken. Really, you may call me anything that applies to being a fan of food. However, for the sake of self-accountability in trying to finish something that I've started, I will be documenting my pursuit of the perfect bowl of mac and cheese. Needless to say, I would never limit myself to just mac and cheese. All things containing sugar are also my not-so-secret addiction. But, I'd like to start with Macaroni.

As an Atlanta native, I'm familiar with most of the city's favorite restaurants. The Vortex, Mary Mac's Tea Room, Ray's on the River, Okay Cafe and Thumbs Up Diner, are just a few of the places that I've formed an emotional connection to. Although, I was scrolling through my phone the other day, and came across a list titled "6 of Atlanta's Best Bowls of Macaroni and Cheese." How on Earth could I pass up an opportunity like that?! I decided to check it out. Lo and behold, everything on the list sounded amazing!

I showed the list to my boyfriend, and we both sat on the couch getting excited about all of the different things that people have decided to do with a bowl of pasta and cheese. So, I made it our (my) personal mission to complete this list, in pursuit of the best there is. Tonight, we begin at Kozmo Gastropub. Said to have macaroni with bacon and truffle oil, my expectations are extremely high. I mean... cheese AND bacon? It's a little bowl of heaven. I'm not the biggest fan of truffle oil, but I'm willing to overlook it for the sake of bacon. Hopefully, we'll be off to an amazing start and it will be everything I've ever dreamed macaroni could be. If it is or it isn't, I shall go on. But, not for at least a week and a half. I have to pace myself, not only to avoid becoming obese, but also to avoid being completely poor. Food is expensive! I'm a broke college student, so money is in constant recession. Ain't nobody got time for that!
Tomorrow, I'll tell you how it went.

Here's the list if you'd like to read it yourself. It's by Colleen McNally. I have no idea who she is, but I'm assuming she knows what she's talking about.
http://www.accessatlanta.com/news/entertainment/dining/6-atlantas-best-bowls-macaroni-and-cheese/nnfyt/