Restaurants
I Heart Mac & Cheese – REVIEW
Taste the Cheesy Bliss at I Heart Mac & Cheese: A Foodie’s Dream Come True!
March 16th, 2020
I recently had the pleasure of visiting I Heart Mac & Cheese, and I must say it was a delightful experience. With their wide range of locations across South Florida, including Pembroke Pines, Davie, Boca, Jupiter, and Coral Springs, as well as spots in New York, Texas, Georgia, Colorado, Indiana, California and Montana, it’s clear that this franchise is booming. The concept itself is unique, and they have no direct competition, which is quite impressive.
One thing that sets I Heart Mac & Cheese apart is their ability to regionalize their menu. For example, in Texas they have a unique special with steak, and they’re open to exploring regional variations in different locations like a Nashville Hot-inspired dish. This attention to local flavors adds an exciting twist to their already diverse menu.
During my visit, I also learned that I Heart Mac & Cheese is a popular choice for tailgating events, particularly in the Boca location. Many people grab catering trays for Miami Dolphins games, and catering is a significant part of their brand. It’s not surprising considering how well their mac and cheese and other offerings lend themselves to being delicious tailgate food.
Given the ongoing COVID-19 situation, I was curious about their takeout services. I was pleased to hear that they are actively promoting takeout and delivery through platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates. They understand the importance of providing convenient options for their customers, especially in places like New York where dine-in options are limited. They have adapted their operations to prioritize the safety and well-being of their customers and staff, taking extra precautions in food handling.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show—the food itself. I Heart Mac & Cheese has truly elevated the classic comfort food, mac and cheese, to new heights. They offer a wide variety of mouthwatering options from the indulgent Lobster Mac & Cheese to the flavorful Chicken Parmesan, Short Rib Philly, and Buffalo Blue bowls, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste. And if you prefer to customize your own bowl, the Create Your Own option allows you to choose from a range of additional meat choices, such as Mojo Pulled Pork, to create a personalized mac and cheese experience.
Their menu also caters to different dietary preferences, with vegan (beyond meat) options and gluten-free choices like pasta and bread. They also serve phenomenal Grilled Cheese Sandwiches on homemade Sourdough Bread, paired perfectly with a bowl of tomato soup for dipping. The combination of Muenster, White and Yellow Cheddar, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, and Swiss cheeses on their sandwiches is simply divine.
What truly impressed me was their focus on offering healthier options. With 16 different vegetable choices and the option to add grilled chicken, you can enjoy a nutritious meal at I Heart Mac & Cheese. They even have a special item called the Steve Bowl, named after the founder, which features Asian ginger sauce, Mango Habanero, vegetables, and grilled chicken. It’s clear that they strive to provide wholesome options for their customers.
Despite their commitment to quality and health, I Heart Mac & Cheese manages to keep their prices reasonable. For just $8.95 (taxes not included), you can enjoy a filling meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or portion size. It’s impressive to see a place that doesn’t cut corners and maintains high standards in both quality and quantity.
Moreover, their attention to detail shines through in every dish. For example, their Lobster Mac & Cheese includes a generous two and a half ounces of Maine lobster claw, complemented by lobster bisque, scallions, and Muenster cheese. It’s a true delight for seafood lovers.
I Heart Mac & Cheese is a wholesome brand that combines old-fashioned style with great customer service. Their commitment to providing a diverse menu with regional influences, healthier options, and the convenience of Sunday hours makes them a standout choice for mac and cheese enthusiasts and comfort food lovers alike.
This 10-seat omakase opening in Miami is about to be one of the hardest reservations to get. Takay on Coral Way combines high-level sushi, intentional design, and a guest experience that feels personal from start to finish.
March 17, 2026
Miami, if you love a beautifully done omakase, this is one to have on your radar.
There is a new omakase concept opening this spring on Coral Way, and it already feels like the kind of place people will be trying to get into early. Takay is an intimate 10-seat experience created by founders Glen Kotlyarski and Yoni Matz, bringing together serious culinary pedigree with a very intentional, guest-focused vision.
Let’s start with the people behind it, because that is really what defines this concept.
