Fairly Unbalanced

Minnesota State Fair food reviews, news and more

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I am a lifelong Minnesota State Fair enthusiast from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I’ve attended over 30 years of the Great Minnesota Get-Together, trying nearly every food on offer and wearing down numerous pairs of shoes. I draw on my years of Fair experience to guide you through the hits and misses of my favorite event of the year.
  • Review: Lemonade Float from Quench’d

    Review: Lemonade Float from Quench’d

    Last year’s biggest surprise new food favorite was the diminutive but powerful Lemonade Sorbet from Quench’d, a simplistic stand near the Grandstand offering lemonade, bottled water, and absolutely nothing else. Their sorbet rated tied for our favorite new item at last year’s Fair, and received perhaps an even higher honor: we returned for a second one later on in the Fair, already anxious to enjoy it again just days after the first taste. When we saw they had expanded their menu to add a Lemonade Float new for 2024, we knew we’d be quick to make a return trip to give it a try.

    Unfortunately, the float lost the plot of what made the sorbet perfect, eschewing the simplicity and understatedness that made last year’s offering a success. Individually, the sorbet is light and perfectly citrusy, but when haphazardly added to a plastic cup half-filled with lemonade nothing is gained and the delight of the sorbet is muted. Thankfully, it remains refreshing as always, perfect for the sweltering hot days of the Fair ahead, a method of expanding the sorbet experience from a few fleeting bites to something more substantial, but at an inflated price point of $8 that lessens the value proposition. A ruby-red sugar coated rim and lone cherry proves Quench’d hasn’t lost sight of the details that make their items stand out, although both added little more than a fun novelty.

    Ratings (0-5):

    • Taste: 4
    • Appearance: 4
    • Novelty: 3
    • Value: 3

    Overall Score: 14 out of 20 (Fairly Fresh)

  • Review: Fiesta Duo from Sara’s Tipsy Pies

    Review: Fiesta Duo from Sara’s Tipsy Pies

    Did you know: the Minnesota State Fair’s Official New Foods list each year does not include every new food on the Fairgrounds, only some of the highlights new on offer. This leads to some hidden gems that go largely unnoticed, such as this year’s new Fiesta Duo savory pies from Sara’s Tipsy Pies, the fun and inventive stand in the Food Building. One is the Mexican Picadillo, a blend of hamburger, pork, potatoes, tomatoes, chilies, and queso; the other, the Fire Roasted Street Corn, consisting of a roasted corn filling, onions, cheese, cilantro, and spices. Both are topped with a sour cream drizzle and chili flakes, adding some serious kick beyond their contents; curiously absent from the ingredients is any inclusion of beer or liquor, unlike the other “Tipsy” pies on offer where sweet and savory pies are cooked with stouts, whiskey, and other alcoholic beverages infused within.

    Both pies, served together for just $12, were exemplary, filled to the brim with ingredients and bursting with flavor. The Mexican Picadillo was the standout of the two, with the locally-sourced hamburger and pork standing out in numerous meaty hunks, adding a heft that tips these pies toward being an entrée-sized portion that delights. This is not to diminish the merits of the Street Corn half of the duo, which overflows with sweet, fresh corn kernels that interplay well with each element. For Minnesotan palates, typically adverse to spice, these pies are both bold and upfront with spice upon spice, the chili flakes relenting only for the chilies within to take over. Our one complaint was minor, as these were difficult to eat on the go, with only a flimsy plastic fork to segment out bites and the crema on top and the jam-packed filling making it difficult to pick up and eat as a hand pie. With that aside, this was our favorite item eaten on the day, and comfortably our new favorite menu item among the options at Sara’s Tipsy Pies, and a new food that shouldn’t be overlooked.

    Ratings (0-5):

    • Taste: 5
    • Appearance: 4
    • Novelty: 2
    • Value: 5

    Overall Score: 16 out of 20 (Blue Ribbon Best)

  • Review: Dill Pickle Tots from Tot Boss

    Review: Dill Pickle Tots from Tot Boss

    Last year’s new foods had a cavalcade of pickle–related items, laundering from the runaway success of 2022’s Pickle Pizza, that year’s clear-cut most popular new food item. There’s way fewer briny bits and bobs among 2024’s new foods, but pickles remain an ever-popular ingredient and a flavor profile that has a devoted fan base. With so many pickle foods throughout the Fairgrounds, a vendor’s offering must be something truly special to stand out; unfortunately, these pedestrian Dill Pickle Tots rank among the Fair’s very worst.

