Do you make the best queso in town? Before you say yes—has someone other than a family member or incredibly kind partner verified your queso's quality status? OK. Proceed.
Quesoff, Austin's annual queso competition, is now accepting entries for their 2018 cheesy fest. Held at the Mohawk on Saturday, August 25, the event will host thirty vendors who will battle it out for top marks (Best in Show) in four categories: Meaty, Spicy, Veggie and Wild Card. While the vendors include restaurants and some of the city's best chefs, it's also open to us common folk—home cooks, aspiring chefs, your friend who watches way too much Top Chef. All you need is some self confidence and the ability to make a shit-ton of queso.
Judges at the Quesoff will be announced later this summer, and include local food critics and celebrities. But that doesn't mean you need to play it safe. Previous years have seen dishes like queso ice cream (you do you, man) and tandoori queso, so the sky's the limit.
To enter your one-of-a-kind creation, you'll need to email queso@mohawkaustin.com and specify which category it falls under (though you can also submit multiple entries in multiple categories). And for all those who are just there to eat, know that your cheese-guzzling afternoon will be worthwhile: Quesoff benefits the Central Texas Food Bank, and entry is free with a donation of two canned goods or a $2 donation per person.
May the best queso win.