BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A culinary contest that pits makers of a classic comfort food, with a twist, will return to SteelStacks, it was announced.
And when participants are done noodling around, it's bound to be cheesy — in every sense of the word.
The Lehigh Valley Vegan s’MAC Down, which is designed to determine who has the best vegan mac and cheese in the region, will return to Musikfest Cafe at ArtsQuest Center at 2 p.m. Nov. 10.
The event is organized by ArtsQuest and Animal Defenders Greater Lehigh Valley.
"I'm thrilled for the 2024 Lehigh Valley s’MAC Down. It's truly empowering to see how this simple dish continues to bring our community together.Lehigh Valley s’MAC Down co-founder Hilari Stahler of Lehigh Valley Vegan
General admission, which includes unlimited vegan mac and cheese samples, the chance to vote for best vegan mac and cheese and access to vendors selling vegan desserts, is $24 and $10 for ages 10 and younger. Ages 2 and younger are free.
VIP tickets, including an hour early access, a drink ticket good for a beer, glass of wine or non-alcoholic drink and a specially made gift with the s'MAC Down logo, are $44.
Tickets are available on the SteelStacks website. Tickets prices will increase $5 the week of the event.
Returning chefs, 'cheesy deliciousness'
Aman's Artisan Indian Cuisine, the Judge’s Choice champion from the 2023 s'MAC Down, will be back to defend its title, according to an ArtsQuest release.
Also returning will be several chefs who were part of the first s’MAC Down in 2017, when it was held in the basement church basement of co-founder Hilari Stahler of Lehigh Valley Vegan.
Lehigh Valley Vegan is a volunteer run organization with the mission of increasing vegan food offerings in the Lehigh Valley.
"We particularly like that this event is enjoyed by both vegans who often struggle to find food events they can participate in and non-vegans who know just how amazing plant-based mac and cheese can be."Ryan Hill, ArtsQuest's senior director of programming
"I'm thrilled for the 2024 Lehigh Valley s’MAC Down," Stahler said. "It's truly empowering to see how this simple dish continues to bring our community together.
"Everyone looks forward to the chefs' creative spins on this humble classic, and I can't wait to see what they cook up this year."
Artsquest still is taking applications for s’MAC Down competitors.
Ryan Hill, ArtsQuest's senior director of programming, said the nonprofit "is excited to bring back the s’MAC Down for another year of cheesy deliciousness."
"We particularly like that this event is enjoyed by both vegans who often struggle to find food events they can participate in and non-vegans who know just how amazing plant-based mac and cheese can be.
“If you’re stuck for options for your vegan family members this Thanksgiving, come to the s’MAC Down and be inspired.”
