Like the hot and sunny day of 4/20, all things were golden at the Bakersfield Mac & Cheese Fest of 2024. This annual celebration brings together both cheddar enthusiasts and macaroni curators from all over town. It is an excuse to fulfill one’s wildest cheesy dreams. For some food vendors, it’s all about the spirit of the festival and the networking opportunities that it comes with. For others, it’s all about the competition. In the case of the popular Mexican food chain, Taco Bros, “there’s no competition”. Confidence was high for this team and all doubts went out the window just as quick as their Birria Mac & Cheese were being nabbed pretty fast.
It would be a statement that may have seemed a bit premature. Especially considering that Countryside Market could potentially be one of their biggest competitors. However, the franchise switched things up and offered a new option for their taste-testers this year- the Pepperoni and Cheese Mac. It would seem as a potential disadvantage considering their consistent wins for their Chile Verde Mac & Cheese in past years. Their most recent win was for the spicy award in 2023 for the same dish. Still, hopes were high.
With competition comes intimidation. El Portal, who had been stationed at the event for the past three years, seemed like newcomers. The Mexican grill and cantina spot mentioned how they felt “okay” about their mac and cheese creation. The group gave credit over to their neighboring booth, Taco Bros, as they continued to pass out their cups.
In the end, Nov’s Soul Spot’s Brisket Mac & Cheese would take home the trophy for the best of the year.
Check out their site at: www.bakersfieldmacandcheesefest.com
See all the photos we took while at this event:
