The Iowa State Fair, a cherished summer tradition, is renowned not only for its lively atmosphere and entertainment but also for its vast and tempting array of food and drinks. Each year, vendors strive to outdo themselves, enticing fairgoers with creative and delicious new culinary creations. Let’s delve into the mouthwatering world of the 2024 Iowa State Fair, highlighting the innovative new foods and drinks that have captured the attention (and stomachs) of visitors.
A Taste of Innovation: Unveiling the 2024 Best New Food
The heart of the Iowa State Fair’s culinary excitement lies in its annual “Best New Food” competition. This year, the contest featured an impressive lineup of contenders, each vying for the coveted title and the hearts (and taste buds) of fairgoers.
And the Winner Is… The Bacon Cheeseburger Eggroll
Winn & Sara’s Kitchen emerged victorious, claiming the 2024 People’s Choice Best New Food award with their ingenious creation: the Bacon Cheeseburger Eggroll. This culinary masterpiece takes the familiar flavors of a classic cheeseburger on a delightful adventure inspired by Asian cuisine. Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy, golden-brown eggroll, only to discover a savory filling of juicy beef, smoky bacon, tangy pickles, and melted cheese, all brought together with Winn and Sara’s signature burger sauce. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that has rightfully earned its place as a must-try at the fair.
A Toast to the Finalists: Lobster Corn Dogs and Iowa Sm’Oak’ed Rolls
The Bacon Cheeseburger Eggroll wasn’t the only dish that wowed the judges and the public. Two other culinary contenders earned their spots as finalists in this year’s competition.
Destination Grille tantalized seafood lovers with their innovative Lobster Corn Dog. This gluten-free delight features a whole North American lobster tail dipped in a specially seasoned batter and fried to perfection. A drizzle of lemon aioli, a sprinkle of paprika and herbs, and a final flourish of aged Parmigiano Reggiano cheese elevate this corn dog to gourmet status.
Meanwhile, Whatcha Smokin? BBQ brought smoky, savory goodness to the competition with their Iowa Sm’Oak’ed Roll. This hearty creation features tender smoked pork tenderloin wrapped around a flavorful filling of jasmine rice, jalapeño creamed corn, smoked poblano queso, and their signature Giddy Up Texas taco sauce. A sprinkle of poblano ranch dressing and smoked sesame seeds add the finishing touches.
A Feast of Flavor: Exploring the Semi-Finalists
The race for the Best New Food title was fierce, with a diverse array of semi-finalists adding to the excitement. Each dish brought its own unique twist to classic fair fare.
From the nostalgic sweetness of deep-fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches reimagined with waffle batter to the playful indulgence of sausage-stuffed donuts, the creativity on display was truly impressive. Other standouts included the refreshing Tipsy Peach, a sugar pearl waffle topped with rosé sangria-soaked peaches and lemon-thyme mascarpone, and the decadent Dough-chos, a mountain of waffle cone chips piled high with cookie dough, ice cream, and an assortment of toppings.
Beyond the Competition: A World of New Foods Awaits
The culinary adventure at the Iowa State Fair extends far beyond the “Best New Food” competition. This year’s fairgrounds are teeming with a wide array of new food offerings that are sure to satisfy every craving.
Whether you’re in the mood for savory or sweet, classic fair fare or something more adventurous, the 2024 Iowa State Fair has something for everyone. Be sure to explore the full range of new food options, from deep-fried delights and innovative twists on classic dishes to refreshing drinks and decadent desserts.
A Toast to New Flavors: Quenching Your Thirst at the Fair
No trip to the Iowa State Fair is complete without sampling some of the refreshing and innovative new drinks on offer. This year’s beverage lineup is just as exciting as the food, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to tantalize your taste buds.
For a magical experience, head to Bubbly Bar & Bistro and try their color-changing Abracadabra Butterfly Lemonade. This refreshing beverage, available with or without alcohol, starts as a vibrant blue and transforms into a mesmerizing magenta right before your eyes.
If you’re looking for a taste of adult nostalgia, JR’s SouthPork Ranch has you covered with their Cowgirl Cooler. This delightful concoction blends Barn Town Brewery’s Cotton Candy Gluten Free Sour and Watermelon Gluten Free Sour, creating a refreshing and slightly boozy treat.
A Legacy of Culinary Delights: Celebrating Past Winners
The Iowa State Fair’s commitment to culinary innovation has a rich history. Over the years, the “Best New Food” competition has produced a string of memorable winners that have become synonymous with the fair itself.
From the iconic Shrimp Corn Dog and the always-popular Funnel Cake on a Stick to the more recent Deep-Fried Bacon Brisket Mac-n-Cheese Grilled Cheese, these culinary creations have left a lasting impression on fairgoers and cemented their place in Iowa State Fair history.
A Culinary Adventure Awaits: Embrace the Flavors of the Fair
The Iowa State Fair is a celebration of all things Iowa, and food plays a central role in that celebration. From the classic to the cutting-edge, the vast array of food and drinks on offer reflects the state’s agricultural heritage and its spirit of culinary innovation. So, come hungry, come thirsty, and get ready to embark on a delicious adventure through the heart of the Iowa State Fair.
