AUSTIN, TX — The Austin Mac & Cheese Festival will return to Star Hill Ranch on Nov. 16 with a tropical island theme, organizers announced this month.
The one-day event, presented by Austin Food Magazine and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s Beats, Bites & Flights, will feature island-inspired variations of mac and cheese from more than 20 local restaurants, food trucks and chefs.
Competing dishes will include jerk chicken mac and cheese, mac and cheese al pastor, tropical surf and turf mac and Spam and pineapple grilled cheese, according to organizers.
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The Original Black’s BBQ, last year’s judge’s champion, and Delaware North Hospitality, the 2024 people’s choice winner, will compete alongside newcomers including Twin Isle Caribbean, Uptown Sports Club and MAC’s Mac & Cheese Shop.
Attendees will sample unlimited tastings and vote for the people’s choice award. A panel of local judges will select a separate champion.
VIP tickets, priced at $100 plus fees and taxes, include early access at 11 a.m. and entry to an exclusive lounge. General admission tickets cost $55 plus fees and taxes, with entry beginning at noon. Children ages 4-10 can attend for $25, and children under 4 will be admitted free.
Tickets are available here.
Competing Restaurants and Participants Include:The Original Black’s BBQ (2024 Judge’s Champ)Delaware North Hospitality (2024 People’s Champ)Uptown Sports ClubTwin Isle CaribbeanTLCGuest HouseChic’K Hot FlameIndustry AustinWaylon J’s BarbequeThe Pretty FarmerMAC’s Mac & Cheese ShopB-Lux Grill & BarSmoky TrioKnotty Deck Kitchen & BarHyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and SpaRuthie’s Food TruckAustin Int’l Airport Beats & EatsLeague KitchenMama Laverne Foods “Love Bites”Antonelli’s Cheese (VIP lounge)DessertsHandel’s Homemade Ice CreamTeal House BakeryShaved Ice IslandFeatured Beverage Partners:Dulce Vida TequilaTito’s Handmade VodkaDesert Door Texas SotolStill Austin Whisky (VIP lounge)Vista Brewing