A most anticipated lineup has arrived, and it’s looking pretty bold.
No, it’s not the Oscar nominations, though Regina King got snubbed. And it’s not the Razzie Award nominations—what the hell were you thinking with "Music," Sia? It’s not even the Rays promotional giveaway schedule (um, guys, no DJ Kitty stuff this year? Not cool.).
It’s the Florida State Fair’s 2021 food list and it’s both bold and audacious—bodacious.
Florida State Fair
April 22-May 2
Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US-301, Tampa
$5-$20
floridastatefair.com
This list may have you daydreaming, saving up or drooling. Or, if you’re like me, getting inspired to start Weight Watchers. But in honor of this new lineup of culinary achievement, we’ve ranked the Florida State Fair’s new slate of food options from most basic to most bodacious. Bon appetit.
The cookie pail Like a pail you bring to the beach, but instead of filled with sand and salt water it’s filled with chocolate chip cookies from the Cookie Crate. Looks like this one is meant to share, or not. Not judging you if you don’t.
Ice cream sandwiches Polar Bear is keeping it classic with ice cream sandwiches, but you get to pick the flavor of ice cream.
Deep-fried rainbow cookie A rainbow cookie is one of my favorite holiday treats from my friend’s Italian mother. It’s almond-y, and chocolatey and a little fruity and now, thanks to Paul’s Concessions, it’s deep fried, covered with powdered sugar and served on a stick.
Deep fried molten lava cake The classic yet sometimes overplayed molten lava cake. It was part of the cause of Jon Favreau’s mental breakdown in the movie "Chef" and it's now been given a new deep-fried life by Carousel Foods.
Blueberry and cream donut Amish baking company Peachey’s tops its classic glazed donuts with fresh blueberries and whipped cream. Just because it’s the least crazy new food this year, doesn’t mean it’s the least delicious.
Blue raspberry lemonade pineapple Cinnamon Saloon comes through with the only refreshing option—frozen blue-raspberry lemonade in a fresh hollowed out pineapple. Could definitely benefit from a rum floater though (not telling you to sneak it in).
Candy pop sundae Candy as in your choice of candy bar. Pop as in candy-infused popcorn. Sundae as scoops of ice cream with caramel and chocolate sauce. At this point, we are actively pissing off our teeth and blood sugar levels.
Beer cheese and bacon fries Pretty straight forward combo from Chester’s Gators of loaded french fries topped with beer cheese and bacon. This would pair quite nicely with a cold Mich Ultra, you know, for calories sake.
Orange glaze funnel cake Midway presents this orange explosion on a funnel cake. Orange glaze, two funnel cakes with orange cream frosting, orange whip cream, with orange candies on top.
Deep fried caramel apple sundae This one from DeAnna's Steak Sundaes already has my mouth watering. It’s layers of cinnamon sugar doughnut holