Bites Nearby: MacDaddy's

— If you are a parent, you've probably encountered more than your share of macaroni and cheese. But MacDaddy's has some new takes on the kid-friendly staple.

This new spot in Monroe welcomes customers with a menu of 22 varieties of mac and cheese, with some boasting sophisticated flavors such as lobster, prosciutto and truffle oil. The dishes are served in iron skillets with your choice of three sizes, Snack, Mac and MacDaddy (the largest).

The Mac Vegetarian has elbow pasta and Fontina cheese cooked with a variety of veggies, including asparagus, spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. The Mac Attack flavors the macaroni with chili and cheddar cheese. Gluten-free and whole wheat macaroni are available.

Dishes here run between $5 and $48 (for the large lobster entree, of course), but most hover about $15 for the medium size, which is plenty to serve at least two people. Sodas and other cold drinks are available, as well as a few sides and desserts, such as salads, deep-fried treats and some breakfast items.

MacDaddy's is located in Monroe at 650 Main St. (Rte. 25), 203-880-5400. Hours are Sun - Thu, 11am - 9pm; Fri, Sat, 11am - 10pm.