The State Fair of Texas announced the finalists for the 20th Annual Big Tex Choice Awards. On Aug. 22, three winners will be revealed in the categories of “best taste – savory,” “best taste – sweet” and “most creative.”
This year, a record-breaking 65 entries from 40 fair concessionaires were whittled down to 24 semi-finalists. Each entry was assessed on four key elements: uniqueness, creativity, presentation and taste.
After sampling a variety of delicious dishes and casting votes, there are now the top ten finalists. These contenders will showcase their creations before a distinguished panel of celebrity judges, vying for one of the top honors at the fair.
Savory:
Dominican Fritura Dog by Justin Martinez
The Dominican Fritura Dog is a flavor-packed treat featuring fritura cheese and Dominican salami, double deep-fried in a signature corn dog batter. Topped with garlic plantain chips, a secret Dominican sauce and cilantro, it delivers a perfect blend of salty and sweet with a burst of Dominican flavor.
The Drowning Taquitos by Tony and Terry Bednar
These hand-rolled corn tortillas are filled with tender shredded chicken and deep-fried, then “drowned” in a tangy cream sauce and topped with jalapeño, guacamole salsa, shredded lettuce, avocado, tomatillo, pico and Cotija cheese.
Hippie Chips by Rose and Tom Deschenes
Wavy potato chips nachos come with zesty homemade ranch or blue cheese dressing, topped with bacon bits, green onions and a tangy sriracha drizzle. For extra flavor, add blue cheese crumbles.
Hot Chick-in-Pancake Poppers by Palmer and Amanda Fortune
Savory Nashville hot chicken and pimento cheese are rolled into balls, dipped in pancake batter and fried golden brown. They're finished with Sriracha honey and Nashville hot powdered sugar.
Texas Fried Burnt End Bombs by Nick and Vera Bert
Tender brisket wrapped in shredded potatoes, bacon and cheese, deep-fried and drizzled with a sweet raspberry chipotle BBQ glaze.
Sweet:
Nevins Nutty Bar-laska by Tami Nevins Mayes and Josey Mayes
A classic nutty bar topped with toasted marshmallow, Oreos, strawberry sauce and freeze-dried strawberries, all on a stick.
Rousso’s Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick by Isaac Rousso
A 12-inch bacon strip glazed with cotton candy spun in a machine and torched to caramelize for a perfect sweet-savory bite.
Strawberry Pop-Tarts Beignetffle by Justin Martinez
A fluffy beignet meets a crispy waffle on a stick, topped with homemade strawberry filling, vanilla icing, whipped cream and colorful sprinkles.
Texas Sugar Rush Pickles by Heather Perkins
Cotton-candy-flavored pickle slices coated in Lucky Charms, Froot Loops and Cap’n Crunch, layered with cotton candy and sugar and drizzled with strawberry syrup. Served with a side of vanilla ice cream.
These 10 finalists will battle for the three titles on Aug. 22, at 2 p.m. While the Big Tex Choice Awards event is closed to the public, folks can follow along online by tuning into one of its social media channels, @StateFairofTX on all platforms.
If your favorite semi-finalist didn't make the final list, don’t worry, many concessionaires might still feature their dish at their stands as a new offering this year.
The 2024 State Fair of Texas, themed “24 Days of Fun,” will open on Sept. 27, and will run through Oct. 20. Head on over to BigTex.com/Tickets to purchase your season passes and premium tickets today.
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