It’s time to put down your Easy Mac and get yourself a real bowl (or in this case, pan) of mac and cheese at Max & Chz; no microwave necessary. Everyone knows that macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that has become a staple to the typical college student’s diet, but after awhile it can get boring. If you love mac and cheese but crave more variety, then this place will blow your mind.
Located on 117 South Hyde Park Ave., Max & Chz is just a short walk across from campus. This tasty new joint, which opened on Aug. 14 of this year, specializes in gourmet mac and cheese with a fun twist. The owner, Vincent Russo, has been a big fan of mac and cheese ever since he was a kid.
“I grew up eating it [mac and cheese] when I lived in New York City and wanted to bring it with me after moving to Tampa, so I guess that’s how it all started,” Russo said.
The abbreviated name, Max & Chz, was inspired by text message syntax. Although Max & Chz is more of a fast food place, all of the food is freshly prepared from the time that the customer orders it, to the time that they get it.
“We don’t pre make anything,” Russo said. “Every morning, we go to the market to buy our ingredients.”
Their menu offers 12 different varieties of mac and cheese. From The Classic, with just Velveeta and noodles, to other bolder flavors, like The Philly (shredded beef with provolone cheese and onions) and The Italian(seasoned ground beef with ricotta and mozzarella cheese), Max & Chz caters to your every craving. Their most popular dishes are The Southwestern and The Alfredo. They are served in seven or nine-inch pans with prices ranging from $4.50 to $7.75 so that customers get a lot for their money. Customers can also get extra toppings on their mac and cheese, like bacon and panko bread crumbs, for an extra 50 cents.
Besides macaroni, Max & Chz serves a variety of other foods. Chips and jumbo soft pretzels are offered as side options and wings and loaded nachos are served after 5 p.m.
The restaurant is small with limited seating, but there is a sense of welcome and home. The walls are decorated with a ton of family photos and paintings, including a painting of the University of Tampa’s iconic minarets.
I myself am not a hard core mac and cheese fan, but I love anything different and spicy, so I ordered The Southwestern. The Southwestern consists of seasoned ground beef, max (that’s what they call the noodles), monterey jack, cheddar cheese, jalapenos, and a tortilla crumble on top. If the description didn’t already have me hooked, the first bite definitely did. I ordered the smaller pan, but it was still enough to feed two people, and my meal was ready within ten minutes.
Each ingredient complimented the dish very well. To start off, the noodles were cooked to perfection, and the cheese was so mouth-watering and gooey. I’ve never tried seasoned ground beef in mac and cheese before, but I’m going to have to make that from now on, because it was simply delicious. The jalapenos added a nice spicy kick to the meal, but I think my favorite part was the tortilla crumble on top because it gave it an awesome crunch. It beats any kind of nachos I’ve ever had before. Although, some guacamole on top would be even better.
Just be warned: you will need some water close by because of the savoriness. Also, be prepared to eat a lot. By the time I finished, I was completely full and satisfied; and I had only eaten half of my dish. The meal was the ultimate comfort food. I have to admit that it was the best mac and cheese that I have ever eaten. I was not expecting to like this place as much as I did, but there is no doubt in my mind that I will be returning or ordering for delivery.
I give Max & Chz four out of five stars for their unique and outstanding selections. This place is convenient, inexpensive, and delectable. Max & Chz is primarily a takeout and delivery restaurant, but the quality of the food is Grade A.
Madison Irwin can be reached at madison.irwin@spartans.ut.edu.