The Seven New Foods to Eat First at the 2016 Minnesota State Fair

Let the count down begin: the Great Minnesota Get-Together will fling the gates open bright and early, one week from today. There is a potentially over-whelming plethora of culinary options at the fair, so you might want to check out this handy dandy Food Finder while you meander through the crowds.

Carpe Diem at the Rabbit Hole

The Rabbit Hole will be at the Midtown Global Market booth for the first half of the fair (August 25-30), after which Hot Indian Food takes over for the second half. From Rabbit Hole comes a fish-shaped, buttermilk miso waffle cone filled with balsamic-roasted strawberry compote and topped with vanilla ice cream, graham cracker crumble and a fresh strawberry.

At The Rabbit Hole at the Midtown Global Market booth at the International Bazaar, East wall.

Rustic Beef Pastry at French Meadow

For a solid mid-day meal, try this dish, crafted with Moroccan-spiced beef and spinach topped with creamy goat cheese in a flakey butter crust.

At French Meadow Bakery & Café on the north side of Carnes Avenue between Nelson and Underwood streets.

Photo courtesy Minnesota State Fair

Blue Barn proves they are a can't miss stop on your fair food list.

Spicy Pork Bowl at The Blue Barn

Relative new comer Blue Barn (from the Blue Plate Restaurant Company) knocked it out of the park the last two years. This year, the eatery is presenting a hearty dish with adobo pulled pork, rice, black beans, spinach, charred salsa and fried onion strings.

At The Blue Barn at West End Market, south of the History and Heritage Center.

Minnesota Corn Dog at Gass Station Grill

The Gass Station Grill has been in the Gass family for generations, serving up traditional fair fare. The Minnesota Corn Dog is a ground sausage crafted with blueberries, apples, wild rice, maple syrup and cayenne dipped in a homemade corn dog batter and, of course, deep-fried and presented on a stick.

At Gass Station Grill on the west side of Cooper Street between Dan Patch and Judson avenues, outside the southeast corner of the Food Building.

Call It Breakfast at the Dairy Building

Following the rousing success of last year’s Salted Caramel Puff treat, the Dairy Goodness Bar is utilizing donuts in the best way possible: mixing them with ice cream. Try a soft serve vanilla malt or sundae topped with chunks of donut, drizzled with chocolate and latte flavored syrups, and topped with sprinkles. It’s what’s for breakfast.

At Dairy Goodness Bar – Midwest Dairy Association, located in the Dairy Building, east wall.

Chocolate Agate Crunch at Hamline Church Dining Hall

This just can’t be bad. Hamline Church Dining Hall, the last remaining true church dining hall at the fair, is serving Izzy’s® chocolate Caramelia ice cream with chocolate cookie crumbles and edible chocolate rocks inspired by Lake Superior Agates, folded with a salted caramel swirl.

At Hamline Church Dining Hall, located on the north side of Dan Patch Avenue between Underwood and Cooper streets.

Banana Cinnamon & Cream Dipped in Dark Chocolate at JonnyPops

JonnyPops, which donates a portion of their proceeds to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, introduces its 2016 treat: a frozen concoction of banana, cinnamon and cream dipped in dark chocolate and served on-a-stick.

At JonnyPops, located at West End Market, center section.

Descriptions and locations provided by the Minnesota State Fair.