View 2012 Minnesota State Fair New Foods Map in a larger map
Yesterday The Wife and I loaded up The Rooster and The Baby and headed over to the 2012 Minnesota State Fair for a day of eating the Fair’s new foods, visiting with the animals (we avoided the pig barn due to the threat of spreading swine flu), riding some kiddie rides, and State Fair Bingo (a new card is now available!). We left the house at 8:30 and were wandering the grounds by 9:30 AM. I selected 11 new MN State Fair food items for 2012 and mapped them out (as you see above). We started with breakfast items being that we were there so early in the morning and planned a route which would take us all over the fair without criss crossing too much.
The first stop was Ragin Cajun‘s Breakfast Sliders. Three sliders topped with steak, “Cajun sausage” (kielbasa) and ham which were served with scrambled eggs, a spicy and flavorful garlic mayo topped with cheese and green onion. At only $5 these were an absolute steal. There was enough food there for three average fairgoers to have a quick and easy breakfast and still have plenty of room for everything else on their agenda for the day. While all three meats were quite good compared to your standard $5 item at the Great Minnesota Get Together, the steak was the weakest of all three and compared to its brethren left me wanting more meat flavor. However, as sad as it is to say this, this was the highlight of our entire day and thus it was all downhill from there.
The second stop was French Meadow Bakery to check out their Scone with Sausage Gravy. While I am not at all a Sausage, Biscuits, and Gravy fan, The Wife is. Based on the raving everyone does about French Meadow’s usual array of offerings around town, I expected this to be at least halfway decent. Unfortunately, as The Wife later noted, it was one of the more disappointing items of the day. The dish was a gloppy mess of runny gravy with a heavy and tasteless scone in the center. There was some heat in the dish but we couldn’t tell if it was the tiny bits of sausage or the gravy itself. At $7 this was a bigger ripoff than I expected from the State Fair and I definitely don’t recommend you waste your time on this one.
We made a stop in the animal barns and then headed across the Fairgrounds to hit up both Ole’s Cannoli for their cannoli and Famous Dave’s for their Ragin’ Ankles.
- The Ragin’ Ankles were described as being “slow-smoked” and tender pork shanks which were fried crispy and then tossed in a combination of grilled fresh pineapple, habaneros, BBQ sauce, pineapple juice and cayenne. While the picture on the State Fair’s website shows something along those lines, what was delivered were a handful of tough and chewy pork pieces which came with a very typical Famous Dave’s BBQ sauce. If you’re going to claim you’re using habaneros and fruit, at least have those flavors come out in the sauce. I expected at least a little heat and sweet but got none of that. To top it off, the meat wasn’t slow cooked or tender. I spent most of my time tearing it off the bones while trying to choke down this $6 mess.
Ole’s Cannoli, a favorite of the Pioneer Press‘s Jessica Fleming, were pedestrian and virtually tasteless. At $4 for plain (.50 for pistachio, chocolate chips, or something else I don’t recall) and $5 for dark chocolate dipped, these were a very average Minnesota representation of one of my favorite desserts. While someone who has never had a decent cannoli in their life might believe they’re great, they don’t know what they’re missing. These are a huge pass for me but compared to some of the other items we ate today, they’re far from the bottom of the barrel.
After The Wife took a 30+ minute pump break at the car while The Rooster, The Baby and I hung out in the shade and rehydrated in Heritage Square, we headed back into the thick of it and hit up one of the many Rainbow Ice Cream stands for their Bacon Ice Cream. The two minuscule scoops I got for $6 ($5 for one) were salty, sweet, and carried the distinctive bacon flavor. While the majority of the ice cream was just fine, two of the spoonfuls I had were filled with a decent sized hunk of chewy and fatty bacon which, after sitting in ice cream for so long, had become a congealed mass which reminded me a lot of raw bacon and really put a damper on the entire thing for me. I’d eat this one again if it weren’t priced as if it were 14K gold.
Next up was Duke’s Poutine located next to the All You Can Drink Milk stand. The poutine was a small pile of fries with a VERY peppery gravy and unmelted cheese curds which were rubbery and chewy. While I’ve only had poutine on a handful of occasions prior, I came from the land of gravy and french fries and the soggy and miserable mess which was presented to us for $5 was not the worst thing all day but, as The Wife noted, it was like having soup or chili and wasn’t something that was appropriate for the Minnesota State Fair.
