In an effort to celebrate the library's upcoming visits from chefs and foodies, New York Public Library held a macaroni and cheese cook-off. The contenders: Marcus Samuelsson's recipe for Macaroni and Cheese alla Carbonara, prepared by Johannes Neuer in NYPL's Marketing Department, a recreation of Blue Smoke's Macaroni & Cheese by LIVE from the NYPL's Mariel Fiedler, and Horn & Hardart's Automat recipe from NYPL's Lunch Hour NYC, courtesy of Amy Amy Geduldig in NYPL's Public Relations Department.

After sampling the three dishes, prepared lovingly by our chefs, the three judges picked a "clear winner": Macaroni and Cheese alla Carbonara, Marcus Samuelsson's recipe expertly recreated by Johannes. The judges were gastronomically pleased by the textures and complex flavors of the dish, which included bacon with a touch of bread crumbs.

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Photo by Nora Lyons