In this episode of Cubs Out Loud, it’s time for another Let’s Talk About Food. For this one, the guys head back to the fair again to get a taste of some delicious dishes. In Part 3, the cubs head first to Iowa then next Jeff’s home state of Minnesota to satiate their appetites before heading to the southern border to savor their hankering for some big Texas vittles. From savory to sweet, get a dabble of the new foods coming your way soon. Are you hungry?

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Let’s Talk About Food: State Fairs ‘23 – Part 3

Believe it or not, STATE FAIR SEASON KEEPS GOING! It’s the third go ‘round and we’re hitting up THREE states – Iowa, Minnesota, and the Big Tex! And of course we’ve got more pictures! 

• • Iowa State Fair: Aug 10-20 ‘23
    • PEOPLE’S CHOICE BEST NEW FOOD: The Deep-Fried Bacon Brisket Mac-n-Cheese Grilled Cheese by What’s Your Cheez – The Rib Shack’s signature Bacon Brisket Mac and Cheese is slathered between layers of American cheese and two slices of What’s Your Cheez Bacon Cheddar Bread. It is then deep-fried until golden brown and served with a signature raspberry chipotle BBQ sauce.

• BEST NEW FOOD FINALIST: Iowa Twinkie by Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ & Brew – “A Texas staple with an Iowa twist.” A smoked bacon-wrapped jalapeno stuffed with pulled pork, sweet corn, cream cheese and ranch seasoning. It is then glazed with Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ & Brew house-made Sweet + Sticky BBQ sauce and drizzled with house-made ranch dressing.

• • BEST NEW FOOD FINALIST: Grinder Ball by The Bacon Box – The Grinder Ball is a blend of bacon balls stuffed with mozzarella cheese, wrapped in bacon, rotisserie smoked and dipped in warm marinara sauce. The Grinder Ball is The Bacon Box’s new signature gluten-free take on the traditional State Fair Grinder.
• Minnesota State Fair: Aug 24 – Sep 4 ‘23
  • Bacon-Wrapped Waffle Dog by Nordic Waffles. Griddled bacon-wrapped Kramarczuk hot dog served on a Nordic Waffle with cheddar cheese, pickle slices and crispy onions and drizzled with burger sauce.
  • Ba-Sants in Two Varieties – Everything Cream Cheese and Sweet Corn by French Meadow Bakery & Cafe. A buttery, crisp and caramelized pastry – a combination of a bagel and croissant: Everything Cream Cheese Ba-Sant is rolled in poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion flakes, garlic flakes, black pepper and sea salt with a scallion cream cheese filling; Sweet Corn Ba-Sant is filled with fresh sweet corn custard and garnished with crunchy caramel corn. 
  • Chicken Momo With Tomato Chutney by Midtown Global Market’s MomoDosa. Blend of ground chicken, cabbage, onion, ginger and other spices steamed in a dough wrapper. Served with tomato chutney. (Available Aug. 24-29 only) (New Vendor)
  • Fried Butternut Squash Ravioli by Oodles of Noodles. Deep-fried butternut squash ravioli sprinkled with maple cinnamon sugar. Served with a side of whipped ricotta. (Vegetarian) 
  • Holey Hamloaf Breakfast Sandwich by Hamline Church. Hamloaf, tangy glaze, caramelized onions and cheese in a sandwich made with fried egg-in-a-hole toast. [Savuer recipe/article for Hamloaf]
  • Irish Butter Ice Cream Over Brown Sugar Cinnamon Toast by Blue Moon Dine-In-Theater. Ice cream made with European-style butter served on brown sugar cinnamon toast, drizzled with butter syrup and sprinkled with sea salt flakes.
• Texas State Fair: Sep 29 – Oct 22 ‘23 
  • Winner “Best Taste – Savory”: DEEP FRIED PHO by Michelle Le. Bringing a southern flare to this popular traditional Vietnamese comfort food that is both rich and savory. Deep Fried Pho is handcrafted, rolled up, and deep-fried Texas style! This unique combination creates a perfect balance between flavorful and refreshing. With every bite, you get a harmonious and succulent mouthful of noodles, slices of beef, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a taste of aromatic pho broth that has been slowly simmered for hours. To tie this experience together, it is served with a side of pho broth for dipping, lime, jalapeños, cilantro, hoisin sauce, and sriracha for a spicy, fiery kick! Pairs well with Karbach’s Hopadillo IPA!
  • Winner “Best Taste – Sweet”: Biscoff® Delight by Stephen El Gidi. Immerse yourself in the realm of a classic New York-style cheesecake coated with Belgian chocolate. Each bite reveals the symphony of an outer layer adorned with crushed Biscoff® cookies, offering a delightful crunch. To elevate this edible artwork, a drizzle of Lotus Biscoff® spread cascades gracefully, imparting a caramelized touch. Finally, a crowning glory is bestowed upon this culinary marvel with a perfectly placed Biscoff® cookie that entices you to embrace pure indulgence. Pairs well with a Ziegenbock!
  • Winner “Most Creative”: Bourbon Banana Caramel Sopapillas by Cody & Lauren Hays. Hot and delicious traditional sopapillas topped with vanilla-caramel-infused bananas, sweet bourbon syrup, crushed candied pecans, sweetened mascarpone cheese, crumbled Nilla Wafers, and dusted with powdered sugar. Pairs well with a Ziegenbock!

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