Foodie News
Borden® Cheese Wants to Crown “America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese” — and Every Vote Could Win Free Cheese for a Year
Grilled cheese is one of those rare foods that feels universal: it’s quick, comforting, kid-friendly, and endlessly customizable. You can argue bread (sourdough vs. white), spreads (butter vs. mayo), and fillings (tomato? bacon? pickles?), but there’s one truth most grilled-cheese fans agree on: the cheese is what makes the sandwich.
That’s the idea behind Borden® Cheese’s newest national campaign — a nationwide search to crown “America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese.” And yes, there’s a delicious incentive: every vote is also an entry for a chance to win free Borden Cheese for a year (plus kitchen supplies to keep the melt-magic going).
How the “America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese” vote works
From now through March 24, 2026, fans can head to WinFreeBordenCheese.com to vote for one of four grilled cheese contenders.
Here’s the fun part: each vote doubles as a sweepstakes entry for the grand prize — a full year’s supply of Borden Cheese and kitchen supplies.
Borden is also offering 100 instant-win swag packs, which include Borden coupons and branded merch designed to “level up” your sandwich game.
This campaign is also the kickoff to a bigger series of sandwich celebrations leading up to National Grilled Cheese Day on April 12, 2026.
Meet the contenders: four very different takes on grilled cheese
Borden isn’t just putting one “standard” grilled cheese up against another. The four options are meant to represent a range — from classic comfort to trend-driven flavor combos.
1) The Classic
The timeless, ooey-gooey grilled cheese built with Borden American and Extra Sharp Melts on buttery white bread.
If you’re a purist, this is the lane.
2) The Spicy Big Dill
Pickles are having a moment in 2026, and this sandwich leans all the way in: Borden American Singlesand Provolone Slices paired with hot and spicy dill pickles, whipped cream cheese, and ranch seasoning.
It’s tangy, spicy, creamy, crunchy — and built for trend-watchers.
3) The Crispy Onion & BBQ
A savory, texture-forward option featuring Borden Swiss Slices, crispy fried onion strings, and a tangy BBQ sauce kick.
If you like your grilled cheese with a little “cookout energy,” this one’s calling.
4) The Mad Scientist
This is the wildcard: a grilled cheese where the bread is replaced with cheesy waffles, filled with “cheese upon cheese.”
It’s playful, over-the-top, and basically designed for anyone who believes moderation is overrated.
The bigger tease: “Borden’s Grilled Cheese of the Year”
While the public vote will determine “America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese,” Borden is also building anticipation for something else: its first-ever “Grilled Cheese of the Year.”
The brand says the final recipe will be informed by culinary trends, consumer cravings, and — of course — cheese, but the details are still under wraps. The reveal is expected as part of the lead-up to National Grilled Cheese Day (April 12).
In other words: the vote is the appetizer.
Why Borden is leaning into grilled cheese right now
Borden® Cheese has long positioned itself as a family-friendly staple — made with real milk and owned by American dairy farm families. With more than 25 distinct flavors and types, the brand is using this campaign to remind shoppers that grilled cheese isn’t just a childhood throwback; it’s a flexible, modern comfort food that can move with trends.
As Jenny Mehlman, Senior Director of Marketing, Cheese, Taste & Flavors at Dairy Farmers of America, put it: Borden is kicking off National Grilled Cheese Day early with a national call to help name “America’s Favorite,” and continuing the celebration by declaring its first-ever “Grilled Cheese of the Year.”
Want in? Here’s where to vote
If you want to weigh in (and potentially score a year of free cheese), you can vote now through March 24, 2026 at:
Whether you’re Team Classic, Team Pickle, Team BBQ, or Team Mad Scientist, this is one of those low-effort, high-reward food votes that’s actually fun.
Quick takeaway
Borden® Cheese is officially turning grilled cheese season into an event — with a national vote, instant-win swag, and a grand prize that’s basically a dairy lover’s dream.
Now the only real question is: which contender are you voting for?
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
Author
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Food and Beverage
A Taste of Lunar New Year in Guangdong: What to Eat, According to Consuls General in Guangzhou
If you’re spending Lunar New Year in Guangdong, there’s one place the celebration is guaranteed to be loud, colorful, and unforgettable: the dinner table.
A new report shared via PRNewswire from South spotlights how food anchors New Year traditions across the province—and offers a simple guide for international visitors wondering what to order, try, or look for while the festivities are in full swing.
The report notes that it’s the Year of the Horse, and that the Lunar New Year spirit is sweeping across Guangdong, with seasonal dishes and shared meals taking center stage.
Why Guangdong’s New Year celebration is all about food
In Guangdong (home to Cantonese cuisine and a deep culture of banquet-style dining), New Year meals aren’t just about eating—they’re about togetherness, symbolism, and starting the year on a high note.
The report emphasizes that food has long been at the heart of the region’s holiday celebrations, making it one of the easiest (and most delicious) ways for visitors to connect with local culture.
A must-try list curated by Consuls General in Guangzhou
The hook here is the source of the recommendations: the report promises an “ultimate must-try list” handpicked by Consuls General in Guangzhou—a diplomatic, international lens on what’s worth tasting during the holiday.
While the PRNewswire version points readers to the full list in the original report, the takeaway is clear: if you’re in Guangdong for Lunar New Year and want to eat like you’re part of the celebration, this guide is meant to help you start.
