Kurt and I made it out to the fair on opening night. We caught the end of the Lo J show and had a fee Summit Pale Ales and visited the Spam booth so I could get a hug by Spammy.

Check out this new state fair booth with Minne-sodas! Rick Nelson Food Critic for the Star Tribune gave them 4 stars and I have to concur, the Amber soda flavored with Maple Syrup was very delicious. Gardens of Eagen had these sweet locally grown watermelons for $5 a great simple idea.

Stephanie's Stars ****4

Next we had the meatball on a stick from the Food Building. I was really excited about this becau lets face it - whats not to love about a big fried ball covered in marinara sauce. The sauce was thick, spicy and had great confdensed  tomato flavor - the meatball however was a bit tired and tasteless.

Stephanie's stars **2.5 (I wanted the sauce on pasta)

Walleye Fingers from Giggles Grill.

These were AWESOME. Light, hand breaded, great fresh fish flavor that you could really taste through the batter and the mayo with dill on the side was perfect! I would like to replicate their recipe at home. This was a favorite and the lady in front of us who was 25 and had her entire butt crack showing was also a Fair Favorite. This is also the place for an awesome and inexpensive kids meal of chicken fingers and fries at $1.50. I am waiting to try the Sunnies in a boat on the Showcase Minnesota show on Monday 8/31 when we will be showcasing Fair foods but Rick Nelson gave those 4 stars.

Stephanie Stars ****4

Butt Crack sighting ****4 

Rick Nelson Sunnies in a boat rating ****4

Macaroons from the Salty Tart. I want these to be served in a vending machine so I can get at them anytime. These are my favorite guilty pleasure and they are somehow even more delicious on a stick! I wished I would have gotten more to take home because the 3 we got didnt even last until we got off that street.

Stephanie Star's **** 5 (ok I know there are only supposed to be 4 stars but these are 5 worthy.

Rick Nelson stars ****

 Meat Pie from West Indies Soul

This was really unexpectedly great. These meat pies were tasty little numbers. I have no idea what was in the warm dough but they were slightly orange and the meat was spicy and had a real complexity of flavors. I already love the West INdies Soul location in the Midtwon Global Market for their macaroni and cheese, greens, jerk chicken wings and sweet potato pie but this is definatly worth seeking out at the fair to in the International Bazaar Building!

Stephanie Stars ***3.5