Staff Blog
Return of the Mac: Swallow Bistro’s cheeseified new concept
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We recently spotted this intriguing note on the door of Swallow, Jason and Cindy Caminos’ Liberties Walk bistro:
We realize that the current economic situation has affected everyone;
with this in mind we have decided to launch an entirely new menu. Our
new menu will still feature the best ingredients possible, but prepared
in a more familiar and comforting way, with no menu item to exceed
$12.00 and an average price of $8.00. The new menu will be a bit of a
shock to many people, but we believe you will really love what we are
going to offer. All we will say about the new menu is that it is being
designed with very sincere thought and consideration.
Tomorrow, Tue., Dec. 2, will mark the official debut of this new menu — which is made up entirely of macaroni and cheese. You have the option of choosing from a short roster of chefs’ suggestions (a four-cheese with gruyere, parmesan, manchego and cheddar; a Greek option with gyro meat, feta and goat cheese, kalamata olives and spinach) or piecing together your own from a list of cheeses, meats and veggies.
Jason says he and his wife had been tinkering with the idea of creating an all-mac lunch menu for some time, but eventually decided to test out the concept for both lunch and dinner. (Before, the couple had been dealing in French- and Asian-influenced bistro fare — check out Trey Popp’s May 2008 review.) “People are really hurting right now, so we wanted to make our food a
little bit more affordable,” he says. “This seemed to be the best way to guarantee
great quality consistently, and keep it at a low price.” Most ingredients are being sourced locally, just like before, Jason says.
You can check out the full menu after the jump or on Swallow’s Web site.
Jason says reaction from regulars has been mostly positive. “A few were a little disappointed, but there were many others who thought it was a wonderful idea. One couple in particular loved the place, but they were only able to come in once a month. They were excited [to hear about the new menu].”
Swallow’s mac menu will be available Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner.
Jason and Cindy’s Suggestions:
The American: american and cheddar
sm $5.00 lg. $7.00
4 Cheese: gruyere, parmesan, manchego, cheddar
sm. $8.00 lg. $12.00
Cheeseburger: american, cheddar, seasoned ground sirloin, sautéed onions
sm. $7.00 lg. $10.00
The Italian: mozzarella, sun-dried tomato, basil, roasted garlic
Sm. $7.00 lg. $10.00
The Greek: gyro, feta, goat cheese, kalamata olives, spinach
sm. $7.00 lg. $10.00
The Southerner: gruyere, cheddar, bacon
Sm. $7.00 lg. $10.00
The Mexican: cheddar, pepper jack, chicken, jalapenos, sautéed onions, cilantro
Sm. $8.50 lg. $12.25
The Californian: monterey jack, manchego, chicken, sun-dried tomato,
Sm. $7.00 lg. $10.00
The Vegetarian: cheddar, broccoli, cauliflower, roasted garlic, sweet corn
Sm. $8.50 lg. $12.25
The Casserole: tuna, cheddar, sweet peas, sautéed onions, mushrooms
Sm. $8.50 lg $12.25
CREATE YOUR OWN…
1. Choose your size: small – $5 large – $7
2. Choose up to 2 cheeses: American,
Cheddar, Feta, Goat Cheese, Gorgonzola (blue cheese), Gruyere,
Manchego, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Pepper Jack, Swiss
3. Choose up to 3 ingredients: small – add $2 large – add $3
Meats: hotdog, seasoned ground sirloin, bacon, chicken breast, gyro, ham, tuna, shrimp
Vegetables:
spinach, sautéed onions, shitake mushrooms, roasted garlic, broccoli,
cauliflower, sweet corn, sundried tomatoes, scallions, kalamata olives,
jalapeno peppers
Fresh Herbs: basil, cilantro, thyme, rosemary, parsley
Additional cheese or ingredient (per item): small $1.50 – large $2.25
4. with or without bread crumbs
[...] Meal Ticket tips us off to how Swallow has revamped their menu from the bistro fare to a menu of various macaroni and cheese combinations, topping out at $12. [...]
This is the most amazing news I have ever heard. If you need a secret mac-n-cheese tester to come in once a week and make sure the goods are up to snuff, I’m your lady.
Eight to 12 bucks still strikes me as kinda pricy. I mean, it’s just noodles and cheese…
i think they need to offer a whole wheat pasta option. too many people these days are too health conscious to eat mac and cheese on a regular basis without giving at least the illusion of nutrition.
Intrieging.
I am not a fan of this menu, you guys had a great menu and great food on that menu. The problem was not the cost of the food, which we found to be very resonable, the problem was your visibility. I think if more people knew you were back in the Libs Walk and that your food was great, there would be more of a following. You need some more PR to get the word out to the masses, through newpaper reviews, magazine write ups and old fashion word of mouth. We have told many about your place, now whith the change, you may lose us.
[...] [via Meal Ticket] [...]
Dear Owners of Swallow, the former failed bistro:
This is somewhat appalling that you two thought in some realm of small business that it was okay to do this to a fellow player in this game of struggling cafes and tiny eateries. A mac-n-cheese bistro? Really? I must point out that right down the walk, not even across a real street, there is a place that makes some fantastic mac-n-cheese (the best in the area), a wide array of down home dishes and sides (many more than you offer on your menu), and an ever changing, always delicious list of homemade desserts (including the unbeatable Elvis cake). Also, their menu tops out at about the same price as yours.
Don’t you two find it a little messed up to completely underhand another business on the walk and essentially steal their whole menu? Great idea and all, but why don’t you take it somewhere like 15th and Chestnut or 17th and Market where your shady business methods and dishonest “revamping†will really be appreciated by the fat cats that would want to gorge themselves on this novelty.
wow… some of these comments are really negative. take it easy, people. i think its a great idea. and if it works out for them, then i applaud their efforts!
its rough out there these days and we’re all trying to make it the best way we can. don’t take things so personally! all that hate will take years off the end of your life.
Dear Disappointed. I have an idea, instead if bashing another restaurant on public forums for being innovative, why not address your concerns face to face? Since you are all too familiar with the layout of the neighborhood, why not address this personally? If you don’t want to try their food, then don’t go. Stick to the place you know and love and learn to channel your anger. Be careful with all those deserts, they could lead to diabetes. Much love!!
I’ve already been- loved it so much I returned the next night. I love that I can get a yummy home-cooked meal for as much as it would be to get most fast food or takeout from a neighborhood deli. Its a fun idea as well. Hope it does gangbusters business, I know I’ll be returning! Oh, and the brownies- amazing!
[...] Abby: I’ve already been- loved it so much I returned the next night. I love that I can get a yummy home-cooked… [...]
[...] Liberties Walk mac ‘n’ cheese bistro Swallow, which owners Jason and Cindy Caminos closed temporarily last month due to the tragic death of their dog, will reopen for business this evening. Starting tomorrow, they’ll resume their regular hours: lunch from noon to 2:30 and dinner from 6 to 10 p.m.RELATED: Return of the Mac: Swallow Bistro’s cheeseified new concept [...]
We came. We ate. We enjoyed.
Comforting concept. Hope it has legs.
We still occasionally frequent the “bashing” establishment – which would benefit from some self reflection of it’s own (but who couldn’t).
Whatever your preference – show support. It would be a sad day when your independent watering hole disappears due to lack of appreciation.
[...] Read the story at Meal Ticket. [...]