Nothing takes the gray chill out of a February day like a steaming plate of comfort food. That cheesy, buttery, carb-laden platter of something that makes you feel warm, secure, and very full.

Grilled cheese might be the first and best of comfort foods. Even gourmet chefs have their take on this old friend. Chef David Burke of Fromagerie Restaurant (www.fromagerierestaurant.com) in Rumson recently gave us a lesson in grilled cheese — the kind you slap together when guests drop by. Click here to watch on NJ My Way.

At the Pop Shop in Collingswood (www.thepopshopusa.com) there are more than 30 varieties of grilled cheese on the menu, each named after a street in the borough.

This comfort foodery was recently the scene of a major grilled cheese showdown, featuring the Food Network’s Bobby Flay. Check out the grilled cheese poetry contest on the website: www.thepopshopusa.com/specialevents/2007poetrycontest.html.

Macaroni and cheese is our second favorite stress reliever. We’re partial to the mac and cheese with the stewed tomatoes at the Blue Pig Tavern in Cape May’s Congress Hall (www.congresshall.com). We’ve heard that Atlantic Highland’s Flakey Tart (145 First Ave., 732-291-2555) hits the m&c spot better than most.

Sometimes, you just want quantity, and when the food is piled so high you can’t see the other side of the table, that’s the most comforting thing of all.

Bring your doggy bag to Harold’s New York Deli  (www.haroldsnystyledeli.com).   The franchise — with various locations around the state — is famous for huge super-sized sandwiches, a giant seven layer cake, and matzoh balls the size of small pumpkins.

Got your own favorites? Click on the link below to Write The Editor, and let us know about it. After all, sometimes you just want to chow down, and get comfortable.