The Mac & Cheese Festival celebrates your favorite childhood dish by featuring variations carefully prepared by local chefs who will be competing for the coveted Golden Noodle Award, as well as the fans' favorite People’s Choice Trophy! The panel of judges consists of culinary experts, food writers, and community leaders.
Judges
Kris Kilduff
Kris Kilduff is crafted of 77% smoked gouda, 20% gnocchi and 3% ice cream sandwich. He has been a freelance food writer for 8+ years writing for local publications as Spokane CDA Magazine and Spokesman Review as well as national blogs like Eater.com.
Ryan “Mac”
My name is Ryan “Mac” and I have upheld every position in the food and beverage industry for the last 16 years. For the last 9 years I have been an Executive chef throughout different restaurants within the PNW. I was most recently the Executive C Chef of Paragon Brewing 2016-2019 and Westwood Brewing Co 2019-2022. Where I won the Golden Noodle 2 years in a row 2018 & 2019. I Currently am a Restaurant Consultant for Sysco Foods(Food Supplier for our North Idaho Restaurants). Where I work with restaurants/owners/staff all over the North Idaho Panhandle with menus, products, specials etc. I am looking forward to judging the Mac and Cheese Festival for my 3rd year in a row. Thank you so much for your time. Hope you Have a great New Year.
Linda Coppess
Born and raised in Coeur d’Alene, Linda is the President and CEO of the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber, where she provides leadership, resources and advocacy for our business community. Prior to the chamber, Linda spent 25 years at Microsoft in various sales, marketing, product management and executive engagement roles.
Mark Robitaille
Mark moved to Coeur d’Alene, ID in 2024 where he took the position of V.P. for Tourism with the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce. He then took a position at Silverwood Theme Park as the Director of Marketing and Communications where he spent 9 ½ years. He is back to his tourism marketing roots as the executive director for the Coeur d’Alene Convention and Visitors Bureau. He has extensive non-profit experience both as staff in management positions and in volunteer board positions. He has served on the board of directors and was chairman of the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation, the board of directors of the EXCEL Foundation, is a current board member for the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce and is a former Rotarian providing 10 years of community service and financial support. Mark has also been a member of the tourism committees in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, and Sandpoint, ID.
Mackenzie Kaleff
Mackenzie is a student at North Idaho College. She also owns and operates The Woof Pack Pet Spa as a young female entrepreneur.
