M is for Macaroni & Cheese

M is the sound of sighing with pleasure over something yummy, saying “Mmmmm.”  To me, there are few dishes more cozy or M-inspiring than a big bowl of macaroni and cheese, in particular the extra-plush version served at in San Rafael’s Montecito Shopping Center.

Trio is a charming place for breakfast and lunch. In addition to a comfortable interior with a couch for lounging and laptopping, there’s a sidewalk dining patio lined with umbrellaed tables just a few yards from San Rafael’s canal waterway. It's an oasis on these hot days.

As for the macaroni and cheese, no one else in Marin serves it like this: A large bowl is heaped with tender elbow macaroni cloaked in a rich yet flourless cheese sauce that showcases white cheddar and mozzarella. Sauteed mushroom nuggets and crisp little shards of bacon are mixed in. The rich portion ($10), reminiscent of spaghetti carbonara and easily big enough to serve two, is like a culinary hand-woven blanket — the kind that’s soft yet has a wonderfully textured, knubbly weave. 

 Macaroni and cheese is also available in a plain version ($7.50).

Both are delish. For perfect balance, add in the house salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onions in a wonderfully savory Dijon-shallot vinaigrette ($5 small, $8 large).

Cafe Trio — so named because it is a cafe, wine bar and bistro — is at 363 3rd Street in the Montecito Shopping Center, 485-1404, www.cafetriosanrafael.com. It's open for breakfast and lunch until 3 p.m.

Contact Leslie Harlib at gmail.com