More State Fair Food

State Fair of Texas adds 37 buzzy food concessions to 2024 lineup

Milton's Amish doughnuts are one of the buzzy newcomers to the 2024 State Fair of Texas.

SFOT

The State Fair of Texas will introduce a lucky 13 new food concessions for the 2024 event: According to a release, the 13 will include six new food vendors and seven new food stands.

Some of these newcomers are familar brand names like Rita's Italian Ice. Others are concepts from State Fair veterans like Nevins Concessions. Some are just plain newbies.

These new food options are in addition to the finalists and winners from the recent Big Tex Awards, the annual concession competition wherein a strip of bacon wrapped in cotton candy won first prize.

There's also a new seating area for 2024: Called the Cavalcade, it's located on Gateway, with a live DJ, a wall showcasing vintage movies, and a neon Big Tex selfie stand. Dishes include candied pork belly bacon bites, funnel cake with brisket or spicy chicken, bacon-wrapped turkey legs, and a cool down sundae. Also: drones and a biergarten.

The 2024 State Fair of Texas begins on Friday, September 27, and runs through Sunday, October 20.

New concessions

Rita's Italian Ice. The chain will debut a new signature menu item: the Cool Combo, layering Italian ice with vanilla frozen custard, available in five flavors: blue raspberry, cotton candy, mango, mango-strawberry, and sugar-free dragon fruit. Located on Grand Avenue.

Korean Corn Dogs. Korean twist on the state fair staple will include the Hot Cheetos Korean Corn Dog, with half hot dog and half mozzarella cheese, battered with wheat and rice flour, coated with panko breadcrumbs, and fried, then coated with spicy mayo and Hot Cheetos crumbs. Located on Coliseum Drive.

Crepes and Co. Crepe stand will serve a new Fried Apple Cinnamon Crepe, filled with Biscoff cookie butter spread and caramelized apple cinnamon, topped with caramelized apples, and served with Biscoff mousse, whipped cream, and a Biscoff cookie. Located in the Tower Building.

So Eggciting Deviled Eggs. Their signature creation is Texas BBQ Rib Deviled Eggs, in which deviled eggs are topped with coleslaw and barbecue rib meat tossed in a beer barbecue sauce. Located in the Tower Building.

Smith Spot BBQ. Signature dish, "The Nephew," is inspired by owner Terrance Smith’s nephew and combines a glazed doughnut topped with brisket, mozzarella cheese, honey, and powdered sugar. Located in the Tower Building.

The Dumpling Experience. Dumplings in three varieties: pork & vegetable, chicken & vegetable, and edamame, grilled and topped with green onion and cilantro, and choice of sauce from ponzu lime, Thai chili, sriracha, barbecue, and reaper barbecue. Located in the Funway.

State Fair of Texas new vendors for 2024 handy map and list.SFOT

Beso De Angel. Fritter taco base with sweet crema, strawberry preserves, whipped cream, cajeta caramel, condensed milk, and sliced strawberry. Located at Tony’s Taco Shop in the Tower Building and on Lonestar Boulevard.

Bluebonnet Bliss by Dippin’ Dots. Vanilla Ice Cream Dippin’ Dots mixed with fan-favorite Cherry ‘n Blue Razz Icee flavor. This flavorful duo was created just for the Fair. Located at Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream throughout the fairgrounds.

Caramel Macchiato Fritters. Creamy coffee cake balls dipped in beignet batter and fried, with whipped cream, caramel, white chocolate drizzle, served with a shot of espresso. Located at both Crazy Ottos and Gulf Coast Grill Locations on First Ave. and Big Tex Circle.

Cookie Butter Nachos. Fried flour tortilla chips dusted with cinnamon sugar, with cookie butter cheesecake filling, cream cheese icing, caramel sauce, and crushed Biscoff cookies. Located at both Crazy Ottos and Gulf Coast Grill Locations on First Ave. and Big Tex Circle.

