Morton's Mac 'n' Cheese
When treating yourself to a dinner from this distinguished steakhouse, macaroni and cheese may be one of the furthest foods from your mind. After all, macaroni and cheese is stuff for the kids menu, right? Think again. This dish is a must-have for grownups. In the Morton's version four different types of cheeses and an ample serving of heavy cream come together to form a delightfully decadent dish. Add a touch of chili paste for a kick and this is not your mother's Velveeta. It's a macaroni masterpiece. $10.50 per side order.
1510 Riverplace Blvd., Southbank, 399-3933
[ www.mortons.com ]

Metro Diner's Chicken Pot Pie
Baby, it's cold outside—and when the weather gets chilly, there's nothing better than a hearty chicken pot pie. But, instead of going to the kitchen, head on over to the Metro Diner. This eatery, just south of San Marco Square, serves up a pot pie sure to stir up fond childhood memories. Filled with fresh veggies and chicken and enclosed in a flaky biscuit crust, this dish may make Mom jealous or give up cooking altogether. Be sure to get there early, though. Metro Diner is open for breakfast and lunch only. A regular pot pie is $7, and for bigger appetites there's a jumbo for $8.
3302 Hendricks Ave., San Marco, 398-3701
[ www.metrodinerjax.com ]

Fried Chicken at the Soul Food Bistro
At the Potter's House—a local Christian ministry—the good Lord feeds the soul and its restaurant, the Soul Food Bistro, feeds the body. The name of the game here is classic Southern specialties. Food is served cafeteria style, and customers can order a number of meals or a la carte. And, if it's the most quintessential of Southern dishes you're after, the Soul Food Bistro's fried chicken can't be beat. Beneath a thin, crispy, peppery shell is tender chicken that has absorbed all the flavors of its seasoning. Sides such as collard greens and macaroni and cheese are out of this world—the tender greens have that savory pork flavor. With food this good, we bet even the Colonel would sneak a drumstick. Meals are $7 for all dark, $8 for all white and $9 for mixed, and each comes with two sides, cornbread and a drink.
5310 Lenox Ave #1, Westside, 394-0860
[ www.potters-house.org ]

Scallion Mashed Potatoes at Mitchell's Fish Market
Nothing screams comfort food like a fluffy pile of mashed potatoes. You may have thought these spuds couldn't get any better than Mom used to make, but the folks at Mitchell's have hit the ball out of the park with their rendition. While mashed potatoes can often seem pasty and mass-produced, the potatoes at Mitchell's have a rustic, hand-mashed texture. And, unlike many potatoes that are faux-flavored with garlic powder, these spuds are flecked with bright green bits of scallion. This scrumptious side is served with a number of Mitchell's entrees, but if you want seconds order an extra side for just $4.
5205 Big Island Dr., St. Johns Town Center, 645-3474
[ www.mitchellsfishmarket.com ]

29 South's Fried Green Tomatoes
Fernandina Beach favorite 29 South has upped the ante on this trademark Southern dish. Instead of just breading tomato slices and sending them for a swim in the deep fryer, the chefs at 29 South give them a gourmet spin. In their rendition, fresh green tomatoes are gently fried, coated with a hearty yet light breading and layered with goat cheese. All of this is topped off with a helping of red pepper jam. The folks at the Whistle Stop Café would surely approve. $5 per order.
29 South 3rd St., Fernandina Beach, 277-7919
[ www.29southrestaurant.com ]

Sweet Tea at Russ Doe's Sandwich Shop
There's nothing better for washing down a good meal than an ice-cold glass of sweet tea. Sure you can get it anywhere, but it's Russ Doe's—an unassuming Downtown sandwich shop—that serves the River City's finest brew. Perfectly sweet and refreshing, it will be the best buck you've ever spent. If you're feeling extra thirsty, go for the jumbo cup for just $1.25.
1745 E. Church St., Downtown, 353-9065