Cheese, Please

There's something so undeniably comforting about a bowl of steamy, creamy macaroni and cheese.

I Heart Mac & Cheese's newly opened Boca Raton venue serves up this old-fashioned classic with a trendy twist. It's a fast-casual venue specializing in customizable, made-to-order macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches and salads.

The eatery, which also has locations in Parkland and Fort Lauderdale, combines award-winning recipes with a grown-up approach to this iconic childhood dish. Diners choose pasta or bread (including gluten-free) and then top it with as much cheese as they please (gruyere, American, muenster, blue cheese, white cheddar, mozzarella and/or parmesan). Veggies, including mushrooms, carrots, scallions, tomatoes, jalapeños and broccoli, can be added along with protein (short ribs or meatballs, perhaps?).

For those who prefer to leave the culinary creating to others, there's a signature menu with options like The Cuban, with mojo-marinated pulled pork, ham, Gruyere cheese and dill pickles, or The Best of Both Worlds, a baked mac and cheese sandwich with slow-cooked short rib, white cheddar cheese and American cheese, topped with barbecue sauce. Seafood lovers will savor the Lobster & White Truffle, with Maine lobster, muenster cheese, scallions, lobster cream and white truffle oil.

Loaded tater tots stuffed with cheese, bacon, scallions and ranch sauce are also a must-try. Less hearty options include salads or baked bites filled with chicken and macaroni and cheese.

I Heart Mac & Cheese is located at The Shops at University Park, 141 N.W. 20th St., Boca Raton. For more information, visit iheartmacandcheese.com.