Restaurant / Chef Application

We are looking for local chefs who share our love for Mac & Cheese to join the 9th Annual Downtown Coeur d’Alene's Mac & Cheese Festival, from 12 pm – 6 pm on January 17, 2026.

This is a fun opportunity to advertise your restaurant or food business and participate in a friendly competition among regional chefs. This one-day event plays host to an estimated 2,000 attendees.

Restaurants/Chefs will be asked to serve a signature Mac and cheese dish, divided into at least 1,000 1/4 cup portions for GA, or 300 1/4 cup portions for VIP locations. Serving boats, forks, and napkins will be provided. Chefs will be provided a stipend for participation.

The Golden Noodle Award will go to the Best Mac & Cheese dish, determined by a panel of judges. A rubric will be provided to chefs upon application approval. Attendees will award the People’s Choice Noodle Award.

If you think your Mac & Cheese has what it takes to bring home the Golden Noodle, complete the application below. Chef application spaces are limited. 

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with The Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association with any questions at

208-415-0116 or info@cdadowntown.com 
 

If you think your Mac has what it takes, complete the application below! Deadline - December 7th, 2025

All participating restaurants/chefs are required to operate out of commercial kitchens or demonstrate a professional background in food preparation, as well as complete the Temporary Health Permit. Participants will need to complete and submit a Temporary Health Permit with the Panhandle Health District. All completed permits must be returned on or before January 12, 2026. 
*Full-service restaurants need to obtain a separate, temporary event license to prepare and serve food at a location other than their restaurant. Temporary Food Vendor Permits are issued at their first inspection, which will be at the Mac and Cheese Festival. Once submitted, please provide us with the receipt, as permits will not be issued until Panhandle Health can verify and document compliance with Idaho State food safety regulations (via inspection).

LIABILITIES: Neither the DTA nor any of its officers, agents, employees or other representatives shall be held accountable or liable for, and the same shall be and are hereby released from, accountability and liability for any damage, loss, harm, or injury to the person and/or any property of Chef/Restaurant (or applicant) or any of the applicant's officers, agents, employees, invitees, or other representatives.

COMPLIANCE: Applicant assumes all responsibility for compliance with all pertinent ordinances, regulations, and codes of duly authorized local, state, and federal governing bodies concerning fire, safety, and health, together with the rules and regulations of the DTA or of the property wherein the event is held.