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2nd Annual Austin Mac & Cheese Festival: The Cheesiest Festival You’ll Ever Attend

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Tony Maples Photography

 

There’s no doubt that macaroni and cheese has its origins in Italy, with recipes found to have dated back to the 13th century. But, American moms and grandmothers have a way of making this dish in an incredibly versatile number of ways with so much cheesy goodness even Kraft tried to get a piece of it (boxing their first version in 1937). That’s why an entire event has been designed for the lovers of all things mac and cheese right here in the Texas Hill Country! The 2nd annual Austin Mac and Cheese Festival is scheduled for November 19 and promises to be the cheesiest festival you could ever hope to attend (and that’s a good thing!)

2nd Annual Austin Mac & Cheese Festival: The Cheesiest Festival You’ll Ever Attend

Photo: Facebook/Real Housemoms

Almost every family has their own particular take on how this dish can be made, most of which revolve around holiday meals at home, heaping spoons of it that are larger than your head, and eating everything else on your plate so you can save the best for last. Whether you like it as part of a full meal, or as the one and only course, it’s being celebrated in every way, shape, and form that you can imagine at this upcoming 2nd annual Texas Hill Country festival.

2nd Annual Austin Mac & Cheese Festival: The Cheesiest Festival You’ll Ever Attend

Photo: Facebook/News 4 WIVB Buffalo

Coordinated by Austin Food Magazine, some of the city’s best chefs and eateries will combine to battle it out over who truly does make the best version of this comfort food dish. Mark your calendars for November 19 and bring your mac-and-cheese-eating-spoon (come on, you know you have a special one in the cupboard that holds just the right mouthful for just such an occasion!) so you can sidle up to the showdown that your taste buds have been waiting for! You can add the event Facebook notice to your calendar in the meantime, and tickets went on sale August 21. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite selections but only if you hurry to purchase a spot. Last year’s event (the inaugural one) sold 200 spots within the first day they were released!

2nd Annual Austin Mac & Cheese Festival: The Cheesiest Festival You’ll Ever Attend

Photo: Facebook/Super Healthy Kids

This year’s festival is being held at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and will feature several ticket options including a Mac & Cheese Wine Dinner, a Mac & Cheese Brunch, a Grand Tasting, and a VIP option. There will be many vendors on site, together with kitchen demos and live music to round out the day (because eating macaroni and cheese requires the right ambiance as well.) Additional festival details will be released this month, so follow their social media event post or check out the Austin Food Magazine website for further announcements.

References:

Austin 360

Clifford A Wright