After a trip to Canada, we headed to the International Bazar to try what is likely to be the most visited booth for a new food item this year: Lamb Fries (testicles) at Holy Land Deli. While the photo provided both at the booth and on the Minnesota State Fair’s website look great, what we ended up with was nothing like what was advertised. Still, the lamb testicles were fine. Light but slightly chewy, the curry spice turned the lamb balls yellow and hid the typical organ flavor which usually carries for other animal testicles I’ve tried in the past. The burned onions added nothing to the dish and the “Holy Land Deli Ranch-style Dressing” didn’t do it for me at all. While these weren’t nearly as bad as The Wife made them out to be, spitting out the only bite she took, for $6 I am certain you can find plenty of other excellent things to eat instead.
Next up was the newly relocated Minnesota Wine Country which has a sizable space offering many different Minnesota wines in single glasses, expensive flights, and even slushies. In addition they have an interesting array of food items including pizza, antipasto plates, etc which, while overpriced, bring more refined eating options to the MN State Fair. The $9 antipasto plate included a collection of cheeses, boring bagged crackers, two pieces of sausage, and some marinated/pitted olives. This dish, while the most expensive of the day, provided a nice snack for the entire family and was something I’d definitely eat again.
After a short break to feed The Baby, we headed over to the Food Building to hit up Lamb Shoppe’s Lamb Chop on a Stick and Sausage Sister’s Great Balls of Fire (photo).
- The Great Balls of Fire are described as coming in three different flavors: Indian Curry, Korean BBQ, and Cool Cucumber. I didn’t pick these up but The Wife noted she asked for the most popular option and what came back was apparently their Korean BBQ with cucumber sauce on the side. The Korean BBQ sauce wasn’t like any Korean BBQ I’ve ever had and tasted a lot like a spicy cherry Coke syrup. While definitely pleasant and interesting, leading me to state it was one of the better items of the day, especially at $5.50 for a portion which by that time of day was quite filling for me.
The $8 Lamb Chop on a Stick are grass-fed/organic lamb chops that were freshly grilled due to popularity. They were perfectly cooked, tender, and incredibly flavorful. This was the single best item I had at the Minnesota State Fair in 2012 and, quite possibly, ever. While I originally balked at the price for the two tiny mouthfuls of meat, compared to some of the other $5+ disasters other vendors were putting out, this was a very welcome respite and one I suggest you hit up yourself.
The final item of the day was supposed to be Giggle’s Classic Walleye Roll but due to a miscommunication between The Wife and I, we ended up with Walleye Cakes instead. We’ve had them before and these were fine, nothing special, but based on the quick review provided by Jessica Fleming on Twitter, I’m guessing we dodged yet another expensive bullet by going with the cakes instead.
After our dining was done, The Rooster and I hit some kiddie rides and we made a final stop at the newer Martha’s stand near the Grandstand and we listened to some live music at Famous Dave’s before heading out into the parking lot and into the car by 5:00 PM. Overall we had a very busy day full of some really terrible food for way too much money. As I’ve stated before, the food truck revolution in Minneapolis/St. Paul has really shown people what can be served for relatively little money in a very tiny space. The MN State Fair vendors really need to up their game if they’re going to keep people coming back year after year for these new items which really don’t cut it anymore.
What did you have at the 2012 Minnesota State Fair? Did you try any of the new food items or did you stick to your tried and true favorites? Were there any of the new items on your list which you’re now going to avoid because of what you’ve read here and elsewhere about them? Whatever you have to say about this one go ahead and comment on as I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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August 24th, 2012 at 7:24 am
Thanks for the reviews. In the years where I do go to the fair, I usually am not looking to try specific foods, but since I am going this year, I know of at least a few to avoid.
August 24th, 2012 at 7:55 am
Thanks for the breakfast idea. We usually hit one of the dining halls for breakfast with uninspiring results.
Although it’s too late for your family as a public service announcement there is a guest service area on Dan Patch across from Heritage Square with small private air-conditioned rooms for infant feeding and diaper changes. They also have a bench in reception area for people to sit and catch their breath and cool down as needed.
