Jordan Maddox
The Excitement of the Big Tex Choice Awards
Back in June, the State Fair of Texas, renowned for its indulgent fried foods, unveiled a list of 30 semi-finalists for its prestigious Big Tex Choice Awards. This annual event has become a highlight for fair-goers who eagerly anticipate the crowning of the best dishes out of the myriad of options presented each year. The semi-finalists were evaluated on four essential elements: uniqueness, creativity, presentation, and taste. It’s not just about satisfying hunger; it’s about experiencing culinary artistry in its fried form.
Announcing the Finalists
In the early hours of dawn, the buzz around the finalists kicked off, with 15 dishes now vying for the title. From these finalists, three winners will be declared on August 21—one each for savory and sweet categories, plus an overall champion. Winning this accolade doesn’t just bring glory; for the concessionaires, it means long lines and increased earnings at the fairgrounds. It’s akin to watching a live competitive cooking show—a true gastronomic spectacle.
A Snapshot of the Competition
As the State Fair approaches, eager food lovers are already placing their bets on which dishes will reign supreme. The event itself runs from September 26 to October 19, and season passes are already available for purchase, adding to the thrill of the upcoming festivities.
Highlights of the Finalists
For fun, let’s take a quick dive into the semifinalists, each described with cheeky six-word reviews.
Savory Finalists
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Brisket & Brew Stuffed Pretzels (Glen & Sherri Kusak): A delicious blend of brisket and sharp cheddar beer cheese nestled in a pretzel.
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Crab & Mozzarella Arancini (Stefan T. Nedwetzky): Crispy outside with gooey mozzarella and sweet crab.
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Deep Fried Deli Tacos (Brent & Juan Reaves): Pastrami and creamy mashed potatoes embrace a crispy tortilla.
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Vietnamese Crunch Dog (The Le Family): A delightful take on a corn dog with a banh mi twist.
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Wagyu Bacon Cheeseburger Deviled Egg Sliders (Kendall Williams): A rich flavor explosion in every bite.
Sweet Finalists
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Candy Lemon Sour Face (Chef Heather J. Perkins): A sweet-and-sour treat that dazzles with a candy shell.
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Chill & Thrill Delight (Tony and Terry Bednar): A Colombian-inspired drink that’s both sweet and tangy.
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Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake (Stephen El Gidi): Indulgent layers of cheesecake with rich Belgian chocolate.
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Rousso’s Dubai Chocolate Funnel Cake Fries (Isaac and Joey Rousso): Funnel cake meets rich Dubai chocolate—pure decadence.
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Tex’s Toast á la Mode (Michelle and Jayse Edwards): French toast topped with ice cream? Yes, please.
Refreshing Sipper Finalists
And let’s not overlook the drinks that will tantalize your taste buds:
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Coconut Quadruple (Binh Tran and My Vo): A slushy blend with tropical notes and creamy coconut.
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Cookie Chaos Milkshake (Brad Weiss): It’s a cookie lover’s dream, with cookies galore.
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Hot Honeycomb Lemonade Shake Up (Tom Grace): A buzzy blend of jalapeno lemonade and real honeycomb.
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Nevins Dirty Red Bull Tex-arita (Josey and Tami Jo Nevins Mayes): A wild twist on a classic margarita.
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Poppin’ Boba Rita (Justin Martinez): A fun mix, combining wine-infused boba pearls and a mango margarita.
Conclusion
With so much creativity packed into these finalists, the excitement is palpable as we lead up to the big announcement. The Big Tex Choice Awards isn’t just a food competition; it’s a celebration of culinary innovation that transforms the State Fair of Texas into a delightful gastronomical adventure. Whether you’re in it for the savory bites, sweet indulgences, or refreshing sips, one thing is for sure: the fair promises to be an exciting and tasty experience!
