#French Fry Gobblins | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

danalberard · 7 years

Text

7 Unique Foods for a Feast at the Fair

It’s safe to say that the Erie County Fair is one of the most highly anticipated summer events here in Buffalo, New York! From the midway to the animals and food stands, the Fair is a slice of pure Americana. I met with Fair team members Marty and Becca to chat about the origins of the Fair and how it’s still going strong 197 years later – before chowing down on some fried deliciousness, of course.

The Niagara County Horticultural Society (now known as the Agricultural Society) was formed in 1819 and kicked off the very first Fair just a year later in 1820. Unfortunately, due to the poor economy the Fair ended after 1821, but was brought back to life in 1841. Since then, the Fair has continued its annual appearance with the exception of 1943, when it was put on hiatus due to the events of World War II. The Fair moved from Buffalo, Aurora, Lancaster, Orchard Park, West Seneca, and Springville before claiming it’s permanent home in Hamburg. When it first began in Hamburg, the fair covered a tiny 12 acres. As the years went by, the Fairgrounds grew to cover 275 acres. In addition to the size, the duration of the Fair has grown significantly, too – now celebrated over 12 sunny August days.

Even the fair food history is interesting! Did you know that the hamburger was invented here? Wediner’s BBQ claims (and I don’t argue) that they were the inventors of the burger, bringing it to the fair with Menches Brothers Restaurant of Ohio. Legend states that the original 1885 hamburger recipe uses brown sugar and coffee to boost the flavor. Fun facts about the burger along with other Fair facts and artifacts are displayed in the Heritage and History Center at the Fairgrounds.

This year, in addition to classic favorites and some new dishes to try, the Erie County Fair is has opened a culinary center where the mall once was. The culinary center will be hosting 60 cooking classes plus celebrity chef appearances and local vendors, like Lisa Lund from Babcia’s Pierogi. Now, let’s get down to the Fair food favorites. Just look for the fork in the road (literally) and sample these 7 unique Fair treats:

1. Stuffed Hot Pepper Mac & Cheese from Mineo & Sapio Taking a timeless classic and adding some flair, Mineo & Sapio kicked up their gooey mac & cheese with chunks of their juicy sausage and spicy homegrown banana peppers. Their elbow macaroni blended with parmesan, romano, and gouda sauce was good on its own, but adding spice to the dish has made it even better.

2. A Fried Gummy Bear from The Gobblin Gourmet I’ve seen this at the Fair before, but always walked right by. This year I finally tried it and, I have to say, I was really pleasantly surprised. It’s appropriately tiny, and really hits the spot if you’re just looking for a bite of something sweet. Gobblin dips the oversized gummy bear into the sweet batter, deep fries it and serves it on a stick with powdered sugar. It tastes just like a cherry fruit pie which is dangerously delicious. I highly recommend giving it a try.

3. Crawfish from “The Ole” Seafood Shack Even though crawfish might not be your every day Fair food, this Southern snack is packed full of cajun flavor. All you have to do is pinch and twist the tails to pull the meat out. The crawfish look and taste similar to shrimp or lobster, but mostly take on the flavor of the seasoning. They’re also a really a nice break from all of the fried goodies at the Fair.

4. Deep Fried Yancey’s Fancy Buffalo Wing Cheese from The Big Cheese Yancey’s Fancy Buffalo Wing Cheese is a staple in this city. The Big Cheese had the brilliant idea to take this local favorite, smother it in cornmeal, deep fry it, and serve it on a stick with a side of blue cheese dressing. Literally, cheese on cheese. It’s magical! Buffalo wing anything is always a local favorite. Think of a savory corn muffin topped with tons of spicy, melty cheese. You need this in your life.

5. Famous Deer Burger Deluxe from Big G’s Concession Big G’s tops the lean deer patty with mac & cheese, more cheese, coleslaw, bacon, and barbecue sauce and served the monstrous burger with a side of fresh cut french fries. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds!

6. Balsamic Bruschetta on Rustic Flatbread from Salvatore’s Pizza We don’t always think to get something healthy at the Fair, but having healthy options really helps when you’re walking around all day in 80° weather. Sometimes you just crave something light and fresh. Sal’s rustic flatbread is made with olive oil, plenty of chopped homegrown tomatoes, a dash of fresh basil, garlic, and just a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, all mixed together and spread on a homemade flatbread drizzled with a balsamic. It’s really the perfect take on a light pizza.

7. Crab Stuffed Mushroom Pierogi from Babcia’s Pierogi I can safely say this might be the best pierogi I’ve ever had. This vegetable stuffed mushroom pierogi is topped with a generous amount of tender crab meat and covered in their special sauce that tasted just like a creamy seafood bisque. I couldn’t get enough of this dish! Although this is the pierogi being highlighted this year, they also have their Buffalo Trio with a Buffalo wing pierogi, a beef on weck pierogi and a stuffed hot pepper pierogi.

The post 7 Unique Foods for a Feast at the Fair appeared first on Visit Buffalo Niagara.

from Blog – Visit Buffalo Niagara http://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/7-unique-foods-for-a-feast-at-the-fair/

0 notes