Mac and cheese wasn’t on the menu when Silke Helm, owner of
Silkelicious Mac, was growing up in southern Germany, but the former dental hygienist and caterer at Eli Lilly’s North technology center loves how this most American dish gives her a canvas for such dolled-up creations as pizza mac with pepperoni and banana peppers and her signature German mac with bratwurst, sauerkraut, and a pretzel. But a comfort food restaurant wasn’t always in the cards for this enterprising businesswoman who put aside her passions until her children were old enough that she could start a restaurant. Here, she reflects on the challenges and joys of bringing her customers the flavors of their childhood.