Luxe Mac and Cheese

The haute-comfort-food trend has seen its day, but we’ll never tire of the elegant macaroni and cheese ($8) that chef Todd Gray serves at Equinox (818 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202-331-8118; equinoxrestaurant.com). It arrives bread-crumb-toasted and bubbling in a cast-iron crock—with crusty, caramelized edges—and is gooey with Gruyère, cheddar, and a rich truffle reduction. Give it a few seconds to cool, and let the fork fights begin.