Minnesota State Fair
It has been a couple years since we’ve had a Minnesota State Fair, and so it’s no big surprise there are new vendors approved to be at the fairgrounds this summer. I’m a little surprised there are only four new vendors—but these are tough spots to get, and almost everyone from 2019 is coming back.
Who to look for?
Duluth’s legendary New Scenic Café is at the fairgrounds! The stand is called “Scenic 61” and it’ll be just south of the Little Farm Hands exhibit. They’ll be selling Sashimi Tuna Tacos, which are crisp wonton shells filled with ahi tuna, avocado, and sesame soy. A thai slaw with peanut dressing will be on the side. I presume they’ll have other new foods, but this is the only “official” food to make the list, but what a joy to have New Scenic, a true Minnesota icon of farm to table cooking at the Minnesota State Fair.
Fluffy’s Hand Cut Donuts is new with a jumbo donut sundae. A jumbo frosted, yeast-raised donut in a bunch of different flavors topped with vanilla soft-serve, hot fudge, and sprinkles. Fluffy’s is a vendor that travels the country. They’re doing the North Carolina Fair and Wisconsin Fair. Find them between West Dan Patch & Carnes Avenues.
Andy’s Garage from Midtown Global Market will be there August 26-31 serving a vegan chorizo corn dog riff called the ChoriPop. Chorizo by the Herbivorous Butcher dipped in a classic corndog batter, deep-fried on-a-stick with choice of avocado salsa or mole sauce drizzled on top or on the side. Served with Mexican BBQ chips.
Summer Lakes Beverage is a new vendor that previously was a merch vendor selling bottled mixes. This year if you’re looking for a gluten-free, vegan mocktail, you have three. Wedge-Hammer (ginger, orange, citrus, sparkling water), Lake Storm Lemonade (lavender-infused lemon juice, sparkling water, simple syrup) and a Bama! Lemon Sweet Tea. This will also be just south of the Little Farm Hands.
One other major news item in vendors, Hot Indian Foods has graduated from being part of the rotating crew at the Midtown Global Market booth to its own operation inside the Food Building! They’ll have a Kerala Fried Chicken Kati Roll which is marinated, battered and fried chicken tenders wrapped in paratha with chutneys and slaw and Paneer Pakora: Seasoned paneer cheese cubes fried in a gluten-free batter and served with tomato butter.
To see all the new foods ranked, check out my story. For the official list from the fair, look here: mnstatefair.org/new-this-year/food
