We are officially 2 weeks out from the start of the Kansas State Fair! There are a few food trailers parked out there already. Of course, they are empty of food products, but they might be full of paper products and other etc. I was out there a few days ago, and there were a few people getting their booths cleaned and prepped. It won't be long now!
Today's post will focus on the foods of the fair. Of course you know that a state fair is a mecca of all things fried and unhealthy. However, I was asked if there is anything healthy at the fair. If you're going to be at the fair and want to eat healthy...pack a lunch. Just kidding. I did some research and here's what I have come up with: Bordering on the healthy side (depending on what you consider healthy) there are numerous places that sell burgers and hot dogs. Also, there is a building called "Russ & Annie's" across from the Old Mill that is a sit-down restaurant that sells some pretty good home cooking. In the Pride of Kansas building café, they sell really good bierocks and hot beef sandwiches. It's always a spot I visit every year when I'm not ready for any greasy food. There are a couple of red food trailers (I can't recall the name) that sell BBQ parfaits, that is a cup of goodness. It's layers of mashed potatoes, pulled pork, BBQ sauce, with pork & beans at the bottom of the cup. It's actually one of my favorites! Also on the healthy side, a few booths sell big turkey drumsticks. There's some good meaty protein right there! In the food court (Cottonwood Court), they sell chicken & noodles, fish, and Chinese. They also sell pulled pork sandwiches. Hope this gives you a few good options. Anymore, I don't eat as much at the fair. Partly because of my diabetes, partly because of cost, and partly because I can make at home almost anything that the fair sells. In fact, a couple of years ago, I hosted a "Fair Food Day" at my house as a fundraiser for my mission trips. I carry a few protein bars with me when I go to the fair so that if I get hungry or my levels get low, I can eat one of those. In the past several years, I've eaten almost everything there at the fair, so if someone asks me for my ideas on a certain food item, I simply relay what I recall about it. If it's an item I have never had, I'll indulge so that I can give you my thoughts. I always give the food items a grade based on quality of food, service, and value. There are a few things that are always my go-to every year, though: As I mentioned before, the bierock and the BBQ parfait. I always get a Pronto Pup, too. It's just not a trip to the fair without a Pronto Pup! My dad and I always get BBQ sandwiches in the food court from Porky's. Good stuff! My mom and I like to get Chinese, and she likes to get a roasted ear of corn. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you're planning on a fried food item this year. If you get a chance, try to get a look at their grease vat. If the oil is pretty dark, chances are that the grease hasn't been changed recently, and it will affect the taste of your food. If it's a tan color or light-to-medium brown, you'll probably be OK. Some vendors don't change their grease as often as they should. I won't mention them here, as I won't blast them in this forum. I have actually walked away from a booth that I have been craving because of too-dark oil.
Is there a food item that you are curious about? Any favorites or suggestions? I'd like this to be an interactive blog post, so please feel free to share your ideas with me. I am going to cut this post a little shorter than usual. My folks are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary today with a big party, and I am helping with that. Feel free to share this post, like it up, and comment! Let me know you're seeing and reading this! Thanks for reading, and God bless!
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