Turkey Leg With Bacon
Bacon A-Fair hasn’t introduced any new bacon-wrapped items this year, but its baconwrapped roasted turkey leg remains one of the fair’s most popular meals, particularly among men. A jumbo baconwrapped turkey leg isn’t cheap, but it will fill you up and it has a rich smoky, salty, savory flavor you won’t get at the Thanksgiving The fair’s secret speakeasy, dinner table. $30.34. Avenue this year named Destination of the Palms near the entrance Unknown, has a tiki-flamingo to the Fun Zone. theme, with an all-new lineup of
BEST COCKTAIL Pineapple Express
cocktails. But the Pineapple Express, first served at the 2019 fair, was such a big seller that it was brought back this year. Bacardi light rum and dark rum are generously poured in this tropical drink that includes pineapple
juice, fresh-squeezed orange juice, cream of coconut, a dark rum float, pineapple wedge, maraschino cherry and sprinkle of nutmeg. $20.66. It’s served only at Destination Unknown, a bar hidden high above the fair atop the grandstand. Ask any bartender at the fair for directions, or follow the flamingo posters through the Paddock entry toward the fine art show building and get your wristband at the Destination Unknown box office right outside the doors. Ages 21 and up only.
BEST HOMETOWN FAVORITE Cardiff Crack Tater Tots
Cardiff ’s Seaside Market is best known for its Burgundy peppermarinated tri-tip steak, better known as Cardiff Crack. The tasty roasted beef can be sampled on grilled cheese sandwiches, nachos and tater tots this summer at the fair. I opted for the hearty tots dish, which can easily serve two. Crispy tots are layered with creamy cheese sauce, Cardiff Crack shredded beef, tomatoes, onions, green onions and sour cream. This dish will
fill you up, so plan your culinary adventures wisely if this is on your day trip list. $20. Located in the Plaza de Mexico.
BEST FAIR FOOD TO TAKE HOME FOR LATER Cinnamon Rolls
If you haven’t had your fill of the fair yet, the always-popular Fair Cinnamon Rolls travel well, keep fresh for days in the fridge or freezer, and can be warmed up in the microwave in seconds. If you’re a purist, go for the Original, a frosting-free swirl of pastry, butter, cinnamon and sugar baked to gooey, crispy perfection ($8). But the stand’s premium roll is the Bacon Bomb, an Original topped with cream cheese frosting, chopped walnuts and crumbled bacon ($12). How popular are these rolls as take-home souvenirs? The booth sells grab-and-go six-packs, as well frozen rolls that can be defrosted and baked at home. Located along the Concourse across from Chicken Charlie’s.