In this episode of Cubs Out Loud, it’s time for another Let’s Talk About Food. It’s that time of year – State Fairs are coming back around. So what does 2026 hold for the cubs? This go round, the guys return to one of their fave states: Wisconsin! Listen in as the cubs take a look at some delectable delights and bubbly beverages hitting a fair near you.
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Let’s Talk About Food: State Fairs ‘26 – Part 1
It’s summer time and once again the STATE FAIRS are coming back around. In 2026, there are new foods to consider as we return to one of our faves, Wisconsin! Wisconsin State Fair: Aug 6-16 ’26 Let’s see which delectable delights we’re willing to pry open our wallets for this time.
First up, DRINKS!
Big Pat’s Pit Stop Punch – a nostalgic party punch made with bright and fruity pineapple juice, fizzy lemon lime soda, and a generous scoop of rainbow sherbet. This delicious and refreshing drink, all dressed up for a day at the races, is sure to rev your engine!
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Sipper – a crisp, refreshing blend of creamy strawberry oat milk, rich chocolate, and Wisconsin honey. Served over ice and garnished with an Olympia Granola Strawberry Chocolate Granola Bar Dipper for an extra snack. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and perfectly chilled for everyone to enjoy at the State Fair!
Circus Peanut Spritz – a beautiful two-toned orange colored blast from the past. The unique circus peanut flavor will evoke great childhood memories once the banana bread syrup and club soda are added and topped with a whimsical whip cream and circus peanut topping.
Hawaiian Pizza Slush – a playful punch of sweet pineapple and savory pizza sauce in an icy, refreshing blend. Garnished with a Canadian bacon wrapped cheese stick and topped with croutons, herbs, and parmesan, this drink mimics the perfect slice in every sip.
Monkey Bread – a cup full of ice-cold Mr. Pibb swirled with butterscotch syrup, cinnamon bun syrup, sweet cream, and piled high with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. It’s like a fresh baked piece of monkey bread melted into a fizzy, creamy soda explosion!
Wisconsinite Slush – beloved real kosher dill pickle juice in an icy, craveable slushie, swirled with zesty Tajin, and topped with Wisconsin staples of two baby dill pickles, a Klement’s beef stick, and creamy mozzarella cheese. Because everything’s better when it’s made in Wisconsin!
Let’s talk about NOMS!
Birria Flamin’ Bombs – a crazy twist on a fan-favorite meal that showcases rich, delicious flavors! These crispy bombs are filled with slow-cooked beef birria, cilantro, onion, and melted mozzarella cheese, then coated in a savory seasoned breadcrumb blend and served with a birria consommé for dipping with a side of creamy chipotle aioli.
Bourbon Deep – Fried Pecan Pie – Bourbon infused Pecan filling in a homemade flakey crust that is fried that’s dusted with brown sugar and served with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
Deep–Fried Horchata Balls – Indulgent, sweet bites dusted in cinnamon sugar, drizzled with rich dulce de leche sauce, chocolate sauce, then topped with mini chocolate chips, toasted coconut and sweet fried plantain chips for the ultimate dessert!
Deep-Fried Ranch – a creamy filling made with ranch seasoning, cream cheese and buttermilk. Coated in a crispy panko shell and deep fried until golden perfection. Topped with a dusting of ranch powder and served with a side of hot honey or ranch for dipping.
French Onion Cheese Pull – inspired by the flavor of classic French onion soup but even cheesier. Bite into a melty Wisconsin cheese center wrapped in a crispy, corn dog with onion infused batter and fried to golden perfection. Finished with a cool, creamy French onion topping and get ready to enjoy a signature cheese pull!
Porky Puff – a golden, flaky puff pastry filled with tender pulled pork, house-made zesty peach filling, layered with creamy garlic and herb cheese for a rich, savory bite. Baked until light and crispy, finished with a drizzle of hot honey, and a sprinkle of mustard seeds, this Puff delivers the perfect balance of sweet heat and tang. Handheld and packed with bold flavor, it’s an easy-to-eat indulgence that hits every note in one irresistible square!
Smoked Pork Pierogi Sliders – buttery pierogi as the bun, stuffed with tender, slow-smoked pork and cheddar cheese and topped with crisp, sweet coleslaw, rich BBQ sauce, and a punchy pickle to create the perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and bold flavors
Wisco Short Rib Corn Dog – a corn dog features a braised short rib and raw milk gouda skewer, hand battered in New Glarus beer corn bread mix and crunchy breadcrumbs, then deep–fried. Topped with a locally produced smoked tomato sauce and honey drizzle for a dish delivered from farms all over the state.
