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Minnesota State Fair

SPAM sushi, and more new foods at the 2016 Minnesota State Fair

by Jay Gabler

June 21, 2016

At The Current, when we talk about "The List," we mean one of two things: (1) the list of special vinyl releases for Record Store Day, or (2) the list of new foods at the Minnesota State Fair. The latter List is here: a complete rundown of all the new delicacies we'll be able to enjoy this year at Minnesota's biggest music festival. The list includes SPAM sushi, SPAM curds, a wild-rice-enhanced corn dog, the return of Bridgeman's La La Palooza sundae, and much more.

Loosen your belt and feast on (the idea of) the delicacies listed below, via a State Fair press release.

Candied Bacon Donut Sliders – Sliced glazed donut holes with thick candied bacon and a chocolate red wine ganache.

At Minnesota Wine Country, located on the west side of Underwood Street between Carnes and Judson avenues

SPAM® Sushi – Grilled SPAM®, sushi rice, fried egg and wasabi rolled in nori (dried seaweed). At Sushi Rolls, located in the Warner Coliseum, north side

Minnesota Corn Dog – Custom ground sausage on-a-stick made with blueberries, apples, wild rice, maple syrup and cayenne dipped in a homemade corn dog batter and deep-fried.

At Gass Station Grill, located on the west side of Cooper Street between Dan Patch and Judson avenues on the outside southeast corner of the Food Building

Carpe Diem – A Taiyaki (fish-shaped) buttermilk miso waffle cone filled with balsamic-roasted strawberry compote and topped with vanilla ice cream, graham cracker crumble and a fresh strawberry.

At The Rabbit Hole, located at the Midtown Global Market booth at the International Bazaar, east wall

(Available Aug. 25-30 only)

Rustic Beef Pastry – Moroccan-spiced, grass-fed beef and baby spinach topped with creamy goat cheese and nestled in a flakey butter crust.

At French Meadow Bakery & Café, located on the north side of Carnes Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets

Macaroni & Cheese Curds – Rich macaroni & cheese blended with fresh cheese curds.

At Oodles of Noodles, located in the Food Building, east wall

Cheesy French Onion Monkey Bread – Savory, pull-apart artisan bread loaf filled with caramelized onions, cheese and beef broth, then baked in a wood-fired oven.

At Blue Moon Dine-In Theater, located on the northeast corner of Carnes Avenue and Chambers Street

Gumbo Frites – A bed of crispy french fries topped with Ragin’s traditional New Orleans gumbo made with andouille sausage, chicken, bell peppers, onions, celery and a rich roux-based sauce, then finished off with cheese and green onions.

At Ragin Cajun, located in The Garden, west wall

Iron Range Meat & Potatoes – A hearty portion of seasoned beef with a layer of cheddar cheese, topped with mashed potatoes, baked, and drizzled with a wild rice gravy.

At Giggles’ Campfire Grill, located on the southeast corner of Lee Avenue and Cooper Street at The North Woods

Italian Taco – A flour tortilla baked with butter and shredded parmesan, filled with Italian sausage and mozzarella, topped with roasted bruschetta, romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, pesto, pizza sauce and parmesan cheese, and then drizzled with a balsamic glaze.

At Green Mill, located on the east side of Cooper Street, between Randall and Wright avenues, at Family Fair at Baldwin Park

Strawberry Donut Delight – A fresh glazed donut sliced in half and filled with strawberries and whipped cream – like a shortcake sandwich!

At The Strawberry Patch, located on the west side of Liggett Street between Carnes and Judson avenues

Sheep Dog – Lamb dog served hot in a bun with garlic sautéed kale, raw fermented sauerkraut, quinoa and honey mustard drizzle. (Gluten-free option without the bun.)

At Lamb Shoppe, located in the Food Building, east wall

Deep Fried Nachos Supreme – Pepper jack cheese cubes coated with a mixture of crushed seasoned tortilla chips and nacho cheese, then deep-fried, covered with taco meat, guacamole, more nacho cheese and sour cream, and served with jalapeños on the side. Also available traditional-style without the supreme toppings.

At Texas Steak Out, located on the west side of Underwood Street between Lee and Randall avenues

Paneer On A Spear – Deep-fried Indian-seasoned paneer cheese coated with a local craft beer batter and served with tomato garlic chutney. (Gluten-free)

At Hot Indian, located at the Midtown Global Market booth at the International Bazaar, east wall

(Available Aug. 31-Sept. 5 only)

Barbecued Shrimp Taco – Sweet, smoky, slightly spicy barbecued shrimp and cool, fresh jicama slaw in a warm flour tortilla. At Tejas Express, located in The Garden, north wall

Candied Bacon BLT – Crispy, thick candied bacon, rancher’s slaw and green tomato spread on a sweet egg bun. At The Blue Barn, located at West End Market, south of the History & Heritage Center

Saucy Shrimp & Slaw – Breaded shrimp tossed in your choice of parmesan garlic, sweet chili or buffalo sauce on a bed of fresh coleslaw.

