Wednesday, August 31, 2011

And the gluteny continues...

I have noticed that this year I've spent more money, and calories, then in previous years. Mostly, that's because I've allowed myself these 12 days to eat freely, knowing I will go back to tracking like a good little Weight Watcher come September 6th. And other than the occasional gut ache, I have had no regrets. So far.

Not one of my proudest parenting moment, but remember, she had two apple freezes yesterday.


Best new discovery at the fair: Ultimate Confections. Thanks to Tracy, I am hooked on this little place at the South East corner of the Grandstand. They have wonderful little treats like chocolate covered marshmallows for, get this, 50 cents each! After consuming your body weight in salt, a tiny treat from here is perfect. 


Speaking of salt, the deep fried pickle slices are a must have. Tracy and I get them every year during our "girls' night" and we relish every bite. We prefer the original version, but you can also get them stuffed with cream cheese or with cajun spice. We both wondered outloud how they get them so crispy. Perfect. 


Kids Meal at Giggles. I mentioned this great deal in my previous post, here is a pic. Millie loves this meal and actually eats about half of it, which as you know is A LOT of food for her. It helps that I keep the cookies hostage until she finishes at least one nugget. 


See, almost as big as her head. 



Monday, August 29, 2011

Noshing at the State Fair

So now that the fair is half over and you have all probably been there and no longer care about my opinions and reviews, I am finally getting around to posting. Sorry about that. I am also sorry that I neglected to take pictures of most of the food I ate. I was just so excited not to be tracking points! Yep, I gave myself the fair off from tracking anything that went into my belly, and I am not even the slightest bit ashamed. Bring it.

The tally so far: zeppoles (with and without cream), walleye cakes, strawberry rhubarb sundae, two frappes, beef quesadillas, chocolate malt, Korean BBQ chicken tacos, raspberry and whipped cream crepe, fudge puppy, key lime pie on a stick, fun chow noodles, bubble tea, deep fried Snickers bar, a Pronto pup, and about half a dozen diet Cokes. Because that's what would tip the scale, Coke.

Walleye Cakes at Giggles. They have a nice kick to them and come with a wonderful, creamy mustard sauce. Giggles also offers a terrific kids meal for $1.50: two smiley face chicken patties, waffle fries and a couple of cookies. Best deal at the fair. Don't miss the condiment bar at the little satellite building. The mushrooms are a lovely side dish with the cakes.


Falafel sandwich from Holy Land in the International Bazaar. This giant serving was a decent deal for $8.00, certainly large enough to share (and save room and dollars for the next treat.) There is a nice array of items on this open face pita sandwich, like hummus, falafel balls, tabouli, and a tangy tzatziki sauce.


Millie chose the gyro on-a-stick, which was basically a slab of gyro meat on a skewer. It was delicious, but she only ate a couple of bites, so sadly, we tossed most of it. It didn't seem wise to bring it home after an entire day spent in the bottom of the stroller. Again, if Holy Land interests you, I recommend splitting the sandwich and the gyro meat. 


Bubble tea! I love bubble tea. At $5, this was a splurge, but well worth it. I chose Mango which was refreshing and filling. It worked beautifully next to the fun chow noodles I got, both from the Pham's Deli at the Midtown Global Market booth in International Bazaar, which changes food vendors a couple of times during the run of the fair.


The noodles were fairly bland, but seemed like a safer choice for lunch after the tragic ending to the first day of the fair, which left me sicker than I had been in years. I loved the subtle hoisin flavor, and the few stir-fried veggies I got with my serving were a nice touch. You can always spice it up with some hot sauce they offer. 


Key lime pie on a stick. This has long been one of my favorites, and it did not disappoint this year. Refreshing and tart, with a thick layer of deep dark chocolate that cracks when you bite into it, revealing the smooth, creamy custard and soft graham cracker crust on the inside . Maybe I should have saved it for Thursday when it's supposed to be over 90 degrees, or maybe I can use that excuse to have another one. 


I used to consume four or five of these suckers at the fair every year. Then for some reason, they fell out of favor with me. After I took the first bite, I could not for the life of me figure out what I had against the Pronto Pup. It was so good, in a primitive, guttural, quintessential State Fair Food way. And yes, it HAS to be a Pronto Pup, not just any corn dog will do. 


Some favorites I forgot to take a photo of because I was just too darned excited about them: the frappes at the Farmer's Union Building are my favorite way to start a 10 hour day at the fair. The coffee counter is run by J&S Bean Factory from St. Paul, and their experience and care shows. There is a quiet, secluded patio in the back where you can put your feet up and read the paper while the craziness that is the fair continues without you for a while. 

Another must have is the strawberry rhubarb sundae at the Dairy Building. They layer dollops of tart and sweet strawberry rhubarb compote with swirls of ultra creamy soft serve vanilla ice cream. Plop down on the grass on the South East side of the building and listen to the screams coming from the haunted house (or "Halloween House" as Millie calls it) next door. 

On tomorrows meal plan there are fried pickles and possibly a chocolate sandwich or two. I'll try and do a better job at keeping you informed and satisfied. Please let me know if you have any questions about the massive list of foods I have already consumed.

Back at it in less than 12 hours!