In this episode of Cubs Out Loud, it’s time for another Let’s Talk About Food. WIth fall on the scene, it’s yet again state fair time. In Part 4, the guys turn their bellies to the big state of Texas. From BBQ to sweet eats, listen in as the cubs debate their favorite treats.
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Let’s Talk About Food: State Fairs ‘24 – Part 4
It’s that time of year – STATE FAIRS are coming back around. And we’re wrapping up our journey with the foods of TEXAS.
Caramel Macchiato Fritters – Crazy Ottos & Gulf Coast Grill – A classic, heaping serving of delicious caramel forms the nucleus of these creamy coffee cake balls. Each cake ball is dipped in beignet batter and fried until golden brown. With three to an order, these Caramel Macchiato Fritters are garnished with whipped cream, caramel, and white chocolate drizzle. You didn’t think we forgot the coffee, did you? For a finishing touch, use your syringe full of espresso to inject into every delicious bite! Coffee chains, beware…there’s a new Macchiato in town!
Cookie Butter Nachos – Big Al’s Grill; Texas Burgers, Dogs and More – These nachos take the concept to a whole new level by using freshly fried flour tortilla chips coated in a heavenly blend of cinnamon sugar. The highlight of this indulgent treat is the generous scoop of homemade cookie butter cheesecake filling, which adds a creamy and rich element to the dish. To further elevate the taste, dollops of homemade cream cheese icing are generously added on top, followed by a drizzle of gooey caramel sauce. The finishing touch is a sprinkle of crushed Biscoff® cookies, providing a delightful texture to this extraordinary dessert.
Deep Fried Tablitas – Texas Holy Fried Ribs and Fusion BBQ – Battered, juicy short ribs are fried to golden brown deliciousness. Served with a fried jalapeño, fresh lime slices, a sprinkle of Cotija cheese, and three different dipping sauces to choose from, you’ll be sure to enjoy this State Fair of Texas twist on traditional Mexican-style short ribs!
Dickel’s Triple Meat Big Back Snack – Dickel’s Smokehouse – This Texas-sized indulgence is presented with a boastful five layers and seven tantalizing flavor profiles. The base consists of abuela’s cherished elote street corn recipe, including a fusion of roasted sweet corn, lime, butter, cumin, and chili powder. Following suit is a portion of succulent smoked chopped beef brisket that paves the way for a delightful serving of gourmet smoked gouda mac and cheese. A buttermilk biscuit crowned with tender cubes of Hogzilla Pork Belly Burnt Ends, slow-smoked to perfection and coated in a house-made sauce, completes this tower of flavors. Still hungry? A savory, loaded nacho beef brisket sausage link is halved and adorns the cup’s interior, accompanied by heavenly deep–fried crinkle-cut maple waffle-flavored potato slices on top.
Island Rumble – Mac Loaded – Sail away to flavor paradise with our Island RUM-ble Bowl! Dive into a medley of Caribbean flavors with a base of extra creamy mac and cheese and topped with juicy flame, grilled to perfection jerk chicken that is marinated in a special pineapple rum jerk marinade. Garnished with a tangy homemade pineapple pico salsa and a flavorful spicy jerk crema, each bite is a tropical getaway for your taste buds! Come on down and let your senses set sail with every delicious forkful! One Love never tasted so good!
Lay’s® Potato Chip Drink – Milton’s – See chips in a whole new light with the LAY’S® Potato Chip Drink – a daring blend where sweet meets a thrilling heat capturing the newest flavors of America’s favorite chip in every sip. This vibrant hand-shaken concoction combines the sweet lushness of mango and a signature blend of citrus juices with a fiery kick of hot honey, jalapeño infused syrup, and artfully placed strawberry drizzle. Each sip is smoothed over with a layer of cool, sweet foam, then topped with LAY’S® Sweet & Spicy Honey Potato Chips for a playful crunch and a spicy adventure. Sip it if you dare!
Whole Bundt of Kisses – Southside Steaks and Cakes – This captivating creation features a deep–fried 7UP® bundt cake enveloped in a signature batter. Fresh from the fryer, the cake is filled with mouthwatering Belgian chocolate, resulting in a satisfying volcanic eruption of flavors. Adorned with crumbled homemade chocolate chip cookies and miniature kisses, dusted with powdered sugar, and crowned with a full-sized Hershey’s® on a pillow of whipped cream and a sprinkle of edible silver glitter, this dessert becomes irresistible to fairgoers of all ages.
In this episode of Cubs Out Loud, it’s time for another Let’s Talk About Food. It’s that time of year – State Fairs are coming back around. So what does 2026 hold for the cubs? This go round, the guys return to one of their fave states: Wisconsin! Listen in as the cubs take a look at some delectable delights and bubbly beverages hitting a fair near you.