Chef Glen Kotlyarski leads the culinary experience, bringing more than 2 decades of fine-dining expertise. His background includes the Jean Georges group and Miami’s Michelin-starred Hidden, and that level of precision and discipline is felt in every course. His approach draws from traditional Edomae sushi techniques, while staying grounded in seasonality and balance.
Alongside him, co-founder Yoni Matz brings a strong hospitality perspective shaped by years of building and operating restaurant concepts. His influence is clear in the overall experience, which is designed to feel warm, welcoming, and engaging rather than overly formal or intimidating.
And you feel that from the moment you arrive.
The space, designed by Japan based architecture firm KTX, is quietly stunning. Guests enter through a Japanese Zen garden, setting a calm and intentional tone before stepping inside. The interior blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with subtle Miami influence, featuring natural materials, soft lighting, and a sculptural wooden wave installation inspired by The Great Wave off Kanagawa. The entire room is designed to slow you down and bring your attention fully into the experience.
Takay’s omakase follows a classic Edomae style, with two nightly seatings, each centered on a 17- or 20-course progression. Seafood is flown in from Japan and paired with seasonal ingredients from local farms, allowing the menu to evolve continuously.
The experience moves through sashimi, nigiri, and composed dishes, with each course prepared directly in front of guests and thoughtfully explained. It feels interactive, personal, and immersive, making the entire evening feel intentional.
It strikes that rare balance where the experience feels polished and high-level, but still comfortable enough to fully enjoy without overthinking it.
When it opens, Takay will offer a 17-course signature omakase at $225 per person and a 20-course extended omakase at $275. Each seating includes a welcome beverage, with optional sake, champagne, and wine pairings available.
Takay is located at 2296 Coral Way in Miami and will be open Tuesday through Saturday with seatings at 6 pm and 9 pm.
In a city known for large, high-energy dining scenes, Takay introduces something a little more intimate and intentional. It is the kind of place that focuses on the details, and those are usually the ones that stand out the most.
Reservations are expected to be limited. Learn more HERE
Date Night Done Right: Experience the Classy Interior, Delicious Drinks and Inventive Menu at Sourbon – Photos and Review of The ‘Sourbon Kitchen and Bar’ & Cocktail Bar ‘The Lab’ in West Palm Beach, Florida
From Fresh Buns to International Awards: The Recipe Behind La Birra Bar’s Championship Burger Success. (more…)
Discover Gabriella’s Modern Italian in Delray Beach—an upscale dining hotspot known for house-made pastas, luxury ambiance, celebrity sightings and unforgettable “Show & Substance” hospitality.
An Unexpected Door in Wynwood Opens to Tartuflanghe Loft, Where Michelin Level Craftsmanship and Italian Heritage Shape an Unforgettable Evening.
Experience Miami’s premier steakhouse, Hereford Grill. From decadent Venezuelan starters to world-class dry-aged steaks, exquisite cocktails and sophisticated ambience, this is fine dining redefined.
The Hidden Speakeasy Rewriting Romance at Love Letters at Nine01 Inside Hyatt Centric Las Olas with Crafted Cocktails, Romantic Games and Handwritten Love Letters.
For 13 Years, This Miami Beach Five-Star Family Restaurant Has Mastered French Cuisine with a Spanish Soul.
Penn & Teller Mark 50 Years of Magic with an Unforgettable Night at the Seminole Hard Rock
The Thorn: A Powerful, Unforgettable Night at the Kravis Center
From “4” to Forever: Lou Gramm Returns for Foreigner’s Historic South Florida Performance
-
Music3 weeks agoFantasies of Rock & Roll Become Reality
-
Entertainment4 weeks ago
Camelot Brings the Crown to Boca
-
Entertainment3 weeks ago
A Beautiful Night at Island City Stage
-
Press Releases4 weeks ago
Mia Rosebud to Serve Bel Paese Favorites This Easter
-
Press Releases4 weeks ago
Mickey + Friends Makes Magic in Miami this Spring
-
Press Releases4 weeks ago
The South Florida Watermelon Festival Returns This Weekend!
-
Press Releases3 weeks ago
Palace Bar Is the Pulse of Miami Beach Pride 2026
-
Music3 weeks ago
Beach Tested, Crowd Approved: Wheeland Brothers Ride Into Tortuga
