2016: While the Rabbit Hole is around (through 8/30/16), get a Carpe Diem. Its bright strawberry-balsamic compote, novel cone, and sweet ice cream comprise one of the top tastes we've had at the fair. Read more.
2016: A must-try: the Bang Bang Fresh Chicken Tenders. These humble tenders are truly one of the wonders of the world – fried chicken served at a massive event that is moist, tender, and delicious. Read more.
2016: For a refreshing treat, grab an MN Blueberry Aronia Coffee Cake Ice Cream Bar. Somehow it combines fresh-from-the-garden blueberry flavor with the down-home, church basement charm of Cool Whip. Read more.
2016: We're huge fans of the Cheesy French Onion Monkey Bread: It’s creative. It’s comforting. It’s clever. And it’s illustrative of the point that careful execution is everything. Read more.
2016: The Strawberry Donut Delight was just that: a delight. A Krispy Kreme-esque donut, topped with macerated strawberries and whipped cream, it maintained a pleasantly sweet-tart balance. Read more.
2016: We recommend the Purple Pancake Dippers, a pancake batter-and-bacon combo. The dippers' mix of sweet, savory, and salty is as sophisticated as anything you’ll find on the food lists. Read more.
2016: Get the Blueberry Basil Lemonade: it's herby, earthy, refreshing and sweet without being overly sugary. It’s our pick for (non-alcoholic) drink of the Fair. Read more.
2016: Save your pennies and bring your friends, then grab the La La Palooza, a 8-scoop, many-topping-ed sundae in a huge plastic goblet. Want to tout your decadence? Grab a free commemorative button. Read more.
2016: The Barbecued Shrimp Taco's impeccably cooked, cayenne-sauced shrimp carried the dish: they were zippy, juicy, and flavorful, and they easily beat out the tacos we've had elsewhere at the fair. Read more.
2016: Basically a reuben sandwich minus bread, the Reuben Pickle Dog won our tasters over with its variety of textures and flavors. It's also not deep-fried or drenched in sugar, which is refreshing. Read more.
2016: Head to the Lamb Shoppe for a Sheep Dog. Smothered in things like kale and quinoa, the dog was tender without being pasty, earthy without being aggressively gamey, and pretty darn good. Read more.
2016: Head to Sausage Sister & Me for the Beer Brat Buddies: This firm, snappy, bratwurst served with sauerkraut, chopped onions, and mustard isn’t anything fancy – but we’re fine with that. Read more.
