On the second to last day of the 2021 Texas State Fair, a Saturday, Stacy and I made the trek into the fairgrounds to allow me to have my very first state fair experience here in Texas since my arrival here just over one year ago. I have been to many state fairs in many states, five now to be exact. All of them are amazing but as they say, Texas does everything bigger and boy is that true here! Let me show you how my debut experience in Dallas at the Texas State Fair went down.
First, a little context, Anise, the director of PR got me the hook up big time by getting me some media credentials for the event to not only get media parking but also media access to the fair which was way cool! Stacy (my fiance’) of course was my partner-in-crime for this adventure from start to end. Second, Steven, our fair guide from the second we got there until all my requested vendor stops were hit, was outstanding, a way cool guy, and a super helpful person for anything we needed for getting food samples and interviews with vendor owners. Third, Jennifer, VP of public relations, an amazing help for getting us started off in where else but The Wine Garden of course! Where else did you think I would go first? Jennifer gave me some history of the fairgrounds, insights into the wine vendors, and of course, let me try any of the Texas wines I had not yet tried before. A fantastic way to start our visit! With Texas wine of course! Ok so now onto the main attraction… for foodies like us that is! Yes, many fair rides were available but we were here for the food baby! Let me show you what vendors I had pegged to go try out and why you need to look for them yourself at their home locations around Texas.
Pearlies Southern Kitchen: Turkey, Gouda Collard Greens Spring Rolls & Fried Peach Cobbler Spring Rolls w/ Vanilla Ice Cream (see video interview) (food photo)
Docs Street Grill: Calypso Shrimp Bowl & Jerk Chicken on A Stick (see video interview)
Velasquez Consessions: Gator On A Stick
Smokey Johns Bar-B-Que: Giant Smoked Turkey Leg (my favorite fair food!)
Farm Pac Kitchens (Muellers Beer Garden): Oktoberfest beer, German Sauerkraut, Brisket, Pickle On A Stick (see video interview)
Backyard Steakout (TX BBQ &Urban Italian): Steak Kabob & Lamb Slider
We ate a lot, yes! I know! All within 4 hours time at that! Had to pace ourselves for sure. Yet many of you will ask why no sweets, no fried mac’n cheese, no fried Oreos, no funnel cakes? What gives? I’ll tell you. Most of you know I am lactose intolerant, really intolerant sadly. Most all soft cheese wrecks me for hours so that was out. Flour of any kind makes me sleepy as hell within an hour tops, that was out, Fried foods are oh so delicious but give me heartburn for hours after so that was out. But mostly, healthful eating goals aside, I just do not like to feel like pure crap while walking around a State Fair for hours, who would? Let’s be honest, does it look like we sacrificed much as it was anyway? Didn’t think so!
Will see you at the Fair next year folks! View full photo album here
