Return of the Mac
Return of The Mac, an Indianapolis-based food festival dedicated to mac n’ cheese, announced it will kick-off its 2018 tour on Sunday, February 4 in Indianapolis. After producing three successful Indiana events in 2017, organizers will expand the event to include six regional events in 2018. Circle City Industrial Complex will host the initial lineup of participating restaurants, profile food judges, and the World Food Championship (WFC) qualifying status for Return of The Mac: Indianapolis, a food festival dedicated to mac n’ cheese.
Event details
Return of The Mac: Indianapolis will take place from 11 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 4 at Circle City Industrial Complex. Attendees can choose from two general admission sessions, with gates opening at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Taking place on Super Bowl Sunday, this highly sought-after food festival will be the top spot for all pre-game festivities.
Return of The Mac is one of the fastest growing food festivals in the Midwest, providing attendees with culinary samplings of America’s favorite comfort food. Attendees will sample cheesy creations from up to 30 of Indianapolis’ favorite restaurants, while chefs put their own spin on the classic dish.
Official qualifying event
Return of The Mac: Indianapolis is an official qualifying event for World Food Championships, the largest competition in food sport featuring the nation’s best chefs competing in a multi-round culinary showdown. The winning chef from Return of The Mac: Noblesville in 2017, Craig Baker, represented Indianapolis at WFC in November and took home the grand prize in the “Best Chef Category.”
“Craig’s victory has delivered national attention for our city’s emerging culinary scene and for Return of The Mac,” said Josh Baker, Return of The Mac co-founder and MOKB Presents president.
“Return of The Mac has always sought out the best chefs for our food festival. This particular win adds a new level of legitimacy, we look forward to creating more qualifying opportunities for events like this as we take Return of The Mac on the road in 2018.”
Tickets and information
Tickets for the popular food festival are on sale at www.returnofthemacfest.com and www.ticketfly.com. Ticket prices are $25 for general admission and $40 for VIP early entry, which includes unlimited sampling and participation in the Yelp! Crowd Favorite Vote. Admission is free for children six-years-old and younger when accompanied by a ticketed adult.
Participating chefs and restaurants
Participating chefs and restaurants include: Mac Genie, ClusterTruck, Wild Cat, Big Poppa’s, Silkelicious, Livery, LouVino, Rooster’s Kitchen, Tulip Tree Creamery, Union Jack Pub, American Culinary Federation, Red Frazier Bison Ranch, Hops and Fire Craft Tap House, Arnie’s restaurant, NADA, and many more to be announced.
Judges
Official event judging will be conducted by profile local chefs and foodies who choose the winner of the “Golden Noodle.” Official Return of The Mac: Indianapolis judges include Neal Brown of Neal Brown Hospitality Group, Ukiyo, Libertine, Pizzology, and Stella; 2017 Return of The Mac: Noblesville and WFC Champion Craig Baker of The Local and Taco Spot; And Eat Here Indy’s Austin Burris and Brad Houser. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in the Yelp! “Crowd Favorite” competition, with Eat Here Indy’s Sarah Murrell as the official host and emcee.