Yo’ Mac & Cheese is undeniably an amazing concept that brings a little bit of Brooklyn to Paris.
As today is Tuesday, July 14th Bastille Day and National Mac & Cheese Day, I say, what a great time to talk about two amazing events.
What is Yo’ Mac & Cheese you may ask? If I could teleport to a place in time it would be...to have Johann Demarre’s famous mac & cheese with French cheese gratinated on top on Bastille Day in Paris right now. I have to say, I have not yet tried any of the comfort food dishes from Yo’s but as soon as I will be able to fly to Europe; when the ban lifts, this will be my foodie destination.
First off, I have not seen Yo,
in 3 1/2 years as all of our lives intertwined back then in the bartending community that formed in the Meatpacking District about 7 years ago. Think back to the very best of Bagatelle days, if you know what I mean. It was the summer of 2017 when we were all basking in the sun at Sojo Spa in Edgewater, NJ not having a worry in the world. I mean, who knew we were going to be in the predicament we are in today? All we knew back then was times weren’t so tough.
It was one of those epic summers but my dear friend, had other plans in mind... a master plan, that involved the inspired "Mac & Cheese" dish.
Johann Demarre, owner and fouder of “Yo'Mac & Cheese “was the first to head back to the mother land, France. He went and followed his spirit guides, revisited the familiar which was home and hunkered down on a plan to make his dreams come true. Fast forward to now he's "doin' it and doin' it, doin' it well." His quaint eatery is serving Parisians 7 days a week with the right vibe and steady flow.
Back in February, approximately 3 weeks before the shutdown in Paris, Johann and his business employee opened the resto’s doors. Although it wasn’t the ideal time and I could just imagine being an owner of a small business going into a global pandemic, it was his time. However, the mac & cheese spot has been doing just fine up until now as Paris is starting to open up slowly. Don’t get me wrong, our dear friend Yo, has been shaking in his boots but it’s normal. Small business owners are our modern day super heroes in hospitality. Of course we can’t compare them to our essential hospital and health care workers but it’s one of those forms of appreciation that we grant to the risk takers and dream weavers of F&B. The fearless, bold and plain lucky. In business, you just go with the flow and that’s what Yo did.
“Yo Mac and Cheese” located in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, very close to Père Lachaise cemetery is the ideal scenario for a hefty meal and some hip hop vibes from Brooklyn.
Yes from Brooklyn. So if you’re living in Paris and want the NYC feel, this place is for you. If you love cheese, this place is for you.
Prior to moving back to the city of lights and spending time in Verbier where Johann was hatching his cheesy business plan, he lived in Bushwick for 5 years. “I’ll always have BK in my heart” said Johann aka Yo.
Inspired by the hip hop and street art movement that was birthed in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan it was the very start of his genius concept. Hip Hop and street culture was and is all about telling stories. Finally, Yo’ has his version to share with everyone in this graffiti decorated, gangsta rap inspired and NYC vibe themed eatery. According to Yo, music is everything and so is comfort food. Mix that together with the concept of showcasing local artists work on the walls and one can sense the feeling of community, one-ness, and comfort.
Now come to think of it, the U.S. invented Kraft Mac & Cheese in 1937 during the Great Depression.
For decades it has been a household staple for the typical American family because it’s easy to make and it fills you right up. It’s actually yummy if you really want to know my opinion, this day in age, we as consumers get turned off by anything that comes in packets, especially cheese flavoring. Alright, I’ll say it, the “p” word. We don’t like processed food anymore am I right?! But because it is #nationalmacandcheeseday it’s a day to pay homage to the American favorite and because it’s Bastille Day, think of Mac & Cheese with the perfect cheese takeover. "Yo’s got it!"If I could have Mac & Cheese today ideally it would be from Yo'Mac & Cheese. Fresh ingredients, a plethora of French cheese gratiné atop with puns galore and a small refreshment list that’s just all you need to feel fulfilled. The menu also offers gluten free sensations. The Healthy Mac, is the perfect name for this vegan dish that’s completely guilt free. How about the Notorious Brie IG.? Or Tupac Chaource? Or Ol'Cheddarty Bastard? Ahhh, that one would be my first choice. But real talk, if I do indulge in this beloved American comfort dish on #nationalmacandcheeseday, it definitely wouldn't be as dope as Yo' Mac & Cheese.
If that’s not what you fancy you can also opt for Pimp My Mac where you customize your very own dish. Bottom line, Yo"Mac & Cheese is the place where creativity spirals into a classic comfort treat. Mac and Cheese with French gratinated cheese with hip hop culture The cherry on the cake.
Need I say more?
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