    First and foremost, it’s important to mention that these are pickle-related in name only, as no actual pickled vegetables are contained within, merely dill seasoning. The description on the new foods list makes this clear, but those ordering off of the menu board may be deceived, especially given that other offerings from their stand include some hefty and complex toppings, such as their Blue Ribbon Bargain Book special Loaded Tots which come adorned with bacon, cheese sauce, and sour cream. Compared to the rest of the menu, these tots are timid and tame taters; while the dill was sprinkled on liberally, these were boring in both appearance and in taste. Worse yet, some tots had far too much dill as it was applied very unevenly, and nearly all were overly salty. For a vendor called Tot Boss, one would expect truly exemplary tots as the basis, but these were over-fried and unappealing and served lukewarm, more bust than boss. At $8 for a regular-size boat, with larger options available, these compare favorably in price to other Fair appetizers, but were so forgettable as to negate any sense of value.

    Ratings (0-5):

    • Taste: 1
    • Appearance: 1
    • Novelty: 1
    • Value: 0

    Overall Score: 3 out of 20 (Fried-Out Flop)

  • Daily Schedule Highlights – Friday, August 23rd, 2024

    Daily Schedule Highlights – Friday, August 23rd, 2024

    The Minnesota State Fair is officially underway, and after a strong start to Day One, it’s time to shift our focus to Day Two and what’s on tap for the Fair’s first Friday! Friday, August 23rd is Governor’s Fire Prevention Day, which frankly is one of the worst theme days of the Fair, but don’t let that detract you from what should be another gorgeous and fun-filled day at the Fair! Below is a selection of what we think is most worthy of checking out on Day Two; for a full daily schedule, visit the Minnesota State Fair official site at mnstatefair.org:

    • 9:00am-9:00pm: African Violet Society (Agriculture-Horticulture Building) — The flower shows in two of the exhibition halls inside the Agriculture-Horticulture Building rotate classes of flowers every two days of the Fair. The first two days of the Fair feature a floral fan favorite, the African Violet. Come see the stunning creations of Minnesotan horticulturalists arranging these flowers in accordance with judging criteria and check out who took home the coveted Blue Ribbons!
    • 10:30am and 11:45am: Church of Cash (Leinie Lodge Bandshell) — The music of Johnny Cash will come alive as this talented tribute band faithfully performs the Man in Black’s biggest hits. Listen: “Walk The Line”
    • 10:45am, 12:00pm, and 1:15pm: Alma Andina (International Bazaar) — “[Combining] traditional South American instruments with Latin rhythms and danceable styles, such as cumbia, salsa, folk, guajira, Latin rock and reggae… these musicians have been sharing Latin American music and the rich cultural heritage of the Andes with Twin Cities audiences for more than a decade” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: Performance at International Festival of Burnsville
    • 11:00am: TPT Almanac Live Taping (MPR Booth) — Watch a live taping of Minnesota’s longest-running public affairs show, Almanac. State Fair episodes typically lean more heavily on fun segments and less on the political news the show is known for.
    • 11:00am, 2:00pm, and 4:30pm: All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash (The North Woods Stage) — Watch all the fun tricks and athletic feats these various breeds of trained dogs can achieve in this showcase of canines!
    • 12:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:30pm, and 7:00pm: Timberworks Lumberjack Show (The North Woods Stage) — Take in all the excitement of this highly-competitive lumberjack competition, including events like the obstacle pole, speed climb, and the wet and wild logroll. Pick your side and cheer your team on to victory!
    • 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm: Clare Doyle (Schilling Amphitheater) — “A compelling blend of soulful country and rootsy rock to create a mesmerizing live show that brings audiences along for the ride” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “High Again”
    • 1:00pm and 2:30pm: Tommy Prine (Leinie Lodge Bandshell) — “Endeavoring to create distinct and independent music from his father [(John Prine)], his songs are strong and introspective with a roots-rock edge that builds on established tradition while breaking free from the past” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “Letter To My Brother”
    • 2:00pm: Minnesota State Fair Parade — The daily parade, with a route that runs from the Dairy Building north past the Leinie Lodge Bandshell and Baldwin Stage to the Eco Experience and then back south, features marching bands from across the state and vibrant floats.
    • 2:00pm: Ahem (KARE 11 Barn) — Minneapolis three-piece powerpop group. Listen: “Waterlogged”
    • 2:30pm: Agrilympics Celebrity Milking Contest (Moo Booth at the Cattle Barn) — Local celebrities compete to find out who can hand milk the most from their cow in a bizarre but fun competition.
    • 3:15pm, 4:30pm, and 5:45pm: New Primitives (International Bazaar) — “New Primitives showcases a mixture of percussion-forward funk, rock, reggae and world music” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “California”
    • 3:45pm and 4:45pm: The Men of Motown (Leinie Lodge Bandshell) — Presenting “the music of Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, The Four Tops and The Temptations… the iconic songs in this dynamic and soulful show transport audiences back in time to the creation of Motown’s danceable arrangements and choreography” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: Drifters medley
    • 4:00pm, 5:00pm, and 6:00pm: Mick Sterling and Cate Fierro (Schilling Amphitheater) — “Their stellar vocals and magnetic personalities shine as they present a variety of songs from the vast repertoire of the American songbook” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “Madman Across The Water”
    • 6:00pm: MSF Amateur Talent Contest (Leinie Lodge Bandshell) — Watch as contestants in various age divisions compete for the opportunity to advance to the Talent Contest Finals, held Sunday, September 1st in the Grandstand.
    • 7:00pm: Chance The Rapper (Grandstand, $48+) — “Hailed as ‘a generational voice’ by GQ and ‘an outstanding role model’ by President Barack Obama, multi-Grammy award winner Chance the Rapper has built a multi-faceted career, redefining what it means to be an independent artist.” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “Together”
    • 8:00pm: The 70’s Magic Sunshine Band (International Bazaar) — “An ultimate blast from the past, The 70’s Magic Sunshine Band brings audiences back to the era of 8-tracks, polyester and bell bottoms with the greatest hits from 1970s AM radio” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “Long Train Running”
    • 8:00pm: Tina Schlieske & Friends (Schilling Amphitheater) — “Drawing creative energy from a wide spectrum of rock, soul, jazz and Americana, as well as singer-songwriters, Tina Schlieske has spent years honing her skills, writing songs and playing everywhere she could find a stage and cultivating a dedicated following” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “One For My Baby”
    • 8:30pm: Phil Vassar (Leinie Lodge Bandshell) — “Since his songwriting career blossomed in the mid-‘90s, American country music artist Phil Vassar has accumulated a catalog of signature songs with 10 No. 1 singles and 27 Top 40 hits” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “Carlene”

