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: The Amish Doughnut from Peachey’s Baking Company

    Review: The Amish Doughnut from Peachey’s Baking Company

    Fairly Unbalanced is but just the views of one person, who has been to the Fair every year for decades and comes with a deep institutional knowledge, but is just one viewpoint among many. For this review, allow me to compile the views of others:

    I was excited for my first Amish donut. So I ordered one. He said “$4” and I thought “Well, this will be my first and last Amish donut, no one pays $4 for a freaking donut.”

    I had another the next night.

    pholland167

    The beautiful sight of those bakery workers mixing the ingredients, constructing the dough into circles, baking them, and then hanging them only to drench them with glaze deliciousness. I felt the donut, the warmth in my hand. The imperfect circle slightly bent because the donut had so much freaking glaze on it. I took a bite. It was hot enough that it barely burned your mouth, but was so good. So soft. So glaze. I never had a donut like that. I can never eat Dunkin Donuts or Tim Horton’s again.

    godcreatesdinosaurs

    If you go and don’t eat an Amish doughnut… you may as well not of gone.

    Brooke Moore

    No, these aren’t the most overly excited visitors to the Minnesota State Fair, but instead people that have tried Peachey’s Baking Company and their life-changing doughnuts at Bonnaroo, the annual mega-music festival held in southern Tennessee. Peachey’s has become legendary among the Bonnaroo faithful, near the top of the list of the best foods on offer on the festival grounds among a cavalcade of delicious options. We traveled to Bonnaroo for the first time in 2022, and the comparison with the Great Minnesota Get-Together was immediately apparent: Bonnaroo is a wonderland of incredible food options from a varied array of vendors, and we had almost as much fun trying everything as we did seeing our favorite musicians and people-watching. Fair lovers, sound familiar?

    With the knowledge of how revered Peachey’s and their Amish Doughnut is among Roovians, we were ecstatic to see them announced as a new vendor for the 2023 Minnesota State Fair, and it seems as though word of the quality of their doughnut spread fast. By the Fair’s first weekend, blocks-long lines began forming outside their trailer, located near the Eco Exeperience, an impressive showing for a new vendor that reminded us of last year’s craze over the Pickle Pizza.

    Those that wait in line will not be disappointed, as Peachey’s does in fact serve up the best doughnut we have ever tasted. Served fresh and hot, it’s soft beyond compare and the glazed icing is perfection, not too sweet but in perfect compliment to the doughnut itself, with a lovely hint of vanilla. It’s reminiscent of a Krispy Kreme, though superior in our view. We appreciated that the glaze mostly stuck to the doughnut rather than our fingers, though you’ll want to lick any residue off your hands afterward anyway. At $5 per doughnut or three for $12, it’s definitely more expensive than your local bakery, but we think it’s well worth it for a divine doughnut that’s so good it’ll get you telling everyone you know about it too.

    Ratings (0-5):

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

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

  • Daily Schedule Highlights – Saturday, September 2nd, 2023

    Daily Schedule Highlights – Saturday, September 2nd, 2023

    Good luck dodging the crowds on Saturday; today is historically the busiest day of the Fair. Last-minute Fairgoers are looking to get in as much of the Fair as they can pack in. It will feel at times like the entire state decided to go to the Fair today. However, if you can avoid feeling packed in like a tuna, there’s a lot of fun that can be had on a big Saturday at the Fair, so make the most of it, embrace your neighbors, and enjoy the Great Minnesota Get-Together!

    Below is a selection of what we think is most worthy of checking out on Day Ten; for a full daily schedule, visit the Minnesota State Fair official site at mnstatefair.org:

