Give us your best shot: Yes, we know that O-Bar loads its $19 entrée with lobster, and the one at Blair’s is infused with truffles. And the latest throwbacks to classic Stouffer’s, spearheaded by newcomers Larkin’s and The Point? We know about those, too.
The winning combination at Violet is Serrano ham, leeks and Gruyère that’d hit all the right notes back when chi-chi mac was the rage—and still manages to be unexpected and fresh in the recent cheesy revival. We can debate the value of ham over bacon or truffles or lobster (only in this case, not in general), or the complexity that the leeks provide, but the fact of the matter is: No other place is as proud of its macaroni as Violet.
So proud is chef Jared Simons, he not only provides a recipe on the restaurant’s website but is now offering a take-and-bake preorder option in two family sizes. Call a day ahead, pick it up and finish the dish off in a 375-degree oven. In 15 minutes, we’ve got enough to feed a small army—or to last through several nightcaps. Really, how could we resist anything that absolutely insists on coming home with us?
Great, now that that’s settled: Wanna talk pizza?
Place orders one day in advance of pickup at 310-453-9113.
Half pan: $50, serves 8-10
Full pan: $100, serves 16-18
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