A childhood classic is getting a crafty spin on Saturday at the fourth annual Mac and Cheese and Music Festival at Expo New Mexico in Albuquerque. This is no Blue Box. Over 30 restaurants will put their spin on the delish dish in hopes of winning a prestigious title: Best Mac and Cheese in City.
Restaurants ranging from Fork & Fig to Bonefish Grill and last year’s winner, Countryside Grill, will be handing out samples from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The best part? Your ticket includes all the samples your stomach can handle. With admission, you will also receive a plate, silver ware, and a token for casting your vote on which restaurant cooks up the best mac and cheese in the Duke City—no minor responsibility.
Want to make your own? Try our recipe for grown up green chile mac.
Trying over 30 mac and cheese dishes might seem overwhelming for even the biggest glutton. For a little relief, head over to the various food trucks that will also be at the event. Wash down the decadent macs with all the free cider and craft beer samples your liver can handle.
Before you hit that food coma, take a lap and check out the vendors, such as local store Natural Rx, selling arts and crafts.
Live music is a welcoming addition to this year’s festival, since there’s no better way to wake up from 30 mac and cheeses than dancing. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Red Light Cameras, Silver String Band (voted best folk band in the city), and Keith Sanchez & the Moon Thieves will take the stage before two headliners take the party over. The big names of the night will be The Ultimate King of Pop, a tribute to Michael Jackson, and Uptown Funk, the tribute to Bruno Mars.
Christopher Duke, the face of the festival, says tomorrow gives Albuquerque’s best restaurants the opportunity to put their own spin on a family-favorite dish.
“Mac and Cheese is one of those things that’s a staple most Americans, most New Mexicans, can relate to—it’s part of our shared experience,” says Duke.
Duke says last year one restaurant offered a chocolate frozen mac and cheese as a desert option and can’t wait to see what other unique takes the chefs will whip up on the classic dish.
The event goes from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and is for those 21 and over. Tickets are $35 and can be bought at the gate or online (themacandcheesefest.com).