Foodies flock to Franklin Square for Bacon, Mac and Cheese Festival

Posted Friday, August 22, 2025 12:12 pm

Russ Chery, left, Sandra Michel and Tina Chery share a grilled cheese, bacon lollipop and lobster mac and cheese.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Patti, Anna and Frank Milito enjoy a bacon burger and lobster mac and cheese during the festival.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

The Barnard, Biondo and Miller families relax with beers and snacks at a table in the biergarten.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Jess Di Carlo, left, and Craig Markson point out items on the large biergarten menu display.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Skylar Macari, left, and Brianna Marichal enjoy food and drinks at the event.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Members of Loo Cheezee’s Mafia bowling team gather over pretzels, food and drinks.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Members of the New York Hotel Workers of America Bavarian Soccer Club raise their beers in a toast.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Touch the ’80s performs on stage with Bob Zanfardino on keys, Jeff Herbst on lead vocals, Joey Sidito on bass, Chris Jusino on guitar and Ken Brown on drums.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Mary Efstratiou dances to the music in the courtyard.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Mary Badamo and Nadira Ramdass take in the sights and sounds of the festival.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Jim McCarth cheers with a beer in hand during the event.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Patrons gather on the dance floor in front of the biergarten stage as Touch the ‘80s performs classic hits from the decade.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Lobster mac and cheese served fresh from the festival kitchen.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Bacon mac and cheese topped with crispy bacon strips.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

An assortment of festival food including a bacon burger, lobster and truffle mac and cheese and bacon lollipops.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

By Renee DeLorenzo

Local foodies were in for a cheesy, bacon-filled treat during the Bacon and Mac and Cheese Festival at the Plattdeutsche Park Restaurant in Franklin Square the weekend of Aug. 8-9.

Beginning at 5 p.m. each night, hundreds of patrons chose from a variety of festival menu items, all featuring a twist on bacon, macaroni and cheese classics — pork and bacon lollipops, grilled gruyere cheese sandwiches, smoked cheddar-bacon sausage, bacon wedge salad and several specialty macaroni and cheese dishes such as lobster, beer and truffle.

As festivalgoers grabbed their food and beers on Saturday evening, Touch the ’80s — a tribute band featuring pop hits from the decade — played a lively set on the biergarten stage. Attendees of all ages gathered on the dance floor as band members Bob Zanfardino, Jeff Herbst, Joey Sidito, Chris Jusino and Ken Brown filled the courtyard with a musical blast from the past.

For more information about upcoming events at the Plattdeutsche, visit ParkRestaurant.com.

Report an inappropriate comment

HELP SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM

The worldwide pandemic has threatened many of the businesses you rely on every day, but don’t let it take away your source for local news. Now more than ever, we need your help to ensure nothing but the best in hyperlocal community journalism comes straight to you. Consider supporting the Herald with a small donation. It can be a one-time, or a monthly contribution, to help ensure we’re here through this crisis. To donate or for more information, click here.

Foodies flock to Franklin Square for Bacon, Mac and Cheese Festival

HELP SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM

A legacy that keeps dancing

Lynbrook is home for Natalie Smith and now she wants to be a resource for her neighbors

Joseph DeVito: Small changes bring a coastal feel to a Kings Park home

Jeanine Driscoll looks to advance to seat in New York’s 4th Congressional District

Residents gathered to discuss federal healthcare cuts and solutions

Rescuing Families hosted 5th Annual Halloween Costume Party Bingo

Franklin square mom evaluated as a potential living kidney donor