More than two dozen new food items were added to the traditional roster of pork chops on a stick (brought to you by J&B Meats), Pronto Pups, Martha’s Cookies and mini-donuts for the 2014 run of the Minnesota State Fair.
Here’s a quick look at some North Wright County Today’s top picks – 10 to be exact, that you can sample this weekend at the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
Bison Dog (courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)
Bison Dog – Chicago Dogs, located in The Garden on the corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Underwood Street, is offering a hickory-smoked, gluetn-free hot dog made from a naturally, pasture-raised Bison direct from River Falls. It can be served Chicago style or plain (ready for your fixings). And Chicago Dog offers both gluten-free and poppy seed buns, along with the traditional bun.
A Breakfast Juicy Lulu – Picture an English muffin with two American cheese-stuffed sausage patties, oozing cheese a la its dinner partner, the Juicy Lucy. It’s available only until 11 a.m. each morning at LuLu’s Public House, a new vendor for 2014. They’re located at the West End Market, next to the Schilling Amphitheater.
Caramel Apple Ice Cream – R&R Ice Cream, on the corner of Randall Avenue and Underwood Street, hits another cold treat home run with tractor-churned vanilla (a Machinery Hill tradition) infused with real caramel and diced Granny Smith apples. This one is a can’t miss, folks.
Chicken in the Waffle – Chicken and waffles is a Southern-styled classic, but has now expanded to the North Star State’s annual fair with the Blue Bar, a new food vendor for 2014. If you’re looking for the Blue Barn, head to the end of the Sky Ride on the West End Market.
Deep-Fried Breakfast on a Stick – Two cheeses, one egg, some sausage and Canadian bacon, between two pancakes then dipped in batter and deep fried. Whoa. Pick this one up at the Sandwich Stop, located on Clough Street on the east side of the Poultry Barn.
Gluten-Free Beer Battered Brat – Sonny’s, located inside the Food Building, has put together a nitrate-free bratwurst that’s dipped in a homemade beer batter and deep-fried. Served, of course, on a stick.
Walleye Mac and Cheese – If you’re a fan of the lobster Mac and Cheese at places like the Smack Shack in Minneapolis, check out this creation with a local flavor. It’s an “Iron Range” portion of walleye (smoked) with sweet corn kernels, roasted peppers and a bed of cavatappi noodles – all smothered in Giggles’ secret smoked Gouda sauce and toasted with Parmesan parsley bread crumbs.
Hot Toasted Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich – waffles, ice cream, powdered sugar … perfect dessert. West End Creamery hits a homer in the West End Market area. Look for that blue barn.
Pretzel Curds – cheese curds, coated in a batter made from crushed pretzels, bread crumbs and Pilsner beer, deep fried to create a crunchy outside and soft inside, served with a zesty dipping sauce. From your friends at O’Garas, who are on the corner of Dan Patch and Cosgrove.
Schnitzel Strips – Pork tenderloin coated with breading, fried and then cut into strips and served with a special dipping sauce. From Smoothies and Jurassic Dogs – located on Murphy Avenue by the Pet Center.
Waffle chicken sandwich (Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair)