Mac 'N' Cheese Throwdown

Today, the fourth annual Mac 'N' Cheese Throwdown returns to Public Auditorium, where it takes place from noon to 3:30 p.m. Competitors include Astoria Cafe, Grayton Road Tavern, Hi + Dry, Matteo's Casual Italian, Melt Bar and Grilled, Landerhaven Executive Catering, Luxe Kitchen and Lounge, Sara's Place, Sol, the Cleveland Clinic (Aramark), the Great Room at the Cleveland Marriott, the Southside, Tremont Taphouse, Two Bucks, Hatfield's Goode Grub, Krav, Manna Truck, PastaTivo and OL'Chefskis BBQ. Beverages will be provided by Distillata Water, the Coca-Cola Company, Rheingeist, Jim Beam, Jack Daniels and Tito's Handmade Vodka. Additional competitors and vendors will be announced closer to the date. Proceeds from the event benefit the Working Animals Giving Service for Kids (W.A.G.S. 4 Kids), an organization that trains and provides mobility and autism service dogs to empower children with special needs. VIP tickets are $50, and general admission tickets are $30. Children under age 5 are free; however, they must register with the purchase of an adult VIP or general admission ticket. There will be no ticket sales at the door the day of the event. See the website for details and tickets. (Niesel)