WACKY PNE FOOD
When the Fair at the PNE (2901 East Hastings Street) returns to Vancouver later this month, city dwellers will get to enjoy its family-friendly activities and shows, its thrilling rides and attractions—and, most importantly, its outrageous culinary creations. It has become an annual tradition for the summertime event to attract guests with over-the-top bites (though some items may only appeal to daredevil foodies) that seem to get wilder each year. For 2018, the wacky treats range from garlic-vanilla milkshake burgers to cricket caramel apples to red-velvet corndogs. Here are 10 crazy foods to try at this year’s Fair at the PNE. If you dare.
KIT KAT FRIES This iconic chocolate bar is served with a twist: dipped in batter and deep-fried.you’ll end up with a crunchy creation that’s soft, crispy, and very decadent. To top it all off, the thing is also dusted with some icing sugar.
GARLIC-VANILLA MILKSHAKE BURGERS
The name says it all: you’re going to get a mouthful of flavours with this menu item. With ingredients like vanilla ice cream, garlic, pickles, and a patty, you really can’t ask for more in a burger.
MEXICAN BLOOMING ONIONS
Besides being a pretty sight, this savoury treat is also quite tasty. Made to share with friends or family, it’s topped with Mexican flavours that really pack a punch. Pro tip: carry some mints in your bag to avoid onion breath.
SMOKING CHARCOAL SOFTSERVE
Don’t be alarmed by its appearance—this treat actually tastes good. It’s made with coconut-flavoured soft-serve ice cream and infused with black activated charcoal. The only thing you’ll have to worry about is staining your white shirt.
ONE-POUND FAIR-SIZED MEATBALL
If you have the appetite and stomach for big eats, check out this one-pound meatball. This massive meatball is not the average ones Grandma makes at home: it’s filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce. You may have to share with a friend or three. DEEP-FRIED BURGERS This creation takes the classic cheeseburger up a notch, wrapped in bread dough and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. You’ll be packing on the calories, but at least it’ll
be satisfying.
CHURRO FRIES
The fair has showcased churros in many different forms: classic, Oreo, and chocolate-dipped. This year’s recipe involves a poutine-style concept: your churro fries are covered with chocolate and caramel sauce and topped with marshmallows to satisfy your sweet tooth.
RED-VELVET CORNDOGS Don’t underestimate the range of sweetand-savoury hybrids that can be concocted for the fair. These redvelvet corndogs are a sweet twist on the classic but might cross the line for some die-hard corndog fans.
DEEP-FRIED STRAWBERRIES
Apparently, this dish has been requested by many fairgoers, and it’s finally making its debut this year. Many people’s favourite berry will be dipped in funnel-cake batter and sprinkled with powdered sugar for a tasty treat.
CRICKET CARAMEL APPLES In the past, the fair has offered barbecued cricket burgers and cricket fries. This year, guests will find cricket-covered caramel apples that feature salty, oven-roasted farmed crickets. Both crunchy and chewy—we hope nothing gets stuck in your teeth.