What to do next if you’re visiting
If you’re traveling through Guangdong during the holiday stretch, a few easy ways to use this kind of list:
- Ask restaurants what their Lunar New Year specials are
- Look for dishes meant for sharing (the New Year table is rarely a solo experience)
- Try something seasonal you wouldn’t normally order—New Year is when many families go all-in
Read more
Source: PRNewswire
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
Authors
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Tucson just got a taste of a New York classic.
Nathan’s Famous announced the opening of a new restaurant at 628 North 4th Avenue in Tucson, bringing its world-famous hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, and a full fast-casual menu to one of the city’s most walkable, student-heavy corridors. The spot sits steps from the University of Arizona and close to the free 4th Street streetcar stop, making it an easy grab for students, locals, and visitors moving through the historic 4th Avenue district.
What’s on the menu
The Tucson restaurant is built around the staples Nathan’s is known for—fast, familiar, and designed for groups with different cravings.
Expect the brand’s headline items, including:
- World-famous all-beef hot dogs
- Crinkle-cut fries
- Fresh Angus burgers
- Hand-breaded chicken sandwiches and chicken tenders
- Chicken wings
- NY Cheesesteaks
- Premium hand-spun shakes
In other words: it’s not just a hot dog counter. It’s the full Nathan’s fast-casual lineup, positioned to serve families, students, and anyone looking for a quick meal before a game, a night out, or a streetcar ride across town.
Why Tucson—and why 4th Avenue?
Nathan’s Famous framed the opening as a natural fit for Tucson’s energy and foot traffic.
“We’re proud to bring Nathan’s Famous to Arizona,” said Phil McCann, Vice President of Marketing at Nathan’s Famous, noting the brand’s excitement to partner with a local franchisee and bring the “Flavor of New York” to the state.
That franchisee is Michael Kramkowski, who the company says has been active in the community for more than 20 years and owns multiple properties in the area. In the announcement, Kramkowski emphasized that his goal was to bring an iconic national brand to Tucson while still complementing the independent spirit of 4th Avenue.
“I wanted to bring a brand to Tucson that has a strong, authentic heritage,” Kramkowski said. “Nathan’s Famous is an American icon, and this location is the perfect fit—close to the University, accessible by streetcar and right in the middle of Tucson’s most dynamic neighborhoods.”
The bigger picture: a century-old brand still expanding
Nathan’s Famous has been serving New York favorites for more than 100 years, and the company continues to grow its footprint through restaurants, licensing, and foodservice distribution.
For Tucson, the appeal is straightforward: a recognizable, heritage brand landing in a high-traffic neighborhood with built-in demand—students, families, and visitors exploring the entertainment district.
For more information on Nathan’s Famous locations and menus, visit https://restaurants.nathansfamous.com/.
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Foodie News
S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition Launches Its Seventh Edition
The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition invites chefs under 30 to apply between February 16 and June 9, 2026. This competition emphasizes technical skill, creativity, and personal belief, serving as a platform for mentorship and visibility in fine dining. Winners receive guidance from renowned chefs, enhancing their culinary journeys.
If you’re a chef under 30 with a dish that says something real about who you are, S.Pellegrino is officially calling.
The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition has launched its seventh edition, opening applications worldwide starting February 16. The program is designed to identify and support the next generation of culinary talent—not just with a trophy at the end, but with mentorship, visibility, and a pathway into the global fine-dining conversation.
Applications are open for four months, closing June 9, 2026, through the official platform at sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com.
More than a contest: a platform for young chefs
S.Pellegrino positions the Young Chef Academy as more than a competition. It’s a development pipeline—a way to help emerging chefs sharpen their voice, pressure-test their ideas, and connect with influential figures in gastronomy.
The Academy emphasizes three core judging elements throughout the process:
- Technical skill
- Creativity
- Personal belief
That last piece matters. This isn’t only about executing a perfect plate—it’s about what you stand for as a chef, and how that shows up in your food.
How the competition works
The competition divides applicants into 15 regions, with selections supported by ALMA, the International School of Italian Culinary Arts.
Here’s the flow:
- Applications open (Feb. 16 to June 9, 2026)
- Shortlisted candidates are selected within each region
- Chefs compete in 15 Regional Finals
- Regional winners advance to the Grand Finale
At the Grand Finale, finalists present their dishes to an international jury of renowned chefs.
Alongside the main title, participants can also compete for three collateral awards that recognize:
- Social responsibility
- Connection to culinary heritage
- Expression of personal belief through food
New this edition: mentorship that extends beyond the finale
One of the most interesting updates this year is a new mentorship initiative, aimed at reinforcing the Academy’s long-term commitment to supporting chefs beyond the competition cycle.
As part of that initiative, Ardy Ferguson (Global Winner of the 2024–25 edition) will complete a dedicated mentorship experience, spending three weeks working alongside two internationally recognized chefs who served on the previous jury:
- Julien Royer (Odette, Singapore)
- Jeremy Chan (Ikoyi, London)
Ferguson described the Academy as a career-shaping experience, noting that the continued learning opportunity is a way to keep pushing his craft and build on what the program offers.
Royer and Chan both emphasized what the competition is really testing: not only skill, but conviction—the ability to refine a vision and cook with individuality under pressure.
What applicants need to submit
To apply, chefs under 30 are invited to submit a signature dish that reflects:
- Personal belief
- Technical skill
- Creativity
If you’ve been building a dish that tells your story—your background, your values, your obsession, your point of view—this is the moment the competition is designed for.
Key dates and link
- Applications open: February 16, 2026
- Applications close: June 9, 2026
- Apply / learn more: https://www.sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com/
Source: PRNewswire
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
