Though most of my obnoxious foodie articles revolve around the treats that I stumble upon while at school in New York, I'm happy to report that this article will not be focusing on overpriced (but totally worthwhile) cupcakes. Instead, I want to talk about the Holy Grail of greasy foodstuffs... the pinnacle of haute cuisine... the center of my childhood summers: the Minnesota State Fair.
One of the largest fairs in the United States, the Minnesota State Fair is two weeks of midway games, enthusiastic demonstrations of farming equipment, and spectacular people watching. However, you don't just go to the fair to try out the latest John Deere tractor; you go to stuff yourself with some of the best food a five-dollar bill can buy. Though the fair has an already impressive dining roster that includes such gems as deep-fried spaghetti and meatballs on a stick, alligator on a stick, and an all-you-can-drink milk bar, each year there are a number of new foods added to the list. After thoroughly examining this year's lineup, I'm happy to say that this year's newest culinary treats do not disappoint. Here's a few of my favorites!
1. Candied Bacon Donut Sliders
If you thought the national obsession with bacon was over, think again. Instead of dropping the pork product by the wayside, we've just reinvented it into a sweet candy that mixes well with breakfast's other favorite treat, donuts. Enter the candied bacon donut slider, which is sold at the Minnesota Wine Country booth and consists of glazed donut holes stuffed with candied bacon and red wine ganache. Classy!
2. Macaroni and Cheese Curds
Being one of the premier dairy states in the country, it is no surprise that Minnesota has a huge crush on cheese. However, we've upped the stakes with Oddles-of-Noodles' invention of macaroni and cheese curds, which is essentially your average mac-and-cheese dinner combined with the deep-fried goodness of cheese curds, all smothered in Velveeta. I'll take two, please.
3. SPAM Sushi
Ah, SPAM. The canned meat that no one wants to eat, yet is still somehow in business. Though SPAM was invented in Minnesota, I've never actually tried the iconic mystery meat, which is why I'm so excited that SPAM sushi has arrived at the fair. Served as a sushi roll with rice, fried egg, and wasabi all wrapped in traditional seaweed, this snack is sure to please the more sophisticated pallets attending the fair. Find it at the Warner Coliseum!
4. Deep Fried Grilled Cheese Bites
Otherwise known as my vision of paradise, deep fried grilled cheese bites are exactly what they sound like: cheese, deep fried in beer batter, eaten to insure a future heart attack. These will be served at O'Gara's, and you can be sure that I'll be first in line to try them out.
5. Gumbo Frites
And lastly, something that actually sounds marginally normal-ish, if only because its doesn't involve bacon, SPAM, or copious amounts of cheese. Gumbo Frites, served at Ragin' Cajun, consists of french fries smothered in a gumbo consisting of sausage, chicken, peppers, celery, and some fancy sauce that I can't pronounce. Topped with chopped onions and a sprinkling of cheese, this is the perfect dish to nosh on (but maybe not right before heading over to the carousel).
