Just a Taste!

The Taste of the Fair was shadowed with the threat of rain, so we were all armed with umbrellas and raincoats. Of course, then, it did not rain!

I convinced my fellow state fair junkie friend Gayle to join us this year and despite having to leave a little early to get to Moose Lake before dark, I think she had a great time!

Stella joined us for the first time too and Randy made his second taste event.

Rumor had it, the taste had sold over 1400 tickets this year and with anticipated large crowds, the event space was expanded to street side and the outer patio of Shanghai Henry's at the Bazaar.  The list of food vendors seemed equivalent to last year, but there were some new, very pleasant surprises!

We had an awesome table, tucked into a quiet space on the back side of the Bazaar. Away from the music and auction noise (but could still hear it all, just fine!)  it was nice to know we had shelter in case it did rain.

I wanted Gayle to taste as much as she could before she had to scoot, so we grabbed a cone of cookies right off the bat, knowing there were always more where those came from. And quickly discovered that the Tipsy Pies were here!!

The new Tipsy pie for this year is a Boozy blueberry lemon.  I found my new breakfast! Love this lady, her story, her family and her pies!!

We grabbed some hot sausage with sweet mustard and some burnt butt from the "new" RC BBQ (formerly Famous Daves). The sausage was good, but the burnt ends were to die for.  I would pay for those at the fair.  

Our table was right next to Mancini's and they offered up the cannoli and porkers pig wings like last year.  Those pig wings are still delicious, and I'm not a cannoli girl, but it got good reviews. 

Just a stones throw away was Dino's with a traditional and chicken Gyro again this year.  Always good, but I do prefer my Dimitri's during the fair.

I got Randy the best corn dog on the grounds...a Poncho Dog! (found outside the DNR). Randy said this was the finest Poncho dog he ever ate.  I did explain that since he usually comes to the fair only on Labor Day, the fryers and grease in which his corn dog were prepared had not been seasoned for twelve days... This was one hour old grease....

We were also next to the lemonade stand (found next to Carousel Park near the Giant Slide).  It was a hot, steamy night and the lemonade hit the spot.  

Giggles was there with his new (?) food truck, serving up walleye fries.  

I still have trouble with battered and fried, so I brought them back to share with the table, and the vote was two thumbs up! 

Lulu's Public House (AKA Axel's) offered up "Bang Bang Chicken Tenders". They were good, simple chicken tender fried with a sriracha, chili mayo.  I liked the sweet hot combo, but I'll spend my money on the chicken and bull bites, which they promised would still be offered.  

Stella's favorite, for a cool down, sweet treat, was the frozen grapes from Bayou Bob's...the fried gator people, next door to corn.   Hmmm, corn and grapes.  A couple more "healthy" options at the fair. 

 There was no corn offered at the taste this year.  I think they had too much trouble transporting their product last year and keeping up with demand.  Better to not be in attendance and stand in your reputation, than tarnish it at an event like this.

One new food option this year is straight from the Tot Boss himself!  I picked up an order of loaded tots, planning to share them with Randy, but by the time I waited in the next line to try the new Italian Taco, there were no tots remaining.....I had to go back and wait in line again.   It was a long line, but they were moving fast and oh so worth it! 

The Tot Boss booth is to be located near the Midway Men's club.  (Where you can find a nice cold beer to go with your tots!) 

I mentioned the new "Italian Taco" created by the good people at Green Mill.  

We all discussed what we thought it might be like, doughy, pizza type crust, with pizza like fillings, but it was not!   It was a crispy outer shell with delicious filling.  It was a combo of tomatoes, mozzarella & Parmesan cheese, Italian sausage, pesto, lettuce, and Caesar dressing and balsamic glaze.  Oh my yes!

Everybody loved it!  Even my daughter who does not like lots of tomato or certain green stuff.  

There was a bacon burger dog offered by the Gass Station and West Indies soul had jerk chicken dummies...but we did not wait in the line.

BigDog all beef footlong hot dogs were there and Kathleen enjoys those ones as they are gluten free too!  Randy says he prefers the bits and pieces found the average Poncho dog.  All beef is wasted on my bologna loving guy.

There were more Midway games this year and Carol Jo won a dog playing at the wiffle softball cup toss and at the basketball game, Randy scored a Cow ( for me ❤️) and an emoji pillow for Stella.  

Later in the evening, once Michael "Uncle Muncle" and Kathleen joined us, Kathleen & Michael were the big basketball winners!  Three U of MN basketballs and another laugh til you cry emoji pillow.

Nice form!  Don't put the beer down, whatever you do!

I decided (far too late) that a glass of wine would taste great, only to find they had run out!  A Leinie Honey Weiss would have to suffice.  

There were lots of silent auction items and I tried to win one for an anniversary gift for Mom & Dad (celebrating 54 years on the first day of the fair!)   I kept getting outbid and I realized that since there was only one item In the basket that they really wanted, I'd just seek it out and get it during the fair!  

Visit these guys at Juanitas Fajitas!

So many friends and fun tonight!

Cynthia & David, fair going die hards too! 

See these lovely ladies at "i like you". An awesome local Minnesota made goods shop at the West End Market! 

These guys we were ready for us as we left the fair.

We had the opportunity to ride the Sky Ride tonight, but enclosed in a small, warm space with no way of escape on a round trip was ~not~ my idea of fun.   

As we were walking out, the Poncho Dog guy was trying to get rid of the last dogs.... I wrapped one up for Randy who left a bit earlier.  

Leaving the fair, digesting the whole way home with the smell of a warm poncho dog wafting, covering up what remains of my "new car smell" (I think the new car smell might just vanish completely after Labor Day...)  I realized just how excited I was for next week!  

Thanks Mom & Dad for a wonderful night!

See you at the fair!