If you're a new reader to my blog, you must know that I have a thing for pasta. It could be that it's super simple to make or it could be that when I'm not cooking I'm training for a marathon, so inevitably I eat a lot of pasta! Nevertheless, I'm always in the market for a satisfying pasta dish. In my times of brain block, I often head to
Noodles & Co to fill up on their amazing pasta dishes the night before a long run. So when the wonderful people at Noodles & Co offered me the chance to try out their new Grown Up Mac & Cheese selections, I immediately responded with a big "YES"!!
My co-worker and I headed to the new St. Paul location on University Avenue for lunch one afternoon and I ordered the Truffle Mac. This cheesy dish starts the same as their traditional mac & cheese, but then its amped up with some white truffle oil, sliced cremini mushrooms, and seasoned breadcrumbs, topped with Parmesan cheese. Seriously?
Nope, they aren't joking! This really is mac & cheese for grown ups. The truffle oil is perfection, giving this classic dish a huge kick in the face. It adds a rich depth of flavor and this earthy quality that turns a child's favorite into a dish I'd gladly pair with a nice glass of wine. The bread crumb topping provides some lovely texture, bonding to the cheese and soaking up the yummy flavors. Plus, the cremini mushrooms are perfect. They aren't as overwhelming as portobello slices could have been, and the mushroom slices round out the tastiness of this mac & cheese. Can you tell I'm swooning? *Swoon*
As gluttonous as I can be, I exercised some self control and boxed half of the mac & cheese up (it's a big plate!). But I certainly chowed it down for lunch the next day. I have a thing for reheated mac & cheese. And this version was seemed even more cheesy and gooey than the day before. Win!
But you know what the best part of this blog post is? I'll tell you. Not only did Noodles give
me the opportunity to try out their Grown Up Mac & Cheese, they want to give
YOU the same chance! I have a gift bag filled with fun swag and a coupon for a free (huge) bowl of any of their delicious pasta offerings. You can try out the Truffle Mac or their two other featured dishes: Chili Mac or Bacon, Mac & Cheeseburger. (It's also good for their classic
menu items.)
In order to win this goody bag, just comment below, telling me your favorite Noodles & Co dish OR your favorite mac & cheese dish! Make sure you leave your name in the comment so I know who you are!! I'll randomly select the winner next Friday -- so comment away and best of luck to you all!
**Check back on Friday the 13th for the winner -- it could turn out to be your luckiest of unlucky days!!**
