As April gets closer, Cary is getting ready once again to host the nation’s only Pimento Cheese Festival! Each year the festival transforms Downtown Cary into a pimento cheese-lover’s paradise. Local food trucks, restaurants and performers come together to create one of the Triangle’s most anticipated annual events. This year will be the 5th annual edition of the festival, and it is bound to be the most impressive festival to date. Visitors can enjoy unique pimento cheese-infused dishes from more than 35 food trucks who will serve those dishes alongside their regular menu. We got the chance to attend a preview event for the Pimento Cheese Festival, and sampled a few of the most popular dishes that will be at the festival this year.
The Veggie Wagon’s Vermont Cheddar and Smoked Gouda Pimento Cheese
Starting off with a classic, this pimento cheese is creamy and tangy, just as pimento cheese should be!
Che Empanadas’ Pimento Cheese Empanadas
These are warm, light and flaky with a delicious pimento cheese filling. A great on-the-go snack to enjoy while wandering around the festival.
Ultimate Egg Rolls’ Pimento Cheese Egg Rolls
These pimento cheese egg rolls with a Mexican-inspired twist had pimento cheese, black beans, corn and chorizo. They were nice and crunchy on the outside, and the filling had a perfect touch of heat.
Cross Town Pub and Grill’s Pimento Cheese Balls
You really can’t go wrong with fried cheese! These Pimento Cheese Balls use Cross Town’s award-winning pimento cheese, and were such a hit at the festival that they added it to their menu permanently.
Mama Birds Ice Cream’s Pimento Cheese Ice Cream
This was by far the most unique dish we had, and is a must try at the festival. Where else are you going to get to taste pimento cheese ice cream? This is a sweet and salty combination that makes for a surprisingly tasty experience.
The Pimento Cheese Festival will take place on April 13th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit downtowncarypark.com/pimento-cheese-festival to learn more.