Since the invention of the Fletcher's Corny Dog, fairgoers have often ranked food as one of the top reasons for attending the annual State Fair of Texas. In 2005, Fair organizers - determined to take the association with food to a new level - organized the first annual Big Tex Choice Awards contest. Considered a friendly food fight among Fair concessionaires, vendors compete each year for the Best Taste and Most Creative new food title. The contest is not open to the general public and only concessionaires leasing space from the State Fair of Texas are eligible to enter. Three judges will select this year's winners on Monday, September 2.
Finalists named in the Ninth Annual Big Tex Choice Awards at the 2013 State Fair of Texas® are:
Deep Fried Cuban Roll – A filling of slow cooked pork shoulder, chopped ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and secret sauce is spread onto a slice of Swiss cheese, rolled up in pastry dough, and deep fried. Roll is served with a side of majo sauce for dipping. Created by Issac Rousso, Amazing Ad Specialties, Inc.
Awesome Deep Fried Nutella® – Cream cheese and Nutella® are whipped and spread over flaky Phyllo dough sheets, rolled up, and deep fried. Served with a drizzle of honey and shaved almonds. Created by Abel Gonzales, Vandalay Industries.
Fernie’s Deep Fried King Ranch Casserole –This stick-to-your-ribs TEXAS SHAPED creation is melted cheese, salty, spicy, goodness that is dipped in a zesty southwestern egg wash and coated in panko bread crumbs. Deep fried golden brown and crunchy on the outside; steamy and creamy on the inside! Served with a side of red, white, and blue tortilla chips and your choice of our homemade “salsafied” sour cream or cheesy queso. Each one proudly flying the flag of the Lone Star State and deep fried in the Heart of Texas! Created by Christi Erpillo, The Dock
Fried Thanksgiving Dinner – Mama’s homemade stuffing and diced roasted turkey are rolled in a ball. Next it’s dipped in southern cream corn and rolled in seasoned corn meal - all fried to a crispy golden brown. Served with old fashion giblet brown gravy. The zesty orange cranberry sauce fills your dipping needs and results in a complete thanksgiving dinner, FRIED! Created by Justin and Rudy Martinez, Fiesta Enterprises, Inc.
Golden Fried Millionaire Pie – Sweetened, fluffy cream cheese filling is loaded with golden pineapple and Texas pecans then wrapped in a flaky pie crust and fried to a golden brown. Topped with whipped cream, toasted coconut, and candied pecans. Created by Nick Bert Jr., Bert Concessions
Spinach Dip Bites – Creamy and delicious spinach artichoke dip bites are coated with crispy tortilla chips and flash-fried until golden brown. Bites are served with salsa for an additional kick. Created by Mark and Norman Zable, N.Z. Properties, Inc.
Southern Style Chicken-Fried Meatloaf – Homemade meatloaf slices are coated in an authentic Texas chicken-fried breading and deep fried golden brown. Served with garlic mashed potatoes, Texas cream gravy, and a ketchup/brown sugar glaze for dipping. Created by Clint Probst, Crazy Otto’s
Texas Fried Fireball – Pimento cheese, pickles, cayenne pepper, and bacon are rolled into a ball, dipped in buttermilk, covered with a jalapeno-infused batter and deep fried. Served with chipotle ranch for dipping. Created by Butch Benavides
My mouth is watering! I can't wait to welcome Big Tex back to this year's State Fair of Texas and chow down on these delicious fried foods!