    • 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, and 5:00pm: Animal Inn Junior Showmanship (Pet Pavilions) — Kids aged 8-18 will compete in handling their canine companions around a show ring and through an agility course.
    • 10:30am and 11:45am: Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers (Leinie Lodge Bandshell) — “Accomplished Nashville musicians Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers play a rollicking mix of piratical sing-alongs, rousing historical rave-ups, Afro-Cuban-tinged ballads and bluesy Irish jigs” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “Until We Sail Again”
    • 10:45am, 12:00pm, and 1:15pm: Kickin’ It Irish with O’Shea Irish Dance (International Bazaar) — “Kickin’ It Irish thrills with traditional to contemporary Irish dancing with bodhrán, Irish flute, guitar and fiddle – all with flair, humor and fun. With world-class dancers and an international five-piece band, the live music and championship dancing will have you tapping your toes and flying out of your seat” (Minnesota State Fair).
    • 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!
    • 11:00am, 2:00pm, and 4:00pm: Last Chance Forever Bird Show (DNR Building Garden Stage) — Make your way to the DNR Garden Stage for Last Chance Forever Conservancy’s raptor show, which they have presented at the Fair for decades previously but is returning after a pandemic hiatus. Owls, falcons and hawks swoop over the crowd and the intelligent conservationists dazzle with facts about these majestic creatures.
    • 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm: Minnesota Americana-Roots Music Showcase (Schilling Amphitheater) — “The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA) shares its mission to preserve and promote bluegrass and old-time string-band music in and around the state with the Minnesota Americana-Roots Music Showcase. This year’s program features a variety of bands showing off their traditional acoustic music” (Minnesota State Fair).
    • 1:00pm and 2:30pm: Jennifer Grimm Sings Judy Garland (Leinie Lodge Bandshell) — “Jennifer Grimm Sings Judy Garland is an energetic, uplifting concert celebrating Judy Garland’s music and showmanship with joyful integrity. Grimm’s well-known versatility and ability to bring powerful vocals to the show-stopping numbers and an intimate tenderness to the ballads make Garland’s repertoire a perfect fit for her.” (Minnesota State Fair).
    • 2:00pm: Denim Matriarch (KARE 11 Barn) — “Progressive rock band from the suburbs of Minneapolis” (artist YouTube bio). Listen: “Snake In The Grass”
    • 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.
    • 3:15pm, 4:30pm, and 5:45pm: The Robert Everest Expedition with Yawo Attivor (International Bazaar) — “Minneapolis-based world music ensemble The Robert Everest Expedition draws influences from Latin America and the Mediterranean, mixing musical styles and genres from around the globe. Bandleader, singer and multi-instrumentalist Robert Everest collaborates with well-known musician Yawo Attivor, a native of Togo, West Africa, as they commemorate their 20 years of performing together” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “Via Con Me”
    • 3:45pm and 4:45pm: The Steeles (Leine Lodge Bandshell) — “Since spending their childhood singing together and developing their style and soul, The Steeles have entertained audiences around the globe with their bold, melodic sounds. An integral part of the Minnesota Sound, these powerhouse R&B-gospel-soul superstars uplift and inspire the world with stellar performances one person at a time” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “A Song To Remind You”
    • 4:00pm, 5:00pm, and 6:00pm: Joel Paterson Trio (Schilling Amphitheater) — “Featured in many popular Chicago jazz and blues combos, guitar wizard Joel Paterson brings the best in jazz, blues, Western swing and everything in between. One of the most fluid, stylish pickers on the planet, his versatility is beyond compare, making him one of the busiest guitarists and steel guitarists on the roots music scene today” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “Mr. Sandman”
    • 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 3rd in the Grandstand.
    • 6:30pm: Minnesota State Fair Horse Show Speed Events (Warner Coliseum) — “Watch horse and rider perform numerous skills in speed events, including pole weaving, barrel racing and jumping figure 8” (Minnesota State Fair).
    • 7:00pm: The Hold Steady with special guests Bob Mould Band and Dillinger Four (Grandstand, $27+) — The best band in the world finally performs in the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand, as The Hold Steady perform their unique, lyrical, high-energy indie rock laden with Twin Cities references. Listen: “Sideways Skull”
    • 8:00pm: High & Mighty (International Bazaar) — “Minneapolis-based cover band High & Mighty delivers a unique and high-energy show. With an incredible horn section and seasoned vocalists, they pack the dance floor with funky pop and classic R&B hits” (Minnesota State Fair).
    • 8:00pm: First Avenue Goes To The Fair (Schilling Amphitheater) — “Join us as First Avenue Goes To The Fair for a two-day showcase featuring a variety of local artists from Minnesota’s music scene. Expect great live music, a few surprises and a lot of local love at the Great Minnesota Get-Together this summer” (Minnesota State Fair).
    • 8:30pm: Celebrating Meat Loaf (Leinie Lodge Bandshell) — “Celebrate the legendary Meat Loaf and experience his hit songs performed brilliantly by The Neverland Express and “American Idol” winner Caleb Johnson. Led by music director and guitarist Paul Crook with drummer John Miceli, guitarist Randy Flowers and female lead vocalist Lyssa Lynne, the band stays true to the original recordings while delivering the excitement of a live Meat Loaf show” (Minnesota State Fair).

    Quoted descriptions attributed in parenthesis.

  • Review: MinneCookieDough Pie from Minneapple Pie

    Review: MinneCookieDough Pie from Minneapple Pie

    This is perhaps the ultimate sugar fix on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, on par with the deep-fried candy bars for what will make you need to step back and give your digestive system a rest. There’s no way this is good for you, and while that’s kind of the point, it still is off-putting.

