New ways to praise the piggy in the District

Bacon Mac & Cheese at Co Co Sala

An upscale dessert and chocolate lounge may not be the first stop on a quest for bacon, but downtown’s Co Co Sala happens to be home to one of the most savory uses of the meat in the District. Their Bacon Mac & Cheese is one of the most popular items on the restaurant’s small plates menu, featuring chopped applewood smoked bacon, orichette pasta, parmesan, yellow cheddar, asiago, gruyere, onion, chives, garlic and Cajun seasoning.

Staying true to the lounge's theme, the Bacon Mac and Cheese is served with an extra crispy chocolate-covered strip of bacon. You can kid yourself and try to keep the little guy for a mini-dessert, but we both know it doesn't stand a chance of lasting that long.

Damage: $7