We love to review (albeit, from a distance) the new Fair Food offerings that emerge throughout the summer and fall harvest season. Herewith find our picks for the craziest of the new offerings at The Canadian National Exhibition, which opens today in Toronto. Don’t eat before you go…
The Steaklair: Philly Cheese Steak served on a Chocolate Eclair.
An inspiration from indigestion dreams?
There are actually 28 new dishes on offer at the CNE this summer. Some are not so crazy. Some are ultra crazy, to the point that you just know they’re being offered for the publicity they’ll generate. Alas, this morning, I’m in the crazy-food publicity business. Just can’t help myself…
The picks…
One of the new dishes that caught my eye as so-crazy-it’s-fantastic is the Pulled Pork Cinnamon Bun. Whoof! What a great combo of flavours and textures! I may just make a batch of those myself this weekend.
There’s also the Bug Dog from – where else? – the Bug Bistro. it’s a fairly standard premium Hot Dog on a Crisp Roll but it’s topped with Toasted Mustard Crickets. Yum. While you’re there, try the taco – topped with Chili- Lime Crickets.
The Philly Steaklair is just what it sounds like: A classic Philly Cheese steak served on a large Chocolate Eclair. Whoever thought this one up was truly warped. Or maybe he was up all night with indigestion when the Muse alit upon his shoulder…
Junk food junkies will appreciate the Spam Double Down. It’s not what you thuink. it’s really a Panini-style sandwich using two slabs of Grilled Spam as the Bun, stuffed with Bacon, Cheese, Tomatoes and Chipotle Sauce.
The Roast Beef Yorkshire Bowl is just crazy enough to make this list. But it’s also my fave of the new Fair Food dishes at this year’s CNE. It’s actually a big, edible Yorkshire Pudding ‘bowl’ filled with Roast Beef and gravy and topped with Horseradish Sauce.
The Poutine Dog looks, at first, like any other Batter-Fried Hot Dog. Except, once you get into it, it’s a skewer of Tater Tots, Hot Dog Bites and Cheese. What could be more Canadian and more representative of Fair Food in general? Again, it’s just crazy enough to get on my list…
So make sure to try some of these crazy, fun Fair Foods when you hit the Ex this year. Or, if you’re like me, gather some great ideas and create your own way-out treats!
~ Maggie J.