    A hand pie stuffed with chocolate chip cookie dough meets the deep-fryer, topped with a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar, and served alongside your choice of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream (as though the pie wasn’t enough of a treat on its own). By now, if you’ve tried the offerings at Minneapple Pie, you know where you stand on their take on the quintessential dessert; some love the added crunch of the fried pie wedge, others think it’s too greasy and ruins the pie fillings. We’ve liked them previously, but with the added sugar content of the cookie dough, it was overwhelming. Akin to eating a deep-fried bucket of Sweet Martha’s cookies, it was way too sweet and the molten-hot cookie dough didn’t entice us for more bites the way a fruity pie filling would. We found the cinnamon ice cream necessary to actually mellow the sweetness somewhat (even though the ice cream itself has plenty of sugar as well), though the cinnamon flavor didn’t pair particularly well with the chocolate.

    The cookie dough interior of the pie

    At a premium price point of $10, we think this is a miss for all those that can think of better ways to appease their sweet tooth. While we’ve enjoyed Minneapple Pie’s new items in the past, we’re hoping this one gets cast aside for something a little better thought out by next year.

    Ratings (0-5):

    • Taste: 0
    • Appearance: 1
    • Novelty: 3
    • Value: 1

    Overall Score: 5 out of 20 (Fried-Out Flop)

  • Review: BLT Fried Green Tomato Sandwich from Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop

    Review: BLT Fried Green Tomato Sandwich from Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop

    The Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop backs up their namesake by providing some of the Minnesota State Fair’s freshest ingredients to their menu items, sourced from local companies and farmers throughout the state. In 2018, they introduced a wonderful BLT sandwich to their roster, receiving nearly universal acclaim, but it disappeared last year to instead showcase their Pork Schnitzel Sandwich and be reworked into a BLT Mini Hand Pie, which we thought was a mistake. It appears those in charge of the Minnesota Farmers Union Coffee Shop agreed with that assessment, as the BLT sandwich now makes a hasty return, albeit now with the inclusion of a fried green tomato.

    We’ll address the fried green tomato first, as it’s the most “new” component here; two slices of tomato are dipped in a locally-made cornmeal, the same as is found on their pork schnitzel, adding a lovely crunch. The tomato had good acidity, and paired very well with the other elements of the sandwich. The bacon stood out the most, with large meaty strips that were perfectly prepared and smoky in flavor, some of the very best that can be found on the Fairgrounds (or anywhere really). The toasted brioche bun, also locally baked, was soft and fresh, and large enough to admirably hold the entire sandwich together, despite a tall stack of ingredients. We enjoyed the mustard mayo that was slathered on, but we felt it was too lightly applied and couldn’t stand up to the other flavors involved.

    For $15, it’s a premium sandwich at a premium price, as is expected with locally-sourced ingredients of this quality. A vegetarian option that subs a corn relish for the bacon is available as well, giving this sandwich rare versatility. We’re happy to have the BLT back on the menu, and we hope it’s here to stay for good this time.

    Ratings (0-5):

    • Taste: 4
    • Appearance: 4
    • Novelty: 1
    • Value: 4

    Overall Score: 13 out of 20 (Fairly Fresh)

  • Daily Schedule Highlights – Friday, September 1st, 2023

    Daily Schedule Highlights – Friday, September 1st, 2023

    The Fair enters the holiday weekend with a huge schedule of events going on! Today is MPR Day at the Fair, with lots of performances happening at Dan Patch Park near the Grandstand, but there’s lots going on all over the Fairgrounds too.

    Below is a selection of what we think is most worthy of checking out on Day Nine; for a full daily schedule, visit the Minnesota State Fair official site at mnstatefair.org:

