The 2013 Wisconsin State Fair opens tomorrow and with it comes eleven days of animals, rides, carnival games and most importantly, tons and tons of amazing food.
Yesterday afternoon I had the opportunity to be one of the judges at the Sporkies — which is the Fair’s inaugural food competition — where myself and four other judges rated eight finalists — narrowed down from over 40 entries — and ultimately selected the “Most Creative,” “Best Tasting” and “Grand Champion” dishes of the Fair.
The eight items we sampled and voted on were:
- Cajun Mac ‘n Cheese (Tropics at the Fair)
- Deep Fried Peanut Butter & Bacon Nuggets with Berry Weiss Jelly (Saz’s)
- Iced Irish Coffee Float (Slim McGinn’s Irish Pub)
- Island Slaw (Island Noodles)
- Mac Attack (West Allis Shrine Club)
- Mela Fritta Gelato On-a-Stick (La Coppa Artisan Gelato)
- Rasta Shrimp Sliders (Tropics at the Fair)
- Thanksgiving Waffle (Slim McGinn’s West)
Overall I was a little bummed about the lack of deep fried foods and foods on a stick in the competition — there was only one of each — but aside from that there was some really, really great stuff.
The Mela Fritta Gelato On-a-Stick ended up winning “Most Creative” and “Grand Champion,” while the Island Slaw took home the “Best Tasting” Sporkie. My personal favorite was the Deep Fried Peanut Butter & Bacon Nuggets with Berry Weiss Jelly, but the Gelato On-a-Stick was a very close second for me.
Regardless of what your specific tastes are though there was definitely something for everyone, which is great. Plus, these are only eight of the numerous delicious foods that you can find this year. My advice if you head to the fair this year? Show up hungry.
Christine
August 7, 2013 at 10:26 pm (11 years ago)Sorry …◦Cajun Mac ‘n Cheese (Tropics at the Fair) SUCKED! I found 1 micro piece of crawfish in the mac and cheese and the noodles were UNDER cooked. …really…I could have done 1000 times better in my kitchen with velveta and fake seafood!!
Thistle
August 9, 2013 at 11:23 am (11 years ago)It might be worth flying to Wisconsin just to try Deep Fried Peanut Butter & Bacon Nuggets. Mmmmm that sounds so good.
April | Food n' Focus
August 9, 2013 at 1:07 pm (11 years ago)My waffle totally looks better than that slop http://www.foodnfocus.com/the-thanksgiving-waffle/
Nick
August 9, 2013 at 2:21 pm (11 years ago)I couldn’t agree with you more!