2023 State Fair of Texas By Addison Caddell
One of Texas’ most beloved traditions is opening in a little over a week! Starting September 29, 2023, The State Fair of Texas will open. Running through October 22, 2023, the fair is sure to provide what it has been since 1886.
The fair offers a multitude of attractions, from fun rides and carnival games to the annual dog show, the fair has a ton to offer for family and friends. However, what the fair is world renowned for is the food. Every year, the Big Tex Choice Food Awards are announced to solidify this year’s prime food choices at the fair.
The fair’s website said, “Since 2005, the Big Tex Choice Awards have offered more than a decade of decadence.” The competition allows every concessionaire to fry up their best dish, and the committee selects a drink to pair with every dish.
This year, the winner in the savory category for Best Taste was Deep Fried Pho by Michelle Le. Which is a southern flare on traditional Vietnamese comfort that includes a mouthful of noodles, beef fresh herbs and sprouts, and pho broth that simmers for hours. This winner pairs best with Karbach’s Hopadillo IPA.
In the sweet category, the winner of Best Taste is the Biscoff Delight by Stephen El Gidi. This is a classic spin on New York-style cheesecake coated with Belgian chocolate and crushed Biscoff. This pairs best with a Ziegenbock. Finally, in the sweet category, the Most Creative award goes to the Bourbon Banana Caramel Sopapillas by Cody and Lauren Hays. These are traditional sopapillas with vanilla-caramel-infused bananas topped with bourbon syrup, pecans, mascarpone cheese, Nilla wafers, and powdered sugar and pair best with a Ziegenbock.
Another finalist is the Savory competition are the Deep-Fried Cheesy Crab Tater Bites by Isaac Rousso, Loaded Fries Pizza by Tom Grace, Ox’cellent Soul Rolls by Kerston and Shawn Thorns, and Turkey Ribs by Abel Gonzales.
Other finalists in the Sweet competition are the Fernies Fried Cherry Pie in the Sky by Christi Erpillo and Johnna McKee, Sweet Encanto by Tony and Terry Bednar, and the Trail-Ade by Ruth Hauntz.
The State Fair of Texas is a long-standing Texas tradition with amazing food and entertainment. These concessionaires are the best of the best and are sure to provide the fair with unique flavors and an experience for every visitor.
https://bigtex.com/plan-your-visit/food/big-tex-choice-awards/
Contributed by Addison Caddell
