Local Chefs Prepping for Mac-Off 2012

Cheesy.

The Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) will host its third-annual at the from 5 to 9 p.m. Jan. 16.

Severino's Pasta will donate macaroni to local chefs, who will each represent their restaurants by creating a different twist on the traditional macaroni-and-cheese classic.

Mexican, Greek, Italian, Indian and American versions of the dish will be featured—and event officials estimate will be tasted by hundreds of visitors throughout the cook-off.

Nationally acclaimed chef Aaron McCargo, of The Chew, will be on hand as one of the night's judges.

“Each time we’ve done this, we’ve attracted more and more families. It’s a great opportunity to taste, learn and enjoy—and benefit the Food Bank at the same time," said FBSJ CEO Val Traore. "And of course we’re honored to have Chef Aaron on board to judge the winner.”

This year's creations will be made by Collingswood chefs such as Mark Smith, of ; Alex Capasso, of downtown restaurants and ; Connie Correia, of ; Jimmy Marino, of ; and Rakesh Ramola, of .

An extra-special addition to this year's Mac-Off? Participating chefs will honor their time and efforts as a Day of Service, in recognition of Martin Luther King Day.

Event admission is $10 per adult, or $5 per child under the age of 12.

For event details, call the Food Bank of South Jersey at 856-662-4884 or visit foodbanksj.org.

To watch Patch's video coverage of last year's Mac-Off, click .