The weather couldn’t have been more perfect this past weekend in Dallas. So what do you do when it’s absolutely gorgeous outside? You head to the State Fair of Texas of course! This year Chris and I were on a mission to try all the fried and weird things. I’d say that mission was accomplished.
When we arrived, we were greeted by Big Tex himself along with food tent after food tent, home of all the fried things you could think of. Fried jambalaya, fried pizza, fried shrimp boil, fried bubble gum, fried iced tea, fried PB&J, Krispy Kreme Donut burger, along with fair classics like fried Oreos and funnel cake were to be found, just to name a few. If you can think of it, they fry it.
One of the first things that caught my eye was the funnel cake beer. This was last year’s winner and sadly it was sold out and I never got to try it, so you can imagine my excitement when I saw it was back and available this year! After the beer, I built up the courage to try this year’s winners, the smoky bacon margarita. I was hesitant at first, but it didn’t disappoint. Think margarita with a smoky flavor to it. It was actually pretty good!
After drinks, Chris and I headed for the food. We started off with another winner from last year, and one of our favorites, the fried shrimp boil. It’s basically a low country boil with shrimp and potatoes fried into a giant ball. It was delicious! I’m thinking a Louisiana restaurant needs to pick up this recipe as an appetizer. It would be a total hit. Next up was one of this year’s winner, cowboy corn crunch. The best way to describe it would be a ball of cream cheese, corn, bacon, and jalapeno. It had quite the spicy kick to it, but good nonetheless.
The food fest didn’t stop there though. Not pictured are actually some of my all time favorites that were devoured before I could remember to bust out the camera. Located in the Taste of New Orleans tent were the fried crawfish jambalaya balls and seafood gumbo. Out of everything, these two Louisiana inspired dishes were my favorites. The fried shrimp boil is right behind it though! If you only try one thing at the fair, let it be one of these (although I may be biased)! Now I know you’re probably thinking why gumbo? That’s a normal New Orleans classic, but trust me on this. It was some of the best gumbo I’ve had in Dallas and when you’re craving Nola food, it will certainly do the trick!
So what do you think? Do you think we accomplished mission try all the fried and weird things? We may or may not have also had a funnel cake, a sample of cotton candy beer, a tamale, and fried corn nuggets.
Good thing it was the weekend and calories don’t count. Or something like that..
Brittany@TheLadyLawyer says
Yum! I love fairs for this exact reason! I like trying the weird things too
Dara @ The Southern Thing says
Isn't it the best!? I haven't built up the courage for the really weird things yet, like fried bubble gum, but I don't think I'm missing out with that though!
Kate at Green Fashionista says
Everything looks amazing! I've always wanted to go to that fair, and need to get out there for it one of these years 😀
Green Fashionista
Emily says
The bacon margarita sounds interesting!! LOL I've heard so much about this fair. Ours here is not nearly as good.
The Life You Love says
The NC state fair is in a couple weeks, but it isn't quite like the Texas one that I keep reading about. I would totally love to check this one out.
Ashley @ The Wandering Weekenders says
I've only been to the state fair once, but definitely all of the fried things are the best part! The fried cowboy corn crunch sounds absolutely amazing!
Trisha Lozano says
I am counting the days until I reach Texas. I missed eating my deep friend cuban sandwiches this year and I am so sad about that!
Dara @ The Southern Thing says
I haven't tried those yet! There are literally so many choices to choose from it's a bit overwhelming!
Katie Brown says
You're making me hungry! Everything looks amazing!
Small Town Charm says
I love fairs!! The Texas State fair is on my bucket list! Your post makes me want to go more!!
Dara @ The Southern Thing says
It's worth making the trip just for all the crazy food!
Kari Guastella says
I actually miss being about to go to the Texas State Fair! None of our fairs come close to competing with it!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
Dara @ The Southern Thing says
I really don't think any fair can top this one. I've seen a few in other states and they don't come close either!
Cymone Gantt says
Ah! Going to the Fair this weekend! It's my favorite fall activity.
Have to try all of these!
Xoxo. | cymone.
http://theblockishaute.com
Dara @ The Southern Thing says
How exciting!! I should've bought a season pass because I'm already wanting to go back!
Lauren @ Lot Forty Eight says
No would they fry iced tea?