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: Mini Donut Paleta from Hamline Church Dining Hall

    Review: Mini Donut Paleta from Hamline Church Dining Hall

    The La Michoacana Rose stand at the front of the historic Hamline Church Dining Hall near the Minnesota State Fair’s Main Gate doesn’t just have one new variety of paleta for 2023, but rather a duo of distinctly delectable delights. Joining the controversial Dill Pickle Lemonade is the more widely accepted Mini Donut offering. Like its cousin, this is a quick and refreshing sweet treat to grab and go on the Fairgrounds, tantalizingly priced at just $6. Unlike its cousin, this ice pop is sweet and creamy rather than tart, and thankfully has no vegetables submerged inside its frozen core.

    The attention-grabbing feature here is the solitary mini donut floating inside, which thankfully avoided both staleness and becoming mushy, remaining fresh despite the freezing process and no guarantees about how recently it was fried up. While obviously lacking the warmth of a bag of mini donuts, it otherwise approximates the experience well, with a blast of cinnamon and sugar taste. This is joined by noticeable amounts of cinnamon elsewhere in the ice cream-based popsicle, meaning the fun wasn’t done after the donut itself was. Perhaps most impressively, it remained frozen throughout and didn’t melt, relenting to bites easily but staying intact, making it easy to snack on while we walked the grounds.

    All this combined for a fully enjoyable experience that delights in all the ways a great Fair food should. Fair foods are notorious for sticking around for just a year or two, but we hope this one has some sticking-power on-a-stick!

    Ratings (0-5):

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

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

  • Review: Galabao from Union Hmong Kitchen

    Review: Galabao from Union Hmong Kitchen

    We love the new trend of seeing popular Minnesota restaurants gaining outposts at the Minnesota State Fair as vendor spots open up year over year, especially when those vendors innovate away from their traditional restaurant menu to offer up something unique but still in their wheelhouse at the Fair. Last year saw Union Hmong Kitchen debut within the International Bazaar, and they were immediately met with some of the Fair’s longest lines to give it a try; whether these were people that were already a fan of their food or trying it for the first time after gaining Fair exposure, either way their stand was busy essentially non-stop.

    While last year’s offerings mostly matched the restaurant menu, this year they’ve added the brand new Galabao, a traditional Hmong-style steamed bun, filled with ground pork and egg. The bun is massive, filling the entire serving boat and floating like a big white puffy cloud, visually stunning and Pillsbury Doughboy-soft when you give it a poke. The sticky bun was slightly sweet, but we were disappointed with how it affixed itself to the wax paper underneath, becoming difficult to separate and leaving concerns about accidentally eating the paper as they matched in hue so closely. This meant we quickly realized we would need to find a bench to try to dig into this item, making it nearly impossible to eat on the go. As tasty as the bun was, we were desperate to find the sausage filling and had to dig deep to find any, a small dollop that represented about a third of the serving portion; even within that small portion, the egg was even less plentiful. When we did come across sausage, we loved its flavor and it added greatly to the experience. The lemongrass scallion sauce was too oily and fibrous, leaving stringy bits in our teeth, although we found it necessary for the bites that were bun-only to add additional flavor.

    While we mostly enjoyed the Galabao, we think it has some critical flaws in its execution, and that affects its overall value at a $12 price point. Those looking to try something new and unique to the Fair and don’t mind a few inconveniences to get it will enjoy this dish, but others may want to skip this one, particularly if the line to order remains lengthy. We’d love to see this added to the Union Hmong Kitchen restaurant menu, where we think it could be perfected over time and would make for an incredible lunch item we’d return to often.

    Ratings (0-5):

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

    Overall Score: 11 out of 20 (Fairly Fresh)

  • Review: Cheese Curd Stuffed Pizza Pretzel from Green Mill

    Review: Cheese Curd Stuffed Pizza Pretzel from Green Mill

    The Minnesota State Fair in so many ways is an ode to decadence and absurdity, a place where nothing strictly needs to make sense and opulence is rewarded. Foods that most people would never consider eating outside of the Fairgrounds fences become fair game during the hours we spend there for twelve days in late summer. In so many ways, going bigger at the Fair is better, and Green Mill has presented diners with a monstrous pretzel that, if calorie counts were available at the Fair, would have to be reaching the upper limits of what is considered even remotely reasonable.

