We have Donut Fest. And Poutine Fest. And Bloody Mary Fest. Naturally, Chicago needed Mac & Cheese Fest.
The inaugural event, planned for 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4 at the UIC Forum, will bring together an estimated 50 chefs each serving his or her variation of the cheesy classic. Wash them down with craft beer and wine and know that a portion of your ticket price benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities. Chefs will get as creative as they want, provided noodles and cheese remain the primary ingredients.
A combination of guests' and judges' scores will crown one chef with "The Golden Noodle" for favorite mac 'n' cheese dish.
Tickets are $50 (includes all-you-can-taste samples, plus five beer or wine vouchers) and go on sale Sept. 1 through Ticketmaster. For more information, visit the festival's website.
kbernot@tribune.com @redeyeeatdrink