NYC's new comfort food

Masala Mac 'n' Cheese | S'MAC

Despite S'MAC's single-minded devotion to an all-American classic, one quick glance at the menu's wildly varying permutations will squelch any suspicions of it being a one-trick pony. Take the Masala mac 'n' cheese ($7.25 for a small serving), a spicy and assertive nod to owners Sarita and Caesar Ekyas' Indian heritages.

The lowdown: "We wanted to have a subtle cheese that complimented the Indian flavors and spices of the dish," explains Sarita. She and her husband settled on a mild blend of American and cheddar cheeses to be the molten canvas to a bold melange of aromatic masala spices: ginger, cumin, coriander chili powder, turmeric. Sautéed onions, tomatoes and a topping of fresh cilantro complete the toothsome multicultural composition.

S'MAC
345 E. 12th St. between First and Second Aves.
212-358-7912