At Fish & Chips Seafood Shoppe, at two locations: In the Food Building, northwest section, and on the west side of Liggett Street just south of Mighty Midway

Spicy Pork Bowl – A mix of adobo pulled pork, rice, black beans, spinach, charred salsa and fried onion strings. At The Blue Barn, located at West End Market, south of the History & Heritage Center

Cajun Peel-N-Eat Shrimp – A half-pound of shrimp seasoned in a blend of Caribbean spices and served cold with a side of cocktail sauce.

At Café Caribe, located on the south side of Carnes Avenue between Liggett and Nelson streets

Reuben Pickle Dog – A dill pickle spear with sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing wrapped in a slice of corned beef. At Pickle Dog, located on the south side of Carnes Avenue between Liggett and Chambers streets

Burnt Butt Ends – Premium cuts of pork, seasoned with a BBQ rub, then smoked over oak and served with onions and jalapeños.

At RC’s BBQ, located on the north side of West Dan Patch Avenue between Liggett and Chambers streets (former site of Famous Dave’ s)

Deep Fried Grilled Cheese Bites – White cheddar cheese blended with beer batter, cubed and deep-fried for a taste reminiscent of a grilled cheese sandwich. Served with a bloody mary mix marinara.

At O’Gara’s at the Fair, located on the southwest corner of Dan Patch Avenue and Cosgrove Street

Beer Brat Buddies – Oktoberfest beer brat in a German pretzel bun with sauerkraut, chopped onions and a choice of mustards – a serving for two!

At Sausage Sister & Me, located in the Food Building, east wall

SPAM® Curds – Cheese-flavored SPAM® that has been cubed, battered and deep-fried, served with a side of ranch dressing. At SPAM®, located east of Chambers Street, just south of the Grandstand

Bang Bang Fresh Chicken Tenders – Lightly breaded, fresh, never-frozen fried chicken tenderloins served with Bang Bang sweet and tangy chili sauce.

At LuLu’s Public House, located at West End Market, south of Schilling Amphitheater

La La Palooza Sundae – Bridgeman’s giant retro sundae is back! Eight scoops of ice cream (two each of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and butter brittle) covered with caramel, pineapple and strawberry toppings, plus nuts, cherries, sliced banana and whipped cream, all served in Bridgeman’s signature souvenir goblet.

At Bridgeman’s Ice Cream, located on the northeast corner of Judson Avenue and Liggett Street

CRACKER JACK® Caramel Sundae – Soft vanilla ice cream topped with caramel, coated chocolate candies, whipped cream and a drizzle of hot fudge, served atop CRACKER JACK® popcorn in an original CRACKER JACK® box.

At Goertze’s Dairy Kone, located on the east side of Cooper Street next to the Merchandise Mart

Call It Breakfast – A vanilla malt or sundae topped with chunks of bakery-fresh donuts, drizzled with chocolate and latte-flavored syrups, and finished with sprinkles.

At Dairy Goodness Bar – Midwest Dairy Association, located in the Dairy Building, east wall

Chocolate Agate Crunch – Izzy’s® smooth chocolate Caramelia ice cream with chocolate cookie crumbles and edible chocolate rocks inspired by our state gemstone – the Lake Superior Agate, all folded with a salted caramel swirl.

At Hamline Church Dining Hall, located on the north side of Dan Patch Avenue between Underwood and Cooper streets

The Elvis – Homemade banana ice cream infused with creamy peanut butter served in a cup or waffle cone. At R&R Ice Cream, located on the southeast corner of Randall Avenue and Underwood Street

Minnesnowii Shave Ice - New Topping and New Exclusive Flavor – 100% sweetened condensed milk drizzled over your choice of flavored shave ice for a creamy, sweet twist. Exclusive flavor also available at the State Fair: Maple bacon shave ice topped with bacon bits and a maple syrup drizzle.

At Minnesnowii Shave Ice, located at West End Market, south section

Banana Cinnamon & Cream Dipped in Dark Chocolate – Frozen banana, cinnamon and cream dipped in dark chocolate and served on-a-stick.

At JonnyPops, located at West End Market, center section

Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment
This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.