Tomorrow is a special day ’round these here parts. Once again, we get to enjoy the great booming voice of Big Tex as he thunders across Fair Park with his stiffly cheerful, “How-dy, Folks!” Once again, the Cotton Bowl becomes a prized destination as crowds, loyally dressed and decorated, flood its seating bowl to watch epic pigskin battles. Once again, the Texas Star spins slowly across the east Dallas skyline.
And once again, the smell of fried anything wafts through the air.
Now there are certain things that are required eatin’ for fairgoers. Fletcher’s Corny Dogs, for one. Never mind the long lines or the huge stack of tickets required to enjoy a glorified hot-dog-on-a-stick. You have not been to the fair until you’ve indulged in at least one. With mustard. Only. Trust me on this. Another must-have is a funnel cake. I realize these are a dime-a-dozen at most carnivals. But somehow, they just taste better here. Add a healthy dose of powdered sugar and you’re in fried-dough heaven.
Or you could be more adventurous and sample some of the winning fare from the Big Tex choice awards. This year’s finalists included Fried Sauerkraut, Deep Fried Pineapple Upside Down Cake, and Fried Autumn Pie. Because down here in the south, it’s a firm rule: EVERYTHING tastes better when it’s fried.
Thirsty? Try some Fried Coke or a Deep Fried Latte or even Fried BEER.
Need something the kids will eat? How’s about some Fried Mac ‘n’ Cheese, or a Fried PB & J Sandwich?
Prefer the spicy side of life? Get yourself some Fried Salsa, or Fernie’s Fried Chili Frito Burrito, or even Buffalo Chicken in a Flapjack – which, despite the absence of the word is, indeed fried.
Don’t want to mess with the classics, man? Then you ought to try some Fried Sweet Potato Pie or Fried Praline Perfection or Deep Fried Biscuits ‘n’ Gravy or Chicken Fried Bacon. There’s even some good ol’ Deep Fried Southern Hospitality which has your collard greens, pulled pork, and cornbread: it’s one-stop eatin’!
Need something a little more healthful? Then step right up for some Fried Canteloupe or El Bananarito (which, in case you hadn’t figured it out, is deep-fried banana).
Got a sweet tooth? Then you definitely need to get yourself a Heavenly Deep Fried Brownie, Fried Cheesecake or Fried Caramel Pecan Candy.
And when you’re all done, you can cleanse your palate walking around the Fair chewing on some Fried Bubblegum.