Cheeseception. This is a sandwich inside of a sandwich with mushrooms, arugula, and prosciutto in between classic grilled cheese. Located at Stay Cheesy in the Tower Building.

Cheesy Berry. Strawberries in pink cream layered with cheesecake pieces and a milky cookie. Located at Fruteria Cano throughout the fairgrounds.

Churro Crumble Cheesecake. New York-style cheesecake coated in Belgian milk chocolate, rolled in crushed churro crumbles, topped with dulce de leche sauce. Located at Drizzle Cheesecakes in the Tower Building.

Crookies. Croissant is filled — and topped — with cookie dough, baked, and drizzled with syrup. Located at Stiffler’s Moms Cookie Factory on Funway.

Deep Fried Tablitas. Fried battered short ribs with dipping sauces and a fried jalapeño. Located at Texas Holy Fried Ribs and Fusion BBQ in the Tower Building.

Dickle’s Triple Meat Big Back Snack. Five layer dish with elote street corn, brisket mac & cheese, biscuit, pork belly burnt ends, loaded nacho beef brisket sausage, with deep-fried crinkle-cut maple waffle-flavored potato slices. Located at Dickel’s Smokehouse at Big Tex Circle and First Avenue.

Fernie’s Fruit Quenchers. Jarritos Mexican soda and club soda, in choice of pineapple jalapeño, rosemary mandarin, or grapefruit basil. Available spiked with Champagne, prosecco, or wine-based vodka. Located at The Dock on Nimitz Drive.

Fernie’s GOAT Funnel Cake. A Fernie’s funnel cake with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream, Cherry Dr Pepper syrup, and an El Fenix praline. Located at The Dock and Fernie’s Funnel Cake Factory at Grand Area.

Sandoitchi Fried Matcha. Matcha in two ways. Fried Mochi Matcha Ice Cream, and Fried Matcha Sando, featuring deep-fried Japanese milk bread filled with matcha Chantilly cream, strawberries and matcha biscuit sticks. Located at Sandoitchi in the Tower Building.

Hammy Pimento Meltdown. Grilled pimento cheese sandwich with black forest ham. Located at Highland Park Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain in the Tower Building.

Holy Cheeseus. White pie with a seven-cheese blend, garlic-infused extra virgin olive oil, whipped ricotta and mascarpone blend, black pepper, and Stefan’s hot honey. Located at Texapolitan Pizza on Lonestar Boulevard.

Island Rumble. Mac & cheese topped with jerk chicken in a pineapple rum jerk marinade, garnished with pineapple pico salsa and jerk crema. Located at Mac Loaded on Nimitz Drive.

It's Bananas…B-A-N-A-N-A-S. Banana shake with banana pudding on top, plus whipped cream, Nilla wafers, chocolate-covered bananas, and caramel drizzle. Located at Highland Park Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain in the Tower Building.

Lay's Potato Chip Drink. Potato chips blended with mango and citrus juices, hot honey, jalapeño infused syrup, strawberry drizzle, foam, and Spicy Honey Potato Chips. Located at Milton’s at Front Gate, Tower Building, and Lonestar Boulevard.

Macaron Ice Cream Tower. Macaron tower features six flavors – lemon joy, red raspberry, triple chocolate, vanilla bean, creamy caramel, and pistachio, on top of soft-serve vanilla ice cream. Located at Pound Cake Experts in the Tower Building.

Oktoberfest Pizza. Pizza with mustard-infused white cream sauce, mozzarella & cheddar cheese, sliced German sausage, fried German potatoes, sautéed onion, green pepper, and sauerkraut. Located at Pizza by the GIANT Slice in the Tower Building, MLK Blvd., and First Avenue.

Pork Belly Ceviche Tamales. Corn tamal topped with fried pork belly, fried yuca, plantains, pico de gallo, jalapeño glaze, and micro greens. Located at Milagro Taco Cantina on Lonestar Boulevard.