    Photo credit: Minnesota State Fair. Quoted descriptions attributed in parenthesis.

  • Review: Cinnamon Sugar Cheese Curds from Miller’s Flavored Cheese Curds

    Review: Cinnamon Sugar Cheese Curds from Miller’s Flavored Cheese Curds

    By our estimation, cheese curds are the second most mentioned food when you ask any Minnesotan to name their favorite State Fair foods, behind only the ubiquitous Sweet Martha’s Cookies. Whereas the Mouth Trap once had the market cornered for cheese curds at the Fair, recent years have seen other vendors expand the Fair’s options for the deep-fried appetizer (our personal favorite: the gluten-free curds from Auntie M’s, with a lighter batter that allows the cheese to shine and doesn’t leave your stomach regretting your dietary choices, even for those without gluten sensitivities). For a more novel approach, Miller’s has been serving up flavored cheese curds, with varieties like garlic, jalapeño, and ranch, in case you need some artificial seasonings to really tank the healthiness to a new low. Generally speaking, when we’ve tried these we’ve not been a fan, finding the flavorings a distraction from the cheese and having been disappointed by a lesser quality of cheese contained within, and given this prior experience we were unenthused to try the bizarre-sounding new cinnamon sugar variety.

    Our preconceived notions were thankfully incorrect, as we finally came across a flavored variety of cheese curds we can get behind. The initial comparison is to a blend of mini-donut and cheese curds, a Fair pairing that many people have done back to back but rarely together. After tasting a few more, the blend of sweet and salty, sugary and cheesy, led to a favorable comparison to Chicago Mix popcorn, the popular combination of caramel and cheddar kernels. In this way, we found this to be an ingenious advancement in curd technology, although we wish Miller’s hadn’t poured the cinnamon sugar mix on quite so thick. We certainly wouldn’t always seek these out ahead of the classic curds, especially at $9 for a small boat, but it was a fun surprise in a “two great tastes that taste great together” kind of way that is perfect for those seeking something new yet familiar.

    Ratings (0-5):

    • Taste: 4
    • Appearance: 3
    • Novelty: 5
    • Value: 2

    Overall Score: 14 out of 20 (Fairly Fresh)