Mac 'n' Cheese Throwdown
#MacDown
Meet Our Judges
Our judges bring deep experience in food, culture, and storytelling—each offering a unique perspective while sharing a common love of great mac ’n’ cheese.
Judge #1
Monica Robins
Senior Health Correspondent, WKYC
Monica Robins is the Senior Health Correspondent at WKYC Studios in Cleveland. Outside the newsroom, she enjoys weight lifting, running, riding her Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and is the lead singer of Monica Robins and the Whiskey Kings and The Ninja Cowboys.
Judge #2
Michael Januska
Owner, POP Mustard
Michael Januska brings more than 27 years of experience in the restaurant industry. A culinary school graduate, his passion for old-world food traditions was shaped at Neal’s Yard Dairy in Covent Garden, London. He is now the owner of POP Mustard, where he champions bold flavors, thoughtful sourcing, and well-crafted food.
Judge #3
Paris Wolfe
Life & Culture Reporter
Cleveland.com
Paris Wolfe has written about food and dining for more than three decades. A Northeast Ohio native, she is passionate about sourcing and cooking local foods, thoughtful entertaining, and exploring regional food cultures. Follow her on Instagram at @pariswolfe.
Judge #4
Emanuel Wallace
Photographer/Journalist
CLE Scene Magazine
Emanuel “Manny” Wallace is a Cleveland-based photographer, journalist, and content creator who has served as staff photographer for Cleveland Scene since 2014. His work captures the people, places, and plates that define Northeast Ohio’s food and culture scene and has been recognized with the Allen E. Cole Excellence in Photojournalism Award.
Judge #5
Madelyn Varela
Cheesemonger
Cheezy Talk wth Madelyn
Madelyn Varela is a nationally recognized cheesemonger and content creator behind Cheezy Talk with Madelyn, where she blends industry expertise with humor and practical education. She collaborates with producers, retailers, and tourism boards to make specialty cheese inclusive, accessible, and exciting.