Pulled Pork Arancini. Crispy rice balls with risotto, scamorza cheese, and pulled pork. Located at EATALY in Cotton Bowl Plaza.

Standing on Business. Salted caramel ice cream in a waffle cone bowl topped with a spicy dark chocolate cookie, fried sweet potato pie, chocolate and caramel sauce, whipped cream, French fries, and a chicken wing. Located at Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que on Funway, Nimitz Drive, and Cotton Bowl Plaza.

Very Berry Coconut Parfairy. Lemon pound cake with blueberry compote, coconut cream custard, vanilla yogurt, whipped cream, blueberry, pineapple, and shaved coconut. Located at Doc’s Street Grill on MLK Boulevard.

Whole Bundt of Kisses. Deep fried 7UP Bundt cake filled with Belgian chocolate, with crumbled chocolate chip cookies and miniature kisses, a regular Hershey's, whipped cream, and edible silver glitter. Located at Southside Steaks and Cakes in Cotton Bowl Plaza .

New 2024 State Fair of Texas Food Stands

Smashed by Nevins Concessions. Five smashburgers including their signature, The Joe, a two-patty smash burger with American cheese, bacon, fried jalapeño caps, and a fried egg. Located on Gateway.

Waffle Works. Serving Waffle Stix, a waffle on-a-stick dipped in Belgian milk, white, or dark chocolate, then rolled in choice of candy toppings like salted caramel pearls, chocolate chips, M&M's Minis, marshmallows, and candy sprinkles. They also serve chicken & waffles, strawberries with Belgian chocolate, and bacon mac & cheese egg rolls. Located in the Tower Building.

Milton’s Amish Doughnuts. Texas-sized sourdough doughnuts dipped in vanilla glaze. A viewing window shows the doughnut-making process. Located on Grand Avenue.

Dole Soft Serve. Cool and spicy Tajin Twist Sundae comes with choice of pineapple, strawberry, or swirl, topped with chili lime Tajin seasoning and Chamoy Mega sauce. Located on Coliseum Drive.

Kona Ice. Gourmet shaved ice in 10 most popular flavors, from Tiger’s Blood to Monster Mango, solo or in combinations. Located on First Avenue.

Johnz Deli. Signature pastrami sandwich prepared in the traditional New York Deli method with the flair of a Texas smokehouse, served on seedless rye bread with mustard, kosher pickle spear, and side of steak fries. Located in Cotton Bowl Plaza.

Pat’s Pizza & Subs. Featuring Mexican Street Corn Pizza: a charred crust topped with chipotle mayo, corn, chili powder, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Located on Coliseum Drive.

state-fair openings

Wine News

Limited wine series at Carbone Dallas is for serious high-rollers

Would you rather try a glass of wine for $20 or spend $400 and take a chance on
the bottle.

Photo courtesy of Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

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Italian restaurant Carbone Dallas has a deal aimed strictly at wine snobs: The Design District eatery, located at 1617 Hi Line Dr., is offering 12 coveted Tuscan wines, exclusively by the glass, on Wednesday evenings, at a seemingly steep price.

Called "Steak & Super Tuscans," the series takes place every Wednesday night through October 30. Each week, two rare vintage Tuscan wines are uncorked and offered by the glass. According to a release, these wines are selected based on rarity and superb flavor and reflect some of the most important vintages from the Tuscany region of Italy.

Prices depend on rarity, but they start at $95 and top out at $450. For a glass.

But John Slover, the National Beverage Director for Major Food Group, the New York-based group that owns Carbone, says to keep in mind that some of the wines in their cellar would cost more than $1 million for a bottle.

“These wines are very difficult to source and we are fortunate to be able to share them from these extraordinary vintages,” Slover says. “The Carbone Dallas wine collection includes more than 1000 references, and 10,000 bottles valued at over $1 million. When a rare wine is uncorked, it is limited to the table. We felt that offering this experience by the glass would involve more of our wine enthusiasts and expose more of our guests to these incomparable flavors."

To accompany these wines, chef Mario Carbone has three American Wagyu beef steaks: a 24-ounce Cowboy, $270 for two; a 14-ounce bone-in strip for $160; and an 8-ounce Filet Mignon for $55. They come with choice of Barolo Sauce for $15, or Mare e Monte — a red shrimp-based butter sauce, also $15.

Here's the wines and their wine-y descriptions:

October 9

2006 Soldera Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, $450 per glass: A relatively new Brunello estate, Soldera dates back to the 1970s. Fiercely obsessive in vineyard management and wine making, Gianluca Soldera showed the world the vast potential of the Sangiovese grape. Soldera only bottles riservas in the greatest vintages and they are simply unparalleled for their depth and intensity.
2018 Canalicchio di Sopra 'Montosoli' Brunello di Montalcino, $140 per glass: Canalicchio di Sopra was another early Brunello di Montalcino estate with a long history of age-worthy excellence. They are perched high up on the cooler northeast side of Montalcino. 'Montosoli' is one of the greatest Brunello vineyards and the wines are coveted for their high-toned, ripe red fruit and length on the palate.

October 16

2019 Tenuta delle’Ornellaia ‘Masseto,’ $400 per glass: In the early 1980’s, Ludovico Antinori (brother of Piero) purchased the Ornellaia estate and noticed one site had blue clay soils like Pomerol in Bordeaux. Striving to make the Petrus of Tuscany, he planted merlot and started making a deep, rich 100% merlot wine that has quite simply become the greatest wine made in Italy. It is an excitingly intense cornucopia of plums, blackberries and leathery, earthy tones.
2018 Macchioli 'Messorio' Bolgheri, $175 per glass: Le Macchiole has been family owned since the 1980s and in the Bolgheri region of Tuscany. Their ‘Messorio’ wine is made from 100% Merlot and is designed to be their most powerful and impactful wine only from the best grapes in their vineyards. It is a full, mouth-filling & pleasurable wine.

October 23

2015 Valdicava 'Madonna del Piano' Brunello di Montalcino, $250 per glass: Through force of will and striving for Beauty, Vincenzo Abbruzzese spent the 1980s and 1990s drastically improving his grandparents’ estate into one of the region's elite Brunello di Montalcino estates. The ‘Madonna del Piano’ vineyard is their flagship wine and is one of the purest expressions of raspberry & floral scented sangiovese in Montalcino.
2020 Antinori Bolgheri ‘Guado al Tasso,’ $95 per glass: ‘Guado al Tasso’ is Antinori's estate on the Tuscan coast, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. This amphitheater-shaped growing region allows for the perfect ripening of grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. With warm days and cool nights, the wines are firm & ripe but with an enveloping elegance.

October 30

2010 Poggio di Sotto 'Riserva' Brunello di Montalcino, $350 per glass: A relative new-comer, Poggio di Sotto was established in 1989 and quickly grew into a Brunello favorite among aficionados. Obsessed with quality, the wine was created with the premise of perfection and has achieved cult status for its intense complexity and harmonious balance. It is grace in a glass.
2015 Fontodi 'Flaccianello', $125 per glass: The Fontodi estate in Chianti Classico has been planted with vines since Roman times and was purchased by the Manetti family in the late 1960s. In the 1980s Giovanni Manneti wanted to show the world the quality of Sangiovese and started making a 100% Sangiovese called 'Flaccianello' from the estate's greatest plots of Sangiovese. It has developed into one of the world's most sought after and complex wines.

Glasses poured in the past two weeks that we missed included a 2019 Tenuta San Guido ‘Sassicaia,’ $195 per glass; a 2020 Antinori 'Tignanello,' $95 per glass: a 2015 Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, $300 per glass; and a 2018 Gaja-Pieve Santa Restituta 'Rennina' Brunello di Montalcino, $140 per glass.

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