    • 10:30am: The Cactus Blossoms (Dan Patch Park) — Part of MPR Day, catch Americana duo The Cactus Blossoms, who have toured nationally, perform live in the shadow of the Grandstand. Listen: “Hey Baby”
    • 10:30am and 11:45am: Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers (Leinie Lodge Bandshell) — “Accomplished Nashville musicians Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers play a rollicking mix of piratical sing-alongs, rousing historical rave-ups, Afro-Cuban-tinged ballads and bluesy Irish jigs” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “Until We Sail Again”
    • 10:45am, 12:00pm, and 1:15pm: Kickin’ It Irish with O’Shea Irish Dance (International Bazaar) — “Kickin’ It Irish thrills with traditional to contemporary Irish dancing with bodhrán, Irish flute, guitar and fiddle – all with flair, humor and fun. With world-class dancers and an international five-piece band, the live music and championship dancing will have you tapping your toes and flying out of your seat” (Minnesota State Fair).
    • 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!
    • 11:00am, 2:00pm, and 4:00pm: Last Chance Forever Bird Show (DNR Building Garden Stage) — Make your way to the DNR Garden Stage for Last Chance Forever Conservancy’s raptor show, which they have presented at the Fair for decades previously but is returning after a pandemic hiatus. Owls, falcons and hawks swoop over the crowd and the intelligent conservationists dazzle with facts about these majestic creatures.
    • 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm: Minnesota Americana-Roots Music Showcase (Schilling Amphitheater) — “The Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (MBOTMA) shares its mission to preserve and promote bluegrass and old-time string-band music in and around the state with the Minnesota Americana-Roots Music Showcase. This year’s program features a variety of bands showing off their traditional acoustic music” (Minnesota State Fair).
    • 1:00pm and 2:30pm: Jennifer Grimm Sings Judy Garland (Leinie Lodge Bandshell) — “Jennifer Grimm Sings Judy Garland is an energetic, uplifting concert celebrating Judy Garland’s music and showmanship with joyful integrity. Grimm’s well-known versatility and ability to bring powerful vocals to the show-stopping numbers and an intimate tenderness to the ballads make Garland’s repertoire a perfect fit for her.” (Minnesota State Fair).
    • 2:00pm: Elour (KARE 11 Barn) — “Emotions erupt in ELOUR’s punk-edged femme rock, resulting in catharsis and empowerment” (artist Spotify bio). Listen: “Ha”
    • 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.
    • 2:45pm: Kiss The Tiger (Dan Patch Park) — “Minneapolis band Kiss the Tiger commands the stage with contagious high energy and transcendent, heart-forward rock ‘n’ roll. Strong songwriting with catchy hooks, thought-provoking lyrics and an enigmatic vocalist make for an intense live experience” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “Grown Ass Woman”
    • 3:15pm, 4:30pm, and 5:45pm: The Robert Everest Expedition with Yawo Attivor (International Bazaar) — “Minneapolis-based world music ensemble The Robert Everest Expedition draws influences from Latin America and the Mediterranean, mixing musical styles and genres from around the globe. Bandleader, singer and multi-instrumentalist Robert Everest collaborates with well-known musician Yawo Attivor, a native of Togo, West Africa, as they commemorate their 20 years of performing together” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “Via Con Me”
    • 3:45pm and 4:45pm: The Steeles (Leine Lodge Bandshell) — “Since spending their childhood singing together and developing their style and soul, The Steeles have entertained audiences around the globe with their bold, melodic sounds. An integral part of the Minnesota Sound, these powerhouse R&B-gospel-soul superstars uplift and inspire the world with stellar performances one person at a time” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “A Song To Remind You”
    • 4:00pm, 5:00pm, and 6:00pm: Joel Paterson Trio (Schilling Amphitheater) — “Featured in many popular Chicago jazz and blues combos, guitar wizard Joel Paterson brings the best in jazz, blues, Western swing and everything in between. One of the most fluid, stylish pickers on the planet, his versatility is beyond compare, making him one of the busiest guitarists and steel guitarists on the roots music scene today” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “Mr. Sandman”
    • 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 3rd in the Grandstand.
    • 7:00pm: Jonas Brothers with special guest Lawrence (Grandstand, $77+) — The multi-platinum brotherly boy band brings their chart-topping pop hits to the Grandstand. Listen: “Sucker”
    • 8:00pm: High & Mighty (International Bazaar) — “Minneapolis-based cover band High & Mighty delivers a unique and high-energy show. With an incredible horn section and seasoned vocalists, they pack the dance floor with funky pop and classic R&B hits” (Minnesota State Fair).
    • 8:00pm: First Avenue Goes To The Fair (Schilling Amphitheater) — “Join us as First Avenue Goes To The Fair for a two-day showcase featuring a variety of local artists from Minnesota’s music scene. Expect great live music, a few surprises and a lot of local love at the Great Minnesota Get-Together this summer” (Minnesota State Fair).
    • 8:30pm: Celebrating Meat Loaf (Leinie Lodge Bandshell) — “Celebrate the legendary Meat Loaf and experience his hit songs performed brilliantly by The Neverland Express and “American Idol” winner Caleb Johnson. Led by music director and guitarist Paul Crook with drummer John Miceli, guitarist Randy Flowers and female lead vocalist Lyssa Lynne, the band stays true to the original recordings while delivering the excitement of a live Meat Loaf show” (Minnesota State Fair).

    Quoted descriptions attributed in parenthesis.