That's some cheesy mac right there. Photo courtesy of the Main Ingredient Ale House.
To say that I was excited for this restaurant opening would be an understatement. I have been anxiously hearing through the grapevine that this place was about to open. And, Monday night arrived, in all of its splendor, to deliver unto the world (dun dun dunnnn) The Main Ingredient Ale House.
Compared to Lisa G’s place (where The Main Ingredient now resides), it seems like there have been just a few tweaks to the interior. My experience leads me to notice the at-home feeling I had once I crossed their threshold. It’s cozy, but not too small. This is the perfect place to chill with a brew in hand (convenient, since that is what I will be doing most nights now).
My ol’ reliable stomach was hankering for some exquisite cuisine. Apparently, if I was following my stomach, it was leading me to glory. At the jest of Courtney Diamond, one of the new co-owners, I ordered Mindy’s Mac ‘n Cheese. I realize it sounds odd to order a seemingly childish dish, but after eating this melty, cheesy bowl of amazingness, it should be at the top of your list every time you go. Blended and melted perfectly, Mindy’s Mac ‘n Cheese rocks the palate and takes a classic dish to new places. Flavored with just the right amount of green chillies, this might be the Main Ingredient’s dish to beat.
No trip to an “ale house” is ever complete or real without scouring its beer menu and judging accordingly. The Main Ingredient has several draft brews made close by at Four Peaks, along with one that seems to have been crafted just for the place — The Main Ale. This brew is a golden Sunbru-esque beer. It is refreshing and seems to combine the characteristics of my favorite types of beer, hefeweisen and blondes.
Being a self-described beer elitist, this brew making my top list is a big win. If I hadn’t been attempting to try everything that they had on tap, I would have just ordered seven of these. So, welcome to the neighborhood, TMI. I could not be happier to have you here and will probably make you feel welcome by occupying space at your finely crafted bar at the end of most days.
The Main Ingredient Ale House is located at 2337 N. 7th St. in Coronado — 602.THE.MAIN
