NYC's new comfort food

Quirky twists on all-time classics, from Dr. Pepper ribs to a Bollywood mac 'n' cheese

Tough times call for comforting grub. And if there's been any rebound to the market lately, it's in the comfort-food department, where mac 'n' cheese, meatloaf and other perennial faves have been popping up more and more on menus around the city.

But these days, more chefs are also pushing comfort food out of its comfort zone, showcasing revamped recipes and inventive, often quirky preparations. Check out some of the city's best twists on familiar classics.

By Laura Neilson; photos by Melissa Hom

Pictured: Brooklyn Star's Dr. Pepper Ribs