Austinites had their cheese cravings satisfied this past weekend with the 7th Annual Austin Mac & Grilled Cheese Festival taking place at the Star Hill Ranch. On November 17, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, more than twenty local chefs, food trucks, and eateries came together to serve up their unique spins on two beloved comfort foods: mac-n-cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches, alongside an array of sweet treats.
Among the culinary delights, guests sampled a wide variety of dishes, with two dozen Central Texas establishments showcasing their skills. Participants included Moonshine Grill, The Vegan Nom, MACS Mac & Cheese Shop from Kalahari Resort, and Original Black’s Barbecue, to name a few. Not to mention, according to CBS Austin, the event also featured exclusive offerings in a VIP Lounge sponsored by Austin International Airport.
Tickets to the event ranged from $25 to $100, with options for every type of festival-goer, whether they were there for a quick bite or the full VIP experience. The Tribeza event listing highlighted that the occasion was set to be a day of pure indulgence, inviting the community to mark their calendars well in advance.
In sync with the cheesy theme, the festival also featured complementing beverages including offerings from Tito's Handmade Vodka, STILL Austin Whiskey, and Dulce Vida Tequila. Those looking for a non-alcoholic fix quenched their thirst with Topo Chico, sipping on the carbonated mineral water that, according to a treat handcrafted by Kurty’s Cookies, the festival ensured there was something for every palate.
The festival, nestled at the Star Hill Ranch located at 15000 Hamilton Pool Rd in Bee Cave, TX, was once again a testament to Austin’s vibrant and ever-evolving food scene. Throngs of attendees, from families enjoying a day out to food enthusiasts exploring the latest creative concoctions, were immersed in Austin's rich tradition of celebrating good food and community. With the setting sun casting a golden hue over the festival, it wrapped another successful year, leaving those in attendance already craving the next one.
