To try and decide each week where and what to eat in and around the basin can be a challenge – there are so many amazing choices. In this feature we’ll dive into dishes that will surely satisfy those hunger pangs and leave you wondering where to go next.

OK. Who spun the classic wheel of flavor and decided to come up with this gem? Birria and mac and cheese? Yes, you are not dreaming. In fact, you might be salivating, which I would completely understand. Especially when you take a deeper look at this week’s feature.

The pairing of this comfort food super duo is as dynamic and delicious as you think it is and it all gets ramped up with beef short rib braising for about four hours in a bath of ingredients like soy, ancho chilis, garlic, celery, orange juice, among others.

The “mac” is a bowtie pasta and the “cheese” in this sauce is a combination of three (Manchego, Gruyere, and American), with the Manchego doing the heavy lifting. It’s melted down to a creamy consistency with the addition of chipotle for a slightly smoky burst. Once that is plated up, it’s topped with the birria meat, a black bean and corn salsa, freshly sliced avocado, and a jalapeno ranch drizzle.

If you couldn’t guess, this dish explodes like a flavor volcano but surprisingly, none of them are screaming out for attention. Instead, each of them picks up where the other leaves off for a harmonious and layered bite.

The meat is ultra tender and there’s easily enough to spread throughout until your final bite. While some mac and cheese dishes can feel heavy, there’s a lightness here that allows you to devour the entire thing – if you really wanted … and I suppose you might.

When it comes to mac and cheese, this dish might come with the best view of Tahoe in the entire basin … which makes for a pretty tempting offer.

Gar Woods Grill & Pier is located at 5000 North Lake Blvd. in Carnelian Bay. For menu and restaurant information visit them online at garwoods.com or reach them by phone at 530-546-3366.