Second annual Mac & Cheese Festival offers more chefs, dishes and events for your enjoyment
Savory melted cheese mixed into perfectly cooked pasta makes for a perfect pairing of ooey and gooey, and if that were all the MAC & CHEESE FESTIVAL offered, it would be enough. But wait, there’s more. Participating chefs will delight diners with interesting additions — barbecued beef, different types of cheese, an unexpected twist on the “pasta” — as they vie for the Golden Noodle and People’s Choice awards. And this year brings even more ways to enjoy this wildly popular event.
On Jan. 19, from noon-6 pm, Coeur d’Alene becomes mac and cheese central with venues throughout Coeur d’Alene — ALL THINGS IRISH, CRICKET’S, WOOPS! BAKESHOP and more — including the RESORT PLAZA SHOPS. Adults, get the Mac Pack of six tasters ($20) and check out what your favorite chefs from RUSTIC, SWEET LOU’S, PARAGON BREWING, BARDENAY and more have cooked up. Add four tasters for the kids, ages 12-and-under ($10). Or do the Mac & Beer package ($30), including eight 4-ounce pours and a commemorative pint glass.
Stay overnight for the VIP treatment with two Mac & Beer packages plus unlimited Gourmet Mac & Cheese prepared by the Coeur d’Alene Resort’s culinary team in the VIP lounge at the Resort’s Convention Center and room accommodations for either Friday Jan. 18 or Saturday Jan. 19. Starting at $239.
Looking for a unique way to experience the one-day event? Get a jump on your culinary adventure with a DINNER CRUISE featuring Italian, Mexican and American cuisine. Tickets: adults $35; seniors 55+ $33; children ages 6-12 $25.
And for an even more elevated experience, visit BEVERLY’S on the seventh floor of the Coeur d’Alene Resort. Reserve your spot for the MAC & FROMAGE WINE DINNER. This is a gourmet, five-course meal prepared by resort chefs and expertly paired with select wines, served both Friday Jan. 18 and Saturday Jan 19. Tickets $99.
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Special Events
Jackass Day
JANUARY 11
Fifty years ago, Jackass Ski Bowl opened its solitary riblet ski lift and gave birth to what would eventually become Silver Mountain. Celebrate Jackass Day with retro-priced $12 lift tickets all day.
Music Walk
JANUARY 11
Music Walk returns to Coeur d’Alene. Enjoy the sounds of talented local singer-songwriters as you explore downtown. Free, 5-8 pm; go to visitcda.org for participating locations.
Comedy Nights at the Inn
JANUARY 11-12
Start the new year laughing with back to back comedy nights at the Inn. Friday’s show features Melissa Shoshahi and Collin Moulton. Saturday’s lineup includes Greg Freiler and headliner Jon Stringer. Tickets $17.50; doors open at 7 pm, show starts at 8 pm.
TEDXCoeurdAlene
JANUARY 12
The third annual TEDXCoeurdAlene promises to inspire, captivate and invite new ways of thinking when 10-12 speakers take the stage to discuss an eclectic set of topics. Tickets are $55 and include lunch; 9 am-4 pm, Salvation Army Kroc Center. Go to visitcda.org to purchase tickets.
