The 2024 State Fair of Texas Food Fight: A Taste Test Showdown
As the State Fair of Texas kicks off its 2024 season, food enthusiasts are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting culinary showdown. This year, the fair features a lineup of new foods that have already garnered attention, but not all of them are hitting the mark. In a spirited taste test conducted by a team of journalists from The Dallas Morning News, the results have sparked a lively debate about the winners of the Big Tex Choice Awards.
The Taste Test Methodology
On Opening Day of the State Fair, nine journalists from The Dallas Morning News gathered to sample all ten finalists for the prestigious Big Tex Choice Awards. Each item was rated on a scale from 0 to 5, allowing the team to determine which dishes truly deserve the accolades. The goal was simple: to help fairgoers navigate the extensive food offerings without breaking the bank. After all, trying all ten items could set you back a whopping $154!
The Top Contenders
#1: Hot Chick-in-Pancake Poppers — $15
Leading the pack is the Hot Chick-in-Pancake Poppers, a creation by Dallas restaurateur Palmer Fortune. This dish combines Nashville hot chicken with pimento cheese, rolled into a ball, dipped in pancake batter, and deep-fried to perfection. Topped with a drizzle of Sriracha honey, it’s a flavor explosion that tasters couldn’t get enough of. With a score of 4.6 out of 5, it’s a must-try for spice lovers.
#2: Drowning Taquitos — $20
Next up are the Drowning Taquitos, crafted by concessionaires Tony and Terry Bednar. These deep-fried corn tortillas stuffed with chicken are served in a cup of sauce, maintaining their crispiness even after a stroll through the fair. The addition of spicy tomatillo salsa elevates the dish, earning it a solid score of 4.2 out of 5.
#3: Rousso’s Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick — $16
A sweet and savory delight, Rousso’s Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick is a standout item that combines the best of both worlds. This 12-inch slab of bacon, coated in cotton candy, has been praised for its perfect balance of flavors, scoring 4 out of 5. It’s a fun treat that embodies the spirit of the fair.
#4: Nevins Nutty Bar-Laska — $11
For those with a sweet tooth, the Nevins Nutty Bar-Laska is an ice cream bar that’s anything but ordinary. Coated in chocolate and nuts, this dessert is topped with toasted marshmallow, Oreos, and strawberry sauce. Its creamy texture and delightful flavors earned it a score of 3.5 out of 5, making it a favorite among tasters.
#5: Hippie Chips — $12
Hippie Chips are a creative twist on loaded nachos, featuring wavy potato chips topped with ranch or blue cheese, bacon, green onions, and Sriracha. While delicious, some tasters felt it lacked originality, resulting in a score of 3.2 out of 5.
The Mixed Reviews
#6: Texas Fried Burnt End Bombs — $22
These deep-fried balls of potatoes, brisket, and cheese had a mixed reception. While some enjoyed the potato-heavy dish, others felt it didn’t deliver on the barbecue promise, leading to a score of 3.1 out of 5.
#7: Tropical Two-Step Punch — $14 or $24
As the only drink among the finalists, the Tropical Two-Step Punch offers a refreshing blend of fruit juices and cut-up fruit. While enjoyable, it didn’t quite stand out in the fried-food frenzy, earning a score of 2.8 out of 5.
#8: Strawberry Pop-Tarts Beignetffle — $12
This dish attempts to combine beignets and Pop-Tarts but struggles with its identity. While some tasters found it enjoyable, the execution left much to be desired, resulting in a score of 2.2 out of 5.
#9: Dominican Fritura Dog — $16
The Dominican Fritura Dog, which features a unique blend of cheese and Dominican salami, left tasters puzzled. While creative, it didn’t quite deliver on flavor, earning a score of 2.16 out of 5.
#10: Texas Sugar Rush Pickles — $20
Crowned “most creative,” the Texas Sugar Rush Pickles consist of a cup of dry cereal topped with ice cream, cotton candy, and a pickle slice. Unfortunately, the execution fell flat, leading to a disappointing score of 1.3 out of 5.
The Taste Test Team
The panel of judges included a diverse group of food writers and journalists, each bringing their unique perspectives to the tasting experience. Their insights and rankings provide a valuable guide for fairgoers looking to make the most of their culinary adventure at the State Fair of Texas.
For those eager to hear more about the taste test and the team’s experiences, an extended version of the discussion will be available on the Eat Drink D-FW podcast next week.
As the fair unfolds, it’s clear that the food scene is as vibrant and diverse as ever, with plenty of options to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re a fan of spicy fried treats or sweet desserts, the 2024 State Fair of Texas promises to be a delicious experience.