Culinary Delights Reign Supreme at the Iowa State Fair

The Iowa State Fair has long been a mecca for food enthusiasts, and this year's competition for the best new dishes promises to be a tantalizing affair. With 11 vendors vying for the coveted title, fairgoers can expect a delightful array of sweet and savory creations that will tantalize their taste buds.

Indulge in the Finest Flavors at the Iowa State Fair

A Showcase of Culinary Innovation

The competition for the best new foods at the Iowa State Fair has always been a highly anticipated event, and this year is no exception. The fair's organizers have narrowed down the list of 84 new dishes to just 11 finalists, each offering a unique and tantalizing creation. From the cinnamon crunch apple taco to the deep-fried Uncrustable PB&J, the fairgoers are in for a true gastronomic adventure.The panel of judges, composed of television and radio personalities, newspaper reporters, and fair board members, have meticulously sampled each of the 11 new dishes, showcasing their expertise and discerning palates. With Iowa Nice Guy Scott Siepker hosting the event, the competition has taken on an even more engaging and entertaining atmosphere.

Savory Delights and Sweet Surprises

The finalists in the competition have truly outdone themselves, offering a diverse array of culinary creations that cater to every taste bud. The cinnamon crunch apple taco, with its cinnamon sugar taco shell, vanilla ice cream, and apple filling, promises a decadent treat for those with a sweet tooth. On the savory side, the deep-fried Uncrustable PB&J, with its honey coating and choice of strawberry or grape jam, is sure to delight the senses.For those seeking a unique twist on a classic, the funnel cake burger from Jada's Concessions is a must-try. Swapping out the traditional bun for a funnel cake, this dish is then topped with a savory queso for a truly indulgent experience. The Piggy in a Donut, a sausage dipped in corn dog batter and coated in cinnamon sugar, offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory.

Innovative Twists on Familiar Favorites

The competition has also seen some innovative takes on classic dishes. The Dough-chos from Dough Crazy, the cookie dough food truck, features a cookie dough sundae with a unique combination of cookie dough, vanilla ice cream, cheesecake and brownie cubes, and whipped cream. The Party Balls from JR's SouthPork Ranch take the classic chips and dip concept to a new level, combining A&E Party Dip with a coating of potato chips for a portable and flavorful experience.The Tipsy Peach from the Bubbly Bar & Bistro in the Grandfather's Barn area is a true standout, featuring a pearl waffle topped with peaches soaked in sangria and a dollop of mascarpone cheese whipped with cream, thyme, and lemon. This dish, created in collaboration with "MasterChef" winner Grant Gillon, showcases the fair's commitment to elevating the culinary experience.

The Top Three Contenders

The competition has been fierce, but three finalists have emerged as the top contenders for the title of Best New Food. The bacon cheeseburger egg roll from Winn & Sara's Kitchen, the Iowa Sm'Oak'ed Roll from Whatcha Smokin' BBQ, and the lobster corn dog from Destination Grille have all captured the attention and taste buds of the judges.The bacon cheeseburger egg roll takes the classic burger and encases it in an egg roll, adding a little kick to the dish. The Iowa Sm'Oak'ed Roll from Whatcha Smokin' BBQ features a pork tenderloin layered with jalapeño cream corn and house-made Texas taco sauce, smoked to perfection. Finally, the lobster corn dog from Destination Grille is a unique twist on the fair favorite, featuring a six-ounce North Atlantic lobster tail that is breaded, fried, and coated with chives, fresh Parmesan, and paprika.

A Culinary Extravaganza Awaits

The Iowa State Fair is renowned for its exceptional food offerings, and this year's competition for the best new dishes is sure to be a highlight for food enthusiasts. With 200 food locations and a host of new vendors, including Travelin' Tom's Coffee, Kona Ice, and Destination Grille, fairgoers can expect a culinary extravaganza that will tantalize their taste buds and leave them craving more.As the fairgoers cast their votes for their favorite new dishes, the anticipation builds for the announcement of the winner. Whether it's the sweet and savory creations or the innovative twists on classic favorites, the Iowa State Fair's culinary showcase promises to be a true celebration of the state's rich food culture and the creativity of its vendors.