I’m finally back! After transplanting to Minneapolis, and struggling massively for 3 weeks to get our internet up and running, it’s time to very belatedly get excited about all the foods we’re going to eat. Starting next week. Can you even believe it? I can’t.

No more talk, let’s get straight to the list!

My must haves:

Caribbean-Style Lobster Roll from Cafe Caribe 

Lobster is having a HUGE moment at this year’s state fair. I love seeing it offered in so many styles this year. I hope it’s ushering in a new era of sinfully trashed up high-end foods at the fair.

Chocolate Dessert Salami from Sausage Sisters

Chocolate + Nuts = Yes please.

Deep-Fried Breakfast On-a-Stick from The Sandwich Stop

This is just weird enough for me to want to take a bite.

Deep-Fried Buckeyes from Spaghetti Eddie’s 

Deep-Fried chocolate and peanut butter concoction? OH YES!

Deep-Fried Lobster On-a-Stick from Lulu’s Public House

Again, Lobster having a moment in the best way.

Hot Toasted Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches from West End Creamery

This sounds so awesome I can’t event wait.

Iron Range Pierogies from The Blue Barn

Cute little dumplings all fried up? You know it!

North Shore Pasta – Walleye Mac & Cheese from Giggles’ Campfire Grill

I adore everything Giggle’s Campfire Grill puts out, and I am sure this walleye mac and cheese will be no exception!

PB&J French Toast from Robbinsdale OES Dining Hall

Two of my favorite things mushed into one – you know I have to try it.

Pretzel Curds from O’Gara’s at the Fair

I think the pretzel will add a really nice salty crunch to some tasty cheese curds.

 

Maybes:

Bison Dog from Chicago Dogs

Maybe if I’m in the mood for a hot dog. Which isn’t very often.

Chicken in the Waffle from The Blue Barn

I haven’t actually ever had chicken and waffles, and I can’t decide if this would be the time to dive in or not.

Caramel Apple Ice Cream from R&R Ice Cream

I can’t imagine this would be better than the frozen custard at Custard’s Last Stand, but I’d also never turn down a bite of ice cream if someone in the group buys it.

Johnny Pops

As a new vendor and local started, I’m glad they’re a part of the state fair, but I can also find them at my local farmer’s market, so I’ll save room for other things.

Korean BBQ Collar with Kimchi Pickles from Famous Dave’s

Since I’m not a fan of pickles and just meh on Korean BBQ, I’ll probably pass on this one.

Pizza tots from Green Mill

I feel like these are appetizers I could get at any bar.

Prime Rib Tacos from Lulu’s Public House

It’s probably a very good taco, but I like to try things out of the norm at the fair.

Rustic Stuffed Sone from French Meadow Bakery

I tried a variation of their savory scones before, and they just don’t do it for me like the fruit versions do.

Schnitzel Strips from Smoothies and Jurassic Dogs

Meat sticks aren’t really my thing, but I might try one if if was offered.

 

No Way Jose:

Bacon-wrapped turkey leg from Texas Steak Out

Forget for a second that I’m the one person in the world who doesn’t go nuts about bacon. Even if you love it, it’s gotten too cliche to make something “new” by slapping bacon all over it.

Blue Cheese and Corn Fritz from The Blue Barn

I just don’t like blue cheese, otherwise these would probably be delightful.

Beer Gelato from Mancini’s Al Fresco

I don’t like beer, so that does this one in for me.

Breakfast Juice Lulu from Lulu’s Public House

Anything with “sausage patty” in the description usually turns me off.

Chilaquiles from El Sol Mexican Food

Nachos with an over easy egg on top just doesn’t sound that great to me.

Gluten-Free Beer-Battered Brat from Sonny’s

I love that they have this option for those with gluten sensitivity, but since that’s not me, it didn’t make it very far up my list.

Jello Salad Ice Cream from Hamline Church Dining Hall

This is just too weird for me. And I don’t like Jello.

Shrimp Dog from The Shrimp Shack

Fried shrimp goo does not look appetizing at all.

SnoRibbons from Blue Moon Dine-In Theater

I’ve been really disappointed with the frozen offerings from Blue Moon over the past few years and while the texture here could be nice, it just doesn’t hold up to some of the other frozen desserts at the fair.