August 24th, 2012 at 8:37 am
Thanks for trying all these, so we don’t have to :) I almost always stick with the tried and true, but may give one of these new items a go. We’re going right away in the morning, so the breakfast sliders might be a good choice to go along with the mini donuts I always have to get.
Also, thanks to Chris for the note about the feeding rooms – I’ll definitely be using those. Did Rooster nap at all while you were there? What rides did you go on, and did you have to go with him and also pay, or was it free for the adult like at MOA?
August 24th, 2012 at 9:44 am
Those breakfast sliders look really good!!
August 24th, 2012 at 9:49 am
Thanks for taking the hit for the benefit of this blog.
Aside from the Olive Garden set, Fair food is just another way for people to experience regret. Congratulations to the vendors for capitalizing on insane hype and pushing out small quantities of low-grade food at a ridiculous profit margin.
August 24th, 2012 at 10:34 am
Erin,
The Rooster did nap in the stroller (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bill_roehl/7851356420/) for about 1.5 hours, mostly continuously.
We rode rides in the Kid’s Midway: some little tractor ride (which he insisted I join him on even though I couldn’t fit in the tractor) which I did not have to pay to do, the bumper boats (which I explained to him at least 15x beforehand that I could not ride with him on and he was ok with it), an attempt on a jungle animal train which I could not ride on either due to size but which he almost made his way out of the belt and the ride had to be stopped to retrieve him and deliver him back to me, another ride (sorta like the bobsled ride) which I had to pay 8 tickets total for (I think it was 4 each on that day, usually 5 though) and he was fine with it after I asked him at least 20x if he was sure he wanted to do it. We were left with 5 tickets because the other rides he wasn’t interested in hopping on, especially when I told him I couldn’t ride with him.
We visited the horses again, by request, before we headed out and that seemed to really give a rise in post-nap spirits before a session of jamming (dancing on my shoulders) as he listened to the live music at Famous Dave’s while we ate Martha’s cookies.
For being out of the house from 8 AM until 6 PM and only having a whining fit as we pulled into the driveway at 5:58 PM, I think it was a very successful day w/them and certainly was one of the most enjoyable I’ve ever had.
August 24th, 2012 at 10:49 am
One of the benefits of being resistant to trying different food is that I can go with my good old stand-by options and never be disappointed. Dole has some fruit ice cream in a waffle cone for a reasonable price. Any foot long hot dog or corn dog is good enough. And a thing of cheese curds or french fries is all I need and tend to be hard to screw up. no special sauces , and no hamburgers tend to keep my digestive system satisfied.
My wife is more adventurous, thus has spent much more time with painful stomach cramps due to trying something she shouldn’t try thus searching out a bathroom.
And my biggest drama when attending the fair is locating the booths that serve Pepsi products. My wife really won’t drink anything except Diet Pepsi. Diet coke in a pinch, but she’ll walk a long way out of her way for the right stuff.
I really miss machinery up on machinery hill. That was one of the best parts of going to the fair for me when I was a kid.
Wife didn’t feel like trying the FM107 Lactation Station? Also the Care and Assistance building (first aid, missing persons) has some rooms set aside for nursing mothers. Both have places to plug in a pump.
August 24th, 2012 at 10:50 am
I saw that in the morning of the day we’re going (next Friday) Kidway rides are one ticket cheaper too. We’ll see what kind of mood Annie is in that day, if she’s willing to go by herself. I think we will do the big slide (she can go with Ben) and maybe the Ferris Wheel and/or skyride as a family (my mom would probably be willing to stay behind w/ the stroller). Annie would probably love something like bumper boats, I’m guessing, but one never knows with the fickle mind of a toddler.
I don’t think we’ve attempted a stroller nap for Annie for well over 2 years – and I honestly don’t think that Ben or I could hack it at the fair for longer than 4 hours – very impressive that you guys all stayed out all day! Glad you all had fun!
August 24th, 2012 at 10:51 am
Mikeh,
She used that station in 2010. She said it was like being in the cattle barn. Women packed in pumping their breasts in a hot tent that smelled like rotting milk and a dirty/straw covered floor. She said it was much better in the air conditioned car listening to a radio station which she prefers without other people watching her.
