COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – The much-anticipated Mac & Cheese Festival will take place on January 18, 2025, in downtown Coeur d’Alene.
This popular culinary event, organized by the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association, celebrates the beloved dish of macaroni and cheese with creative twists from over 20 renowned local chefs. The festival is happening Saturday from noon to 6.
The festival features diverse mac and cheese creations, each paired with a craft beverage option. Participants can indulge in these unique dishes while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Coeur d’Alene.
This year’s event will feature chefs competing for prestigious awards, including the Golden Noodle Award and the People’s Choice Trophy. Among the 22 participating chefs are:
– Chef Edward Bartkowiak from Anthony’s, known for combining seafood with creative flavors.
– Chef Nick Bokarica of Mac Daddy’s, who specializes in over 14 varieties of mac and cheese.
– Chef Vincent Fong from Hula Pot, offering a fusion of Hawaiian BBQ and unique spice blends.
– Chef CJ Lopp of Vine & Olive, known for pairing European-inspired small plates with Northwest flair.
Other talented chefs from establishments such as Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery, Olive’s Pastry & Pies, Seasons of CDA, Sweet Lou’s, Steam Plant Restaurant & Brew Pub, and The Snake Pit will also showcase their culinary skills.
The festival invites attendees to vote for their favorite dish to help award the People’s Choice Trophy. The Golden Noodle Award will be judged by a panel of distinguished judges, including:
– Aaron Fish, Executive Head Chef of the Eat Good Group and former Chopped participant.
– Keith Boe, founder of North Idaho Cuisine and North Idaho Life, chef and restaurateur.
– Kris Kilduff, a professional food writer and critic, contributor to Eater.com.
– Larry Phelps, a former two-time Mac & Cheese Festival People’s Choice Trophy recipient and touring chef for Pink, Tyler Childers, Korn, and Pearl Jam.
– Ryan ‘Mac’, a two-time Golden Noodle Award recipient and current restaurant consultant for Sysco Foods.
– Mark Robitaille, Executive Director of the Coeur d’Alene Convention & Visitors Bureau and advocate for North Idaho’s culinary culture.
In addition to the festival, The Coeur d’Alene Resort will offer exclusive mac & cheese creations at its restaurants from January 17-18, 2025.
Highlights include Beverly’s decadent Maine Lobster Tail Macaroni & Cheese, Dockside’s playful Mac Attack Gooey, Whispers’ crispy Fried Mac & Cheese Bites, and Tito’s Italian Grill’s hearty White Bean Chicken Chili Mac.
For those looking to enjoy a unique experience, the Mac & Cheese Dinner Cruise offers a perfect blend of delectable mac dishes and stunning lakeside scenery. The cruise features a buffet with mac and cheese themes and local brews from Vantage Point Brewing Company in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
If you’d like to buy tickets, click here: https://cdadowntown.com/cda-events/mac-cheese-festival/
