There are many new foods to check out at the Minnesota State Fair each year, which is always fun, but there are also those favorites that we want to make sure to get at this once—or perhaps twice—a year event. Here are some of those that my family and I enjoy, which you probably do, too—plus perhaps some you haven’t that you’ll want to add to your “to dine” list. Wear your stretchy shorts! But all the walking helps burn off some calories. If you are walking while eating, does that help even more?
Photo Mary Subialka
Scotch Eggs On a Stick
We enjoyed starting the day by sharing the Scotch Eggs, which have a hard-boiled egg at the center, wrapped in sausage, rolled in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried—served on a stick, of course. If you like, they will cut it in half for you, which makes it helpful when sharing. There are several different self-serve dipping sauces to choose from—the honey mustard was a favorite of our group—and there is also maple syrup for a sweet-and-savory combination. They also sell coffee.
West side of Liggett St. between Carnes and Judson avenues
Photo Mary Subialka
Mini Doughnuts
Ah, warm, delicate little rings of deep-fried dough sprinkled with sugar. What’s not to like? There are a number of these booths throughout the fairgrounds dishing up this classic. Some offer a glimpse of the machine that flips the little delicacies over in the oil on their way to their final destination, which is fun to watch. Though our batch we got near the Grandstand was a little shy on sugar, they were still tasty.
Photo Mary Subialka
Turkey To Go
When I first started going to the State Fair with my husband and he talked about wanting to get the turkey sandwich, I wondered, ‘Why would I want a turkey sandwich at the State Fair?’ But this is not your regular deli variety sandwich. The juicy pulled turkey at Turkey to Go is piled high on a bun and a sprinkle of self-serve Cajun spice adds a nice extra touch. We usually enjoy adding mayonnaise to the bun, which was not offered this year. They did have barbecue sauces, which I think can overpower the taste of the turkey, so try lightly or on the side, perhaps. A turkey leg is also available, if you prefer. The vendor used to feature two sizes of the sandwich but this year only offered in the “giant” size. The booth is located across from the poultry barn—but the Fair is all about food and where it comes from, right?
East side of Clough St. between Carnes and Judson avenues
Photo Mary Subialka
Corn Dog or Pronto Pup?
You will find many vendors throughout the fairgrounds selling the all-time summer favorite battered and deep-fried hot dogs on a stick. Those that are “corn dogs” have a more noticeable cornmeal batter, which gives it a hint of sweetness and a little more crunch. Those that are “Pronto Pups” mix up a cornmeal batter with a different ratio and less sugar, resulting in a coating that is not as sweet. Then, some folks swear by only adding mustard to this delicacy; others, like myself, prefer both ketchup and mustard. Do a taste-test and you’ll find that there is a difference between the corn dog and Pronto Pup, and I am Team Corn Dog. (Though I certainly wouldn’t refuse the pup that is known as a “banquet on a stick”!)
Photo Mary Subialka
Corn Roast
A highlight of a visit to the Fair is always the roasted corn at the Corn Roast booth. This sweet corn on-the-cob is roasted in the husk and presented with the husk pulled down, which makes a convenient handle—and it’s wrapped in a napkin to help catch any dripping butter. Yum. It’s not only delicious, but also a very affordable item and it feels good to get a veggie in between some of the less-than-healthy treats throughout the day. My son pointed out that some of his favorite parts are the blackened roasted bites. There are little toothpick dispensers on the counter where you get your corn, and you might want to grab one to discreetly deal with kernels later; you’ll thank yourself. (When you’re done enjoying the corn, make sure to look for the large compost bin nearby for disposal.)
Southeast corner of Dan Patch Ave. & Nelson St.
Photo Mary Subialka
Pork Chops on a Stick
My son’s friend, who joined us this year, had previously heard his dad, uncle, and grandpa rave about the grilled pork chops on a stick and wanted to make sure to try it. After his mini doughnuts had worn off, he had room to get the large, chargrilled chop and was also delighted with his selection. This meaty option on a stick is always a popular stop with generations of fairgoers for good reason.
South side of Judson Ave. between Nelson and Underwood streets
Photo Minnesota State Fair
Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar
Warm chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven. Yum. They are served piled high and expertly balanced atop a paper cone or in a “take home” bucket with a lid you can close once you have worked your way down from the overflowing pile of cookies. They also sell coffee, bottled water, and milk. There are three locations throughout the fairgrounds, but if you are up on the north end to check out the cars, The Hangar, or the Little Farm Hands exhibit, there is a little more breathing room and often shorter lines at that location. Take the chair lift one way up there to combine a relaxing ride.
Next Visit
Alas, there are only so many favorites or new items you can enjoy in a day, so we’ll plan to get back to the Fair next weekend to enjoy sharing some cheese curds from The Mouth Trap. The lines look long, but they go quickly and you’re on your way to enjoying the delicately breaded melty cheese in no time. Also in the Food Building, the Twisted Sister at Sausage Sister & Me is one of my husband’s favorites. Then a stop at the Agriculture Horticulture Building is perfect after that for a fresh bite of a crunchy local apple variety or an apple juice freezie. I’ll need to get another corn dog and roasted corn, of course, and also try something from the list of tasty new fare … and keep walking.