August 24th, 2012 at 10:52 am
Erin,
I was surprised he took one too but he asked for a blanket, we put his seat back, and he passed out immediately. She slept almost the entire time anyway. We’re lucky.
August 24th, 2012 at 1:20 pm
And we only left because the husband couldn’t hack it anymore. I think we could have stayed longer. I love the fair and felt like we didn’t see as much of it as normal. Good thing we are going back tomorrow. ;)
August 24th, 2012 at 1:38 pm
You’re such a brat.
August 24th, 2012 at 3:01 pm
You forgot having to listen to the nasaly crowing of Lori & Julia just outside the tent.
August 24th, 2012 at 4:12 pm
My wife and I are huge fans of Ragin Cajun’s Steak on a stick. Now that they have what sounds like a great breakfast item we are going to have to swing through their twice. Anyone know if there is a non State Fair venue for Ragin Cajun (I would love to visit if there is)?
Thanks for the reviews Bill.
August 25th, 2012 at 10:15 am
We went Friday as well, it was hot in the afternoon.
also tried the “ragin ankles” and I was similarly unimpressed. My 4 pieces were tender and easily fell off the bone , but there simply was no flavor of the sauce/marinade, only a hint of heat, and no smoke whatsover. We didnt indulge too much else, but had the cheese curds which were good, washed down with a 4 x 5oz craft beer flight from the Craft Brewers of MN location. This was probably the highlight of the fair for us. you get 20 oz. of beer for $8, they class them into light, hoppy, dark, and a “Belgian” grouping. My dear wife is not so much for dark, hoppy or high alcohol so i did take the light offering, which was Surly Hell, Summit Pilsener, Fulton Blonde ale, and one other I cannot recollect now. the place was hopping(pun intended) and likely will be a hit of the Fair. We visited the wine location, it was only 10;30 and we werent ready for that, but i was not overly impressed with the offerings or the value.
We had a coupon book which the wife purchased (and i detest as usually nothing in it is what you want) and we had a bowl of caramel apples with cinnamon ice cream. at $3.50 with the coupon and nearly 2 apples and a decent dollop of ice cream and plenty of caramel was really a steal. It probably doesnt fit in the deep fried on a stick genre that is favored at the Fair, but it was refreshing at 2pm in 90 degree heat with a table in the shade, this stand is right in front of the Grandstand and we got to hear Alan Jacksons band doing some sound check numbers as well.
I still marvel at the roasted corn booth. No doubt the simplicity of the item and its connection to Midwestern rural values , and its char roasted smell and a $3.00 price tag for the volume received makes it popular . (although at $3 per ear the guy is obviously making a fortune in his 11 days at the Fair, given the briskness of the commerce there.)
I hadn’t been to the Fair in many years, I suspect this will tide me over for a few more. My one recommendation is the Craft Beer location, the beers offered are really quite well chosen and in the case of the hoppy and Belgian offerings $8 for 20 oz is really not overly bad. Also there is a location further North on that street I think the outdoor area of the Food building has a very good selection of craft beers to buy, i didnt check it out but saw the signs and they had many of the breweries offered in the Craft Brew section.
August 25th, 2012 at 10:19 am
Kudos to Bill and others who take young children, I am long removed from that experience but remember it well, and had the opportunity to see many young families yesterday. May you be blessed for your perseverance and courage.
August 25th, 2012 at 3:58 pm
Enjoyed the fair on Friday, although I have to say it was too hot. Best “food” was a tossup betwwen the Belgian craft beer flight and the Union frappe.
August 30th, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Regarding the poutine…..Bill said:
“unmelted cheese curds which were rubbery and chewy.”
I think this is how the curds in poutine are supposed to be….any Canadians to weigh in here?
I know that in Wisconsin, if the curds aren’t rubbery and “squeaky”, they are rejected.
August 30th, 2012 at 12:47 pm
sandy,
In my experience the cheese curds are supposed to be “warmed” and starting to melt but not be completely melted. While there are regional variants in preferred texture I’m sure, coming from the East Coast this was always my experience when eating it in Canada and regions nearby that area.
They are supposed to pour the gravy on right at the last minute over the fries and the cold curds so they stay this way when served but in this instance the curds remained more or less cold.