As foodies and general food nerds, we are big fans of the Food Network and specifically the show The Best Thing I Ever Ate. If you haven’t seen the show, the basic premise is there is a theme for each episode and famous chefs and other food types talk about “The Best Thing” they ever ate in that category. If you have never seen it, it’s worth just watching the opening to see Gail Simmons of Top Chef fame giggle at cotton candy.

When we go to another city, we will usually look up if there is anything from the show where we are going. We are 1 in 3. We had a very disappointing experience at Max Brenner’s Chocolate and more recently, we tried the Tres Leches cake at Kuba Kuba in Richmond, VA. Duff Goldman (the Ace of Cakes guy) touted that this cake was better than his own. Now, I haven’t tried a Charm City Cakes cake, but if Duff’s statement is true, they must make some pretty mediocre cakes.

Usually the “Best Things” are in places you would imagine having the “Best Thing I Ever Ate” such as New York, San Francisco and L.A. But every once in awhile they will sneak in something from somewhere else less haughty. So imagine our surprise when one of the best (French) things chef Alex Guarnaschelli ever ate was the Gratin de Macaroni in our own backyard in Durham at Vin Rouge.

Surprisingly, Greg and I haven’t been to Vin Rouge, a Durham institution as French food isn’t our favorites, but we decided in the name of research, we must go. I have to admit we had pretty high expectations since this WAS the best thing someone had eaten. Although the Gratin de Macaroni was good, I am not sure it lived up to the hype. I expected it would be a lot gooier and cheesier. I also found it to be a little too salty for my taste. On the plus side, the entree is so big you could easily share it with someone else (or get a salad and have it for 2 more meals). However, I found the beet salad to be surprisingly good and refreshing.

If you are looking for another good mac and cheese, I also have to highly recommend it as a side at Dame’s Chicken and Waffles.

Have you had the Gratin de Macaroni at Vin Rouge? Was it the best French thing you ever ate?

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