Queso Competition Judges Include Aaron Franklin and Kristen Kish

— Quesoff, the all-things cheesy competition, announced its judges for the queso contest. This includes Aaron Franklin and Kristen Kish from Arlo Grey at the Line Hotel, along with Statesman critic Matthew Odam, Austin Food & Wine Alliance executive director Mariam Parker, and Yeti’s barbecue and beer marketing manager LeighAnn Bakunas. Over 35 teams from home cooks to restaurants (including Micklethwait Craft Meats, Dai Due, Better Half, and others) will compete this year. The event takes place on Saturday, August 25, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Mohawk.

— Via 313 added a new brunch pizza to its Rainey Street trailer: the De Luxe, which features hot chicken from Tumble 22, along with waffle pizza crust, powdered sugar, syrup, and candied jalapenos on the side. The trailer also extended its brunch to Saturday.

— The Austin chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier, the organization of women in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries, is accepting applications for its scholarship funds, for students and professionals looking to further their industry education, from attending conferences to taking certification exams. This year, the group is looking to give away $15,000. The deadline for applications is on Friday, August 31.

— Actor Macaulay Culkin stopped by barbecue trailer Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ two weeks ago.

— Austin meat enthusiast Jess Pryles shared her favorite brisket joints in the city, which included Franklin Barbecue and LeRoy & Lewis, among others.