    The concept is rather simple, even if the finished product is not: a large pretzel is knotted out of pizza dough, stuffed with cheese curds and pepperoni, topped by herbs, spices, and parmesan cheese. The pretzel we were served nearly filled an entire paper plate, and was so soft in most places that it easily tore apart into bite-sized pieces. We did encounter a few sections that were tougher than others as the baking was inconsistent, but these were minor inconveniences and didn’t detract much. The cheese and pepperoni inside were intertwined with each other and were present throughout all sections of the pretzel, although the cheese melted down beyond where it could be recognized as curds, lacking the squeak and texture a cheese curd is famous for. The parmesan cheese and oregano were piled on thick atop the pretzel, but adhered to each piece nicely, balancing out the flavors into an entirely pizza-like experience. The accompanying pizza sauce was pretty standard fare, nothing to write home about but also not necessary for enjoying the pretzel should you take issue with it.

    Given the size and quality of what was served, this pretzel feels like a steal of a deal at just $9. This might account for the lengthy line we experienced when we tried to order it, with seemingly everyone ahead of us ordering the pretzel as well. With their booth located alongside the Family Stage, this is sure to be a popular item among kids and adults alike for years to come, a bonafide hit from Green Mill.

    Ratings (0-5):

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

    Overall Score: 15 out of 20 (Fairly Fresh)

  • Daily Schedule Highlights – Thursday, August 31st, 2023

    Daily Schedule Highlights – Thursday, August 31st, 2023

    One last mid-week day to enjoy traditionally smaller crowds at the Fair, and then it’s on to the home stretch for the big holiday weekend. Thursday is Seniors Day at the Fair, but there are also discounts on Midway and Kidway rides to thrill Fairgoers of all ages.

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

    • 10:30am and 11:45am: Minor Mischief A Cappella (Leinie Lodge Bandshell) — “With its roots in vocal jazz, Twin Cities-based Minor Mischief A Cappella loves to sing a wide range of genres, including pop, country, soul, R&B and opera. This vibrant, fresh-faced quintet presents a highly energetic show with a fun relaxed stage presence and a vast variety of dazzling arrangements” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “The Weather”
    • 10:45am, 12:00pm, and 1:15pm: Dirty Shorts Brass Band (International Bazaar) — “A New Orleans-style brass band, playing a unique blend of jazz, blues, Dixie, swing and gospel music. Honoring the style and tradition of New Orleans brass bands past and present, this Twin Cities-based group captures audiences with high-energy performances.” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “Gloryland”
    • 11:00am: Rooster Crowing Contest Finals (Sheep & Poultry Barn) — Owners will do everything they can to elicit a crow out of their rooster partner, including dancing, silly faces and more, in what should be a highly entertaining spectacle.
    • 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: Minnesota Opera (MPR Booth) — Come hear a special performance by members of the Minnesota Opera as they perform selections that preview their upcoming season.
    • 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm: Country Roads: Dennis Curley Sings the Music of John Denver (Schilling Amphitheater) — “Headlined by Dennis Curley with a fantastic six-piece band, this tribute to John Denver delights fans of all ages. The songs are interspersed with personal recollections of growing up with this music, as well as sentimental and funny stories, and are sure to bring a smile to your face” (Minnesota State Fair).
    • 12:20pm: Agrilympics: Celebrity Butter Carving Contest (Moo Booth) — Local celebrities have 20 minutes to turn their block of butter into the most artistic creation they can manage in the latest edition of this annual competition.
    • 1:00pm and 2:30pm: Jonny Lyons & The Pride (Leinie Lodge Bandshell) — “A mix of original material and classic hits, the shows are full of electrifying energy from ‘50s and ‘60s sock hops and the soulful sounds of ‘60s and ‘70s R&B and Motown” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “King Creole”
    • 2:00pm: Bloodline (KARE 11 Barn) — “A band composed of three young, unique, confident, and expressive American-Brazilian siblings… who have a clear artistic vision: to create music they wish was out in the world. Fusing each of their perspectives, tastes, and American-Brazilian heritage, they create a rich, multi-layered, and distinctive sound like no other” (artist YouTube bio). Listen: “you + i”
    • 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: Intoxicats (International Bazaar) — “Hailing from Hawaii and Minnesota, spy band Intoxicats combines tiki, exotica and surf with a new wave, alt-rock twist. With amazing horns, guitar, vocals, drums and bass, they play the music of Blondie, The B-52s, The Cars, Prince and more” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “Hammer In My Heart”
    • 3:45pm and 4:45pm: Shaun Johnson + The Big Band Experience (Leine Lodge Bandshell) — “A rare newcomer to traditional pop, Shaun Johnson + The Big Band Experience fuse a big band spirit with an inventive edge. This Emmy Award-winning crooner and band of accomplished musicians center their sound on innovation to create a unique experience for each performance” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “All Because of You”
    • 4:00pm, 5:00pm, and 6:00pm: The Holy Rocka Rollaz (Schilling Amphitheater) — “High-energy Minneapolis trio The Holy Rocka Rollaz brings the classic sound of early American rock ‘n’ roll. Using vintage instruments and having spent years studying the styles of all the early rock legends, this band knows how to deliver the spirit and sound of one of America’s most treasured eras” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “Always”
    • 5:00pm: LAAMAR (MPR Booth) — “[LAAMAR] blends his idiomatic inspirations bridging folk, soul, R&B and country, into a collection of songs with a constant ear towards issues of racial and social justice, and the shared human experience” (Spotify artist bio). Listen: “Home To My Baby”
    • 5:00pm: Llama-Alpaca Obstacle Course (Compeer Arena) — Watch the action while handlers lead notoriously stubborn llamas and alpacas through a complicated obstacle course in one of the Fair’s marquee events. Yes, seriously.
    • 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: Duran Duran with special guests Bastille and Nile Rodgers & Chic (Grandstand, $77+) — “Duran Duran are icons of British music, continuing to perform to huge concert audiences around the world since the band first formed in 1980… Consistently fusing art, technology, fashion and a signature sense of style with their unique and infectious music, [they] have proven themselves timeless, always innovating and reinventing to remain ahead of the curve” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “Hungry like the Wolf”
    • 8:00pm: The Cedar Cultural Center presents The Global Get-Together (International Bazaar) — “The Cedar Cultural Center promotes intercultural appreciation and understanding though global music and dance. Come explore the vibrancy and diversity of the Twin Cities’ art scene as the center presents… [a] Minneapolis AfroBeats Dance Party” (Minnesota State Fair).
    • 8:00pm: Gully Boys (Schilling Amphitheater) — A Minneapolis grunge quartet that evokes comparisons to Garbage and Hole and commands your attention with their powerful yet melodic sound. Listen: “See You See”
    • 8:30pm: Nikki Lane (Leinie Lodge Bandshell) — “Mixing the honky-tonk atmosphere of vintage country with the clever bite of indie rock, her music is tough, witty and bold, inhabiting Nashville archetypes while upending them at the same time” (Minnesota State Fair). Listen: “Denim & Diamonds”

    Quoted descriptions attributed in parenthesis.

  • Review: Cheers for Cherries Malt from Dairy Goodness

    Review: Cheers for Cherries Malt from Dairy Goodness

    On a website filled with controversial opinions, here’s one that should hopefully be easy to get behind: democracy is a good thing. The latest example proving the power of democracy comes with a straw and a spoon, in the form of this year’s winner of the 10th annual Dairy Goodness Flavor of the Fair vote, where Fairgoers vote each spring to determine which of three choices gets added to this year’s roster of malts and sundaes on offer in the Dairy Building. Beating out Oreo- and churro-based options, 2023’s winner is a delightful cherry and dark chocolate mixture that impressed (even though it was our personal least favorite during polling).

    First impressions are dominated by the tart, whole cherries arranged at the top of the malt, large and numerous in quantity. Next, eaters will notice the dark chocolate, clearly distinct from chocolate offerings available in other malts from their booth, that combined with the cherries in a way that reminded us of a cherry cordial, but with bonus ice cream. Not a bad thing at all! Unfortunately, much of the dark chocolate sank to the bottom of the cup, leaving the final bites mostly without ice cream and entirely devoid of cherries, where the chocolate on its own was too strong to be palatable; we tossed out the last quarter or so of our malt once we were detecting chocolate only. Perhaps the chocolate would have stayed in place better if the ice cream used was not so thin and soupy, lacking any malt consistency; this seemed to be a new phenomenon for Dairy Goodness’ malts, which previously had been too thick to slurp through a straw.

    After a bump in price from last year going from $8 to $9, which itself followed a bump up from $6, there are more affordable ways to get an ice cream fix at the Fair, novelty be damned. Especially when a significant portion of the malt gets discarded, while we enjoyed it we feel only the biggest cherry fans should seek this one out.

    Ratings (0-5):

    • Taste: 3
    • Appearance: 1
    • Novelty: 2
    • Value: 0

    Overall Score: 6 out of 20 (Better Luck Next Year)