Hi guys! I hope you’re having a good start to your week. I took a few days off work and had a nice long weekend.
On Monday, we visited the state fair and it was quite the experience. In hindsight, we probably should have skipped it all together but I love going every year to try out all the new food and drinks so we made the trip out there.
The temperature was in the 90s with 80% humidity by 9am so it was hot to say the least. It was hard to want to eat like I normally do, so my post for this year doesn’t have a lot on it but I will say that everything I did have was amazing and I highly recommend each item.
FOOD
I only tried two food items, and both involved pickles!
First up were the new dill pickle tater tots from Tot Boss. These were some of the best tater tots I’ve ever had! The dill pickle seasoning was delicious—flavorful without being overpowering—and the tots had that perfect crispy exterior, which is a must for good tater tots.
You can find Tot Boss on the East side of Underwood Street, between Wright and Dan Patch Avenues, just south of Kidway.
The second item wasn’t new this year, but it’s something I’ve been wanting to try for a while—the dill pickle pizza from Rick’s Pizza. I believe this is the third year they’ve offered it, and the lines have always been crazy. But since we got there early and it was hot out, I almost walked right up to get it. The pizza was delicious, with a garlicky white sauce, dill pickle slices, and dill seasoning. I’m also very picky about pizza crust, and this one had an amazing soft, bready texture.
Rick’s Pizza is located on the West side of Cosgrove Street, between Wright and Dan Patch Avenues.
DRINKS
I’m always excited about the fun drinks that pop up exclusively for the state fair! This year I tried three different drinks, two of them being brand new this year.
First was a prickly pear and passionfruit cider made by Wild State. This was such a great drink for the heat and is cool and sweet without being too much. Ciders can be hit or miss for me personally as some can be too overly sweet and leave me feeling like I have gut rot but this was a nice refreshing choice.
Wild State Prickly Pear Passion Fruit Cider can be found at O’Gara’s at The Fair, located at the southwest corner of Dan Patch Avenue & Cosgrove Street.
The next drink was new and easily my favorite – a Blue Hawaiian Slushie made by Lift Bridge. First of all, it’s a fun blue color so it feels like a nostalgic slushie you may have had as a kid, but make it grown-up! This drink was a mix of pineapple and tropical flavors with a hint of coconut. I’m not sure if it was the heat or how dang good this was, but it went down way too quick!
You can get the Blue Hawaiian slushie at LuLu’s Public House located in the West End Market, south of Schilling Amphitheater. Hot tip: if you plan to order any of their slushies, you cannot get them in the regular line. There is a separate malt beverage window on the side of the building.
Last but not least, this one is not new but it’s a good one – S’mores beer brewed by Excelsior Brewing! It is an amber ale with notes of chocolate and marshmallow and they rim the cup with chocolate and crushed graham cracker plus add a marshmallow to the glass. I mean the presentation is 10/10, not to mention the beer is also very tasty!
S’mores beer can be found at Giggles’ Campfire Grill on the Southeast corner of Lee Avenue and Cooper Street.
The state fair is one of my favorite things to do before the summer ends each year and there are always so many new fun food and drink options to explore. There’s 6 more days left of this year’s fair! I would love to hear if you’re going and if so, what do you have your eyes on?
Stay hungry my friends!
