Live at the Fair: Rick Nelson tries all the new foods and tells all
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Join me (and say a prayer for my GI tract) on this beautiful day as I nosh and tweet my way through 40-plus new foods at the 2019. @mnstatefair . #mnstatefair #startribune https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECklwCsXUAA5c6S.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 11:44:24 AM -
Lavender lemonade at the Farmers Union Coffee Shop, $6 and $7 .50. Super-refreshing, with a just-right sweet-tart bite and a hint of lavender (more color than flavor). The rosemary is a nice (and very @BirchwoodCafe ) touch. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECkutXoXYAEuctz.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 12:23:33 PM -
Blueberry Key Lime Pie at Farmers Union Coffee Shop, $8 . Partner @BirchwoodCafe is justifiably famous for its Key Lime pies, and adding MN-raised blueberries is an inspired touch. And it’s a state fair miracle: real whipped cream (from a MN dairy, ‘natch). Don’t miss. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECkvdwHXYAEmQtj.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 12:26:43 PM -
Heirloom tomato and sweet corn BLT with an egg, Farmers Union Coffee Shop, $13 . I didn’t think it was possible to improve upon this instant State Fair classic from 2018, but adding a runny-yolk fried egg (from @LocallyLaidEggs ) is genius. Love it. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECkwLJgWsAUtsJA.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 12:29:48 PM -
Pebbles & Bam Bam! Waffle at Nordic Waffles, $8 . Best part of arriving early at the fair? No line at this mega-popular stand. Colorful (and sugary, and crunchy) breakfast cereal + Reece’s Pieces = fun treat for kids of all ages. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECk0vE0X4AA6m-j.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 12:49:53 PM -
Al Pastor Waffle at Nordic Waffles, $9 . One of the fair’s great makers of handheld goodness (that salmon waffle is perfection) has a sharp way with pork (tender, juicy), and the pineapple accents add a welcome flavor pop. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECk1RgFW4AE-fCB.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 12:52:16 PM -
Breakfast Potato Skin at the Blue Barn, $8 .95. TGI Friday’s at the fair! Ok, not really. But the deep-fried potato skin is a hilarious 80s throwback (with South Dakota -sacrilege! - beef touches). It’s every major food group in a single dish. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECk3_ivWkAEtmh0.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 1:03:57 PM -
Nashville Hot Chicken on a Stick at the Blue Barn, $9 .95. On-trend (for the fair, anyway) and delicious. Juicy meat, a spicy (for the fair, anyway) bite and a nicely crunchy coating. Try it. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECk4g8VXsAELVCe.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 1:06:17 PM -
Breakfast sandwich at Blue Ox Burger Bar, $6 (or $9 w/tots). A kissing cousin to the Egg McMuffin (nothing wrong with that), with a pile of wonderfully crisp bacon. You could do worse in the a.m. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECk8iZfWsAEIjvZ.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 1:23:48 PM -
Build a Your Own Hamburgers at the Blue Ox Burger Bar, $6 -$13 (w/tots or crinkle fries). A standard-issue bun with a nicely charred (to medium) patty. The build-your-own aspect contains no surprises. Love the crinkle fries, but then again I’m a crinkle fry freak. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECk9VxgXkAAOahd.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 1:27:21 PM -
Bada Bing Sandwich at the Sandwich Stop, $9 . An Italian-inspired flatbread with honest to goodness fresh basil (a fair first?), ham, salami, gooey mozzarella and a creamy balsamic vinaigrette. Not wacky, not on-a-stick, and lousy tomatoes aside, pretty great. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECk_w9AXUAEDpkh.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 1:37:54 PM -
Peaches ‘N Cream Nachos at Bridgeman’s, $8 . It’s all about the “P,” as in peaches (glorious), pecans (chewy, meaty) and pita (unnecessary). Love the honey drizzle. The fake whipped ice cream is a disappointment, and eight bucks feels like a lot. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EClCmNDW4AAjqv7.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 1:50:15 PM -
Feta Bites at Dino’s Gyros, $5 .50. A lighter, crispier (and, frankly, better) version of the cream cheese wonton, with a tangy feta filling and a lovely black olive-flecked dipping sauce. Pair them with the stand’s long list of local tap beers. Great price, too. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EClIKbpX4AA2OBx.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 2:14:38 PM -
No Bologna Coney at Mancini’s al Fresco, $6 .75. Those in search of a different (in a good way, not a passive-aggressive Minnesota way) should check this out. The bun gets soggy, fast. Love the pepper-olive topping. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EClJGm9WwAE14ii.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 2:18:44 PM -
Polish Sausage at iPierogi, $8 . Textbook example of the genre, with a lively, nicely crunchy sauerkraut. A sturdy ciabatta-style bun. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EClOmOrWsAE8P8A.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 2:42:44 PM -
Cabbage roll at iPierogi, $9 . Just like mom’s, with a mildly seasoned ground pork and rice and a light tomato sauce. Hefty, filling and piping hot. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EClP04wXkAAFlU0.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 2:48:04 PM -
Pierogies at iPierogi, $9 . Choice of cheese or meat (we ordered the combo). Well-made. Bland but filling. The bacon/caramelized onion topping makes it. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EClQXhxXsAMCYZn.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 2:50:25 PM -
Tipsy Pecan Tart at Sara’s Tipsy Pies, $7 . Thanksgiving in August! (Why don’t my pecan pies turn out this well?). Pretty and wonderfully rich, with a splendid (and surprisingly gluten-free) shortbread crust. Divine. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EClR0qrXYAEQFpR.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 2:56:47 PM -
Carnitas Taco Cone at San Felipe Tacos, $10 . So very State Fair. Why not deep fry a tortilla and fill it with sharply seasoned, super-tender pork? Easy to carry around, but eating it and retaining any semblance of table manners is a challenge. So what? It’s the #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EClTTeBXUAAscRp.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 3:03:24 PM -
Let’s pause for a moment and thank the publisher of the @StarTribune for underwriting this crazy food fest. (And let’s note that I’m seeing many more vendors accepting credit cards, a welcome change in this cash-only environment). #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EClUhhHXkAAqmYH.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 3:08:36 PM -
Shrimp and Grits Fritters at Funky Grits, $5 . A fab new deep-fried entry. Tons of cheddar and cornmeal flavor (and a delightful lingering spice kick), not so much with the shrimp, tho. Good price, too. A gotta-try newbie. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EClW2ZOXoAI3EUu.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 3:18:45 PM -
Hickory Grilled Texas Red Hot Sausage at Tejas Express, $10 . What’s the Spanish word for “fantastic”? A smoky, feisty, pork-beef bologna-style sausage, resting in a cool, garden-fresh succotash. Damn. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECldLj4WkAAfWaX.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 3:46:25 PM -
Sno-Cap Waffle Sundae at Hamline Church Dining Hall, $6 . A delightfully old-fashioned treat. The waffle - golden, tender - has a lovely malty essence, and the cream cheese ice cream is a simple-pleasures decadence. Maple syrup? It belongs on more sundaes. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EClgq0iWkAAMYly.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 4:01:50 PM -
Dessa’s Night Drive Ice Cream at Hamline Church Dining Hall, $5 .50 and $8 . The ingredients (Coffee-cardamom ice cream from @IzzysIceCream , chocolate-covered espresso flakes, toffee) sounds very kitchen sink. But the combination works, and then some. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EClhTn5X4AIEMDr.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 4:04:26 PM -
Duck Drummies at Giggles’ Campfire Grill, $8 .75. A great idea, well-executed. The outer coating is light and crisp, giving way to dark, succulent (and plentiful) meat. Five wings to an order. Delicious. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EClmrA4WwAA20nl.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 4:28:27 PM -
Grilled Sota Sandwich at Brim, $9 . A PB&J that’s light years beyond Skippy and Smuckers on Wonder Bread. The PB is freshly ground peanuts and almonds, the J is a (MN-raised) blueberry marmalade, warmed in a panini press. And gluten-free, and vegan. Terrific. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECltcI4XUAATFWX.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 4:57:29 PM -
Tailspin at the Hangar, $11 . An unsightly mishmash of flavors (hot dish, it ain’t) most of them leaning toward “sweet.” The kindest word I can muster is “filling.” But the most helpful word I can muster is “skip.” #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EClw05RXYAEUKNR.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 5:12:26 PM -
Wingwalker at the Hangar, $9 . Deep-fried dough with dipping sauces. Wouldn’t you rather have a bag of mini donuts? I would, especially at these prices. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EClxSmdX4AEIAAR.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 5:14:17 PM -
Fresh strawberries with non-dairy whipped topping at Strawberries N’ Creme, $7 and $9 . This would be even better with freshly whipped cream. The good news? It’s vegan. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECl05YIWkAUGk1z.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 5:30:15 PM -
Cheesy Sriracha Funnel Cake Bites At Funnel Cakes, $8 . Picture greasy onion rings, minus the onion. With cheese. An overpriced gutbomb. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECl4yHiW4AIMCdy.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 5:47:10 PM -
Cuban Fusion Fajita in Juanita’s Fajitas, $7 . Ham, roast pork, pickles, mustard and salt. And more salt. And now I am in search of water. #mnstate https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECl7GSIXsAAi2Ds.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 5:57:08 PM -
Halo Cone at Halo Cone and Cloud Roll, $9 . Hilarious, the Hello Kitty of State Fair foods. Cotton candy-flavored soft serve (w/a decided bubble gum taste) on cotton candy. It will singlehandedly create lifetime employment for Minnesota dentists. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECl__6KX4AE-5NM.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 6:18:31 PM -
Boozy Berries & ‘Barb Trifle at the Hideaway Speakeasy, $9 . The Ladies Who Lunch have arrived at the State Fair. Lots of flavors (blueberry, rhubarb) layered in a buttery pound cake. Surprisingly elegant, with a price to match. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECmBxTdXUAUNFL9.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 6:26:25 PM -
Turkish Pizza at Blue Moon Dine-In Theater, $9 . Beef in a cumin-forward tomato sauce with tons of fresh veggies on a puffy, charred wood-fired naan. It’s begging to be filled like a burrito. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECmIHpYXkAAkdkq.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 6:54:02 PM -
Cookie Dough on a Stick and Deep Fried Cookie Dough at Cookie Dough on a Stick, $5 and $7 -$10 . Meh. The deep-fried version (wonton wrappers, semi-molten dough) is an even bigger meh. Ask for underbaked Sweet Martha’s instead. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECmMT_RXsAc5N3f.jpg">https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECmMTe0XUAQl-Bx.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 7:12:24 PM -
Cookie Dough on a Stick and Deep Fried Cookie Dough at Cookie Dough on a Stick, $5 and $7 -$10 . Meh. The deep-fried version (wonton wrappers, semi-molten dough) is an even bigger meh. Ask for underbaked Sweet Martha’s instead. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECmMT_RXsAc5N3f.jpg">https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECmMTe0XUAQl-Bx.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 7:12:24 PM -
Irish Whiskey Boneless Wings at O’Gara’s, $8 . A basket of chicken nuggets that bear a close resemblance to sweet-and-sour chicken served at a strip mall Chinese restaurant. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECmPQZIXoAYEmr6.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 7:25:13 PM -
Carolina Pit-Smoked Brisket Taco at Shanghaied Henri’s, $9 . I’ve still got a dozen-plus stops remaining on this odyssey, but I think I’m fairly safe in proclaiming this the worst new food at the State Fair. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECmX9NrXkAAE-We.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 8:03:27 PM -
Lamb T-Bone Chops at Holy Land, $6 . OK. But they really make me miss the Lamb Shoppe in the Food Building, which sold a better version of this. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECmZlTtX4AAE7iV.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 8:10:31 PM -
Behl Puri at Hot Indian Foods, $10 . Love. Mumbai Street food comes to The Great Minnesota Get-Together, and the puffed rice-onion-potato-peanut combination, laced with tamarind chutney, has all the mouth feels. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECmaO4mXoAAbcYt.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 8:13:21 PM -
Kentikka Hot Chicken Sliders at Hot Indian Foods, $12 . Excellent. Nicely breaded chicken thighs in a fabulously smoky paprika sauce, on sturdy New French Bakery buns. Don’t miss. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECmbA3iX4AYLFeC.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 8:16:34 PM -
Mini Donut Latte at the Anchor Coffee House, $7 . Served hot or cold. If you’re expecting a doughnut-flavored coffee beverage, think again. But the Tom Thumb donut garnish is nice. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECmbnDXWkAAtH1Z.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 8:19:20 PM -
OK, this Birthday Cake Batter malt had better be worth the wait (my Pollyanna-ish outlook is fading with every passing minute) because this line in the Dairy Building is the longest I’ve encountered all day. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECmdOw_X4AUTe_N.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 8:26:17 PM -
OK, after a phone mishap, I’m back. And I’m loving these @AdamTurman figures, new this year. Kudos to the person who commissioned this great Minnesota artist for the Great Minnesota Get-Together. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECm0pLBW4AAjZnz.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 10:08:34 PM -
Tragedy at the Minnesota State Fair. #sweetmarthas #crusheddreams https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECm1wnuWkAAL8MZ.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 10:13:43 PM -
Warm cheesecake tart at Lulu’s Public House, $6 . Hits all the right cheesecake notes (and the strawberry sauce is nicely fragrant) but does anyone really want to eat warm cheesecake at an outdoor festival in August? #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECm33OGXkAAw8i-.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 10:22:50 PM -
The Hot Hen at RC’s BBQ, $8 . Super Bowl Sunday comes to the Great Minnesota Get-Together (why wait for the Vikings?) and it’s all the loaded potato chip goodness that a football fan could ask for. Bring on the beer. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECm4ofwXYAg8u9f.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 10:26:00 PM -
Jamm’in Brisket Grilled Cheese at RC’s BBQ, $10 . A super-charged Cheddar/pepper Jack grilled cheese stuffed with tender brisket and a sweet onion jam. Shareable and pretty great. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECnGK7KXsAA72gv.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 11:25:19 PM -
Th-th-th-that’s all, folks. Thanks for joining me. I’m headed back to the newsoom to sort this thing out. Look for my story online on Friday at startribune.com, and in print in the big Sunday paper. #mnstatefair https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECnGpKyXUAAiN3g.jpg
by Rick Nelson via twitter 8/22/2019 11:27:20 PM