Is there anything better than digging in to some tasty new concoctions? Every year we look forward to tasting some of the new State Fair offerings, and every year we find a new favorite (or ten!). Of the 27 new foods and five new vendors announced we were able to get a sneak peak—and taste—of five of them:
Bananas Foster French Toast | Hamline Church Dining Hall
Breakfast lovers and those at the fair early hoping to beat the crowds will love this confection which will be served from 7-10:30 AM daily. Cinnamon swirl French toast is topped with fresh banana slices in an orange-rum-flavored caramel sauce and finished with a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of orange, cinnamon, and banana flavors turned out to be a perfect one. This is the dish you need to start off your day at the fair right! You can find Hamline Church Dining Hall on the north side of Dan Patch Ave. between Underwood and Cooper streets.
BBQ Split | Midtown Global Market’s Mama D’s
Lovers of southern food, this one is for you! The BBQ Split features scoops of BBQ pulled pork, mac & cheese, and coleslaw served side-by-side with a pickle spear. The three distinct flavors were delicious on their own, but also were very tasty in the parts where they inevitably mixed. Not usually a fan of coleslaw, we were actually really into this sweet version! Please note that Mama D’s will be at the fair Aug. 29-Sept. 3 ONLY. You can find them on the east wall of the International Bazaar, in the Taste of Midtown Global Market booth.
UpNorth Puff Pastry | Sausage Sister & Me
If you’ve never tried a pasty before, now is the time! Porketta sausage, cheese curds, coarse grain mustard, and chopped dill pickle are baked in a puffy crust that is sprinkled with pepper and sea salt. This is a great choice for a savory afternoon pick-me-up! Find Sausage Sister & Me on the east wall of the Food Building.
Hot & Cold Coffee Drinks | The Anchor Coffee House
The Anchor Coffee House is a new vendor at the fair this year, where they will be serving cold brew coffees, lattes, fresh-brewed drip coffee, banana chocolate chip gluten-free muffins, and stroopwafels. We were lucky enough to try their cold brew coffee, and it was the perfect antidote to a hot summer day! Find them outside Ramberg Music Cafe on the west side of Underwood Street between Carnes and Judson avenues.
Sweetie Cakes | Sweetie Cakes
When your sweet tooth is calling for a fix, head to Sweetie Cakes for a choice of black forest, birthday, or chocolate peanut butter cake. They are baked in a cup packed with Sassy Pecan toffee bits and served warm with real whipping cream and more toffee bits. We tried the chocolate peanut better version, and it was packed with just the right amount of flavor and enough whipping cream to accentuate every bite! Find Sweetie Cakes on the south wall of the Food Building.
So there you have it! We have to say we were pretty full after we’d tried all of these treats, but that’s not going to stop us from trying as much as we can when we visit the fair. We’re personally looking forward to getting our hands on Irish Tater Kegs, Pepperoni Chips with Queso, and Za-Waffle Sticks. What is your most anticipated fair food? Start planning your visit by viewing the whole list of new foods and specialty brews and beverages.
Roseville’s hotels are just down the street from the fair—so close you can smell the corn roasting—and they’re offering you special deals when you stay during the 2018 Minnesota State Fair from August 23-September 3, 2018!