Earlier this month, we announced the return of our “Mac Madness: Best Mac in the Mac" contest. Our quest? To once-again uncover the Macomb County restaurant that serves up the best made-from-scratch dish of macaroni and cheese.
We set forth an invitation and 16 locally owned and operated eateries entered. The mix included some community stalwarts and lots of newbies representing all four corners of the county.
A public vote helped us narrow down the entries from our Sweet Sixteen, to our Elite Eight, and now - our Final Four. These restaurants are vying to win Macomb County’s best mac 'n cheese dish.
Aside from the bragging rights and a plaque, all four are “in the money” with the top vote getter receiving a grant of $2,500.
Will you help us find the winner? Voting opens today (March 25) and runs through Sunday, March 27 at 8 p.m.
Here's who's still in the bracket:
Simple Palate: Located in Warren, this family-owned and operated restaurant lists their mac 'n cheese at $9.50. Their delicious dish features puffy medium-sized shells tossed in a creamy three cheese sauce topped with crisped panko breadcrumbs (Add chicken, shrimp, lobster or broccoli or opt for a gluten free version).
Octopus' Beer Garden: This waterside favorite is located along the Clinton River in downtown Mount Clemens. Their mac 'n cheese offering is on the menu for $5 and features noodles mixed with aged cheddar and honey mustard onion pretzel crumbs.
Bath City Bistro: Also located in downtown Mount Clemens, Bath City Bistro offers a baked mac 'n cheese dish with cavatappi pasta in a creamy three cheese sauce finished with a baked crumb top - all for $10.
K Block's Fire Pit and BBQ: Piggy Mac is on the menu at this bbq-themed Washington Township establishment. Their dish features pulled pork -- with a small costing $8 and a large at $10.
If you'd like to sample any of our Final Four, make sure to check hours and open dates/times for each restaurant. And if you're looking to do a larger tour de Macomb for mac n' cheese, check out our website, which lists all our entries, at living.macombgov.org/Living-Mac-Madness.
Best of luck to all our finalists --- and for our readers, we hope you enjoy this tasty contest!
Megan Ochmanek is a communications specialist for Macomb County Planning and Economic Development.
