Mac and cheese lovers, this one is for you. Castle Gardens ILM joined the annual Iron Man Mac & Cheese Competition, hosted at Good Hops Brewing in Carolina Beach, for a day of comfort food, creativity, and coastal community fun.
Led by Chef Dex Brown, Castle Gardens ILM brought rich flavor, Southern comfort, and chef-crafted personality to one of Carolina Beach’s most fun annual food competitions.
An Annual Food Competition at Good Hops Brewing
Carolina Beach is the perfect place for an annual food competition with personality. The Iron Man Mac & Cheese Competition brings guests together around creative mac and cheese, local flavor, community energy, and a little friendly competition.
The competition is hosted at Good Hops Brewing in Carolina Beach, a local brewery with a relaxed, community-friendly atmosphere that makes it a natural home for this annual event.
Visit Our Carolina Beach Partners
Support local! Stop by and enjoy a pint at the host of the Iron Man Mac & Cheese Competition.
Visit Good Hops Brewing →
Southern comfort food with handcrafted flavor by Castle Gardens ILM.
More Than Just Mac & Cheese
At Castle Gardens ILM, food is never just food—it is part of the experience.
The Iron Man Mac & Cheese Competition is a chance to enjoy chef-curated comfort food, connect with the community, and experience the creativity Castle Gardens ILM brings to weddings, private events, corporate gatherings, baby showers, repasses, and celebrations throughout Wilmington NC, Carolina Beach, and the Cape Fear region.
"Comfort food can still feel creative, elevated, and unforgettable."
Chef Dex Brown’s Signature Approach
Chef Dex Brown is known for taking familiar dishes and elevating them with flavor, style, and care. From scratch-made sauces to thoughtful presentation, every dish is created to feel personal, comforting, and memorable.
That same approach carries into Castle Gardens ILM’s catering and event planning services: handcrafted food, warm hospitality, and seamless execution from setup to cleanup.
Full-service catering for celebrations, private events, corporate gatherings, and community experiences.
Castle Gardens ILM Catering in Wilmington NC and Carolina Beach
Castle Gardens ILM provides boutique catering and event planning for clients throughout Wilmington NC, Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach, and surrounding coastal communities.
Our team specializes in handcrafted menus, premium presentation, custom event design, bar service, décor, and seamless service. Whether we are catering an intimate private dinner, a luxury garden party, a wedding reception, or a community food event, every detail is handled with care.
Planning an Event Near Carolina Beach?
Castle Gardens ILM creates handcrafted catering and turnkey event experiences for weddings, corporate events, private parties, baby showers, repasses, garden parties, and special celebrations throughout Wilmington NC, Carolina Beach, and the Cape Fear region.
Let Chef Dex Brown and the Castle Gardens ILM team bring flavor, style, and seamless service to your next event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Iron Man Mac & Cheese Competition in Carolina Beach?
The Iron Man Mac & Cheese Competition is an annual Carolina Beach food competition hosted at Good Hops Brewing, featuring creative takes on mac and cheese, community energy, and chef-crafted comfort food.
Who is Chef Dex Brown?
Chef Dex Brown is the chef behind Castle Gardens ILM, a boutique catering and event planning company serving Wilmington NC, Carolina Beach, and the surrounding Cape Fear region.
Does Castle Gardens ILM cater events in Carolina Beach?
Yes. Castle Gardens ILM provides catering, event planning, custom menus, bar service, décor, and event support for Carolina Beach, Wilmington NC, and nearby coastal areas.
Can Castle Gardens ILM create custom comfort food menus?
Yes. Castle Gardens ILM creates custom menus for weddings, private parties, corporate events, baby showers, repasses, celebrations, and community events.
Bring Castle Gardens ILM to Your Event
Custom menus, handcrafted comfort food, elegant presentation, and seamless service for events throughout Carolina Beach, Wilmington NC, and the Cape Fear region.
Start Planning With Chef Dex