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 3, the guys hit the Midwest to treat themselves, touching two states with a friendly rivalry: Iowa and Minnesota. Listen in as the cubs tear into some tantalizing dishes and discuss which ones tickle their taste buds.

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Let’s Talk About Food: State Fairs ‘24 – Part 3

It’s that time of year – STATE FAIRS are coming back around. And we’re continuing our journey with the foods of the midwest in Iowa and Minnesota. 

 Iowa State Fair: Aug 8-18 ’24 – 2024 New Foods Brochure

• Iowa Sm‘Oak’ed Roll – Whatcha Smokin? BBQ – Smoked pork tenderloin stuffed with jasmine rice, jalapeno creamed corn, smoked poblano queso and Giddy Up Texas taco sauce, poblano ranch and smoked sesame seeds.
• Bacon Cheeseburger Eggroll – Winn & Sara’s Kitchen – Ground beef cooked with bacon and pickles with a cheese filling, wrapped in a golden pastry egg roll and drizzled with house made burger sauce.
• Piggy in a Donut – Biscuit Bar – 2024 will have a new twist on the Iowa State Fair corn dog tradition. Piggy in a Donut is a specialty item of the Biscuit Bar, and it will be the new Iowa State Fair food on-a-stick that everyone will want to try! Fairgoers will enjoy indulging in this sausage on-a-stick, which is dipped in mini donut batter, fried, rolled in sugar and then ready to enjoy with syrup! Alternatively, try our delicious top-secret sauce! Piggy in a Donut makes a great mobile breakfast, but this delicious treat is available from sunrise to sunset.
• Tipsy Peach – Bubbly Bar & Bistro – Luscious, punchy rosé sangria-soaked peach couli [ripe peaches delicately sliced] and placed atop a golden, crispy sugar pearl waffle, topped with lemon mascarpone and fresh thyme.
• Party Balls – JR’s SouthPork Ranch  – Hand-made shredded potato, cheese, and bacon balls stuffed with AE Party Dip, rolled in crunchy potato chips, then fried to a golden brown with AE Party Dip drizzle on top!

 Minnesota State Fair: Aug 22-Sept 1 ’24 –

• Afro Poppers – Afro Deli – Bite-size pastries infused with an African blend of spices – ground vanilla, cardamom, ginger, cloves and nutmeg – deep-fried and coated with choice of coconut flakes, sugar or served plain. Topped with choice of drizzle – mango chutney, caramel or chocolate.
• Grilled Purple Sticky Rice – Union Hmong Kitchen – Purple sticky rice grilled over an open flame until crunchy, then topped with choice of shredded Hmong beef jerky or pickled mushrooms. Garnished with fresh herbs and finished with Union Hmong Kitchen’s Krunchy Chili Aioli. (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian option)
• Patata Frita Focacciawich – West End Creamery – “Patata Frita” kettle chip-flavored ice cream created by Minnesota Dairy Lab, sandwiched between focaccia bread from Wrecktangle Pizza. Topped with a blend of honey butter, kettle chips and herbs.
• Raging Ball – The Herbivorous Butcher – Deep-fried sesame mochi dough ball with vegan cheeseburger filling. Made with house-made vegan burger mix, vegan cheddar cheese, grilled onions and pickles. Topped with bacon-flavored powdered sugar. (Gluten-Friendly, Vegan)
• Wrangler Waffle Burger – Nordic Waffles – Fresh all-beef patty and signature Whataburger® Patty Melt Sauce layered with American cheese and served in a caramelized onion-infused Nordic Waffle.