Recently, I attended the Childhood Language Center Presents Charleston's Mac & Cheese Cook-Off.



This event is so fun because there are dozens of local folks making macaroni & cheese all for a good cause.



And lucky me, I was able to be a judge!



People's Federal Credit Union - This one was a baked mac and very cheesy.



Capital Insurance Group - This one from Donteako is always amazing and quite sweet. They had my second place vote.



WV Eye Consultants - This was a take on a Thanksgiving macaroni & cheese, fried into a ball with a cranberry sauce on top. Mmmm. They had my third place vote.

Asher Agency - This one had a truffle sauce and had a strong umami flavor - tasty.



Children's Home Society - This one had bacon which always adds some salty flavor.

City of Charleston - The City of Charleston made theirs on a waffle iron (and with waffle batter), topped with sriracha and honey.


Darin Fisher Kitchens/Cory Stout/ Muffin's Meat - This was made with bacon fat and truffle.


Shannon's Cottage Kitchen - Shannon is starting her own home business with the new cottage foods law! And this one had a great flavor.


Recovery Point - Topped with some green onion, this mac & cheese had a bit of freshness.



Thevenin Family - Queso mac & cheese was so creamy!



Herman & Company - This was a super creamy mac & cheese that you could definitely tell had some sour cream or cream cheese in it.


Stephen Fernandez - OK, I may be biased since he's a relative of my best friend's family. But this was SO GOOD. It earned my #1 vote because it had bulgogi, nori, sesame and an amazing flavor.



Big Joe's - Macaroni & cheese topped with pot roast.



Sherry Gordon - This small bite was pretty straightforward.



Jeff's Curbside - Just a little heat.



Bellaire at Devonshire - Topped with pulled pork and BBQ sauce.


Chick-fil-A - This one is pretty straightforward.



Sears Monument - pumpkin mac & cheese!


Jonnie's Meat Market - Always delicious.



Charleston Surgical Hospital - very creamy bowtie pasta.



Edible Arrangements - ham, pineapple mac & cheese.



Rainbow Pride - naturally dyed pastas!



Niki Kurten - six cheeses with monterey jack, swiss, gouda, goat cheese, cheddar and parmesan.

Java Moon Cafe opened in Yeager Airport, replacing the former Tudor's and Gino's.


I came by quickly to grab a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup.

Comfort food always hits the spot.

Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar: The name alone has me sold.


This indoor/outdoor dessert restaurant has a long sprawling bar, as well as a center communal table. I chose to tuck away in the back to people-watch.


The menu features pastry, coffee, gourmet desserts, gelato and sorbet along with a full bar with a diverse collection of dessert cocktails.


I ordered a chocolate bread pudding with a giant chocolate scoop of ice cream.


It's certainly indulgent - and was perfect for a warm day.

OK, so I finally had a chance to try the infamous chicken sandwich from Popeyes.


It has a very crispy batter, pickles and mayo all on a bun.


So I do think it's better than most other fast food chicken sandwiches. Is it worth all the hype?

Ehhh...

The Charleston City Market is a cute marketplace, which includes restaurants like Callie's Hot Little Biscuit. There's Caviar & Bananas, which features gourmet prepared foods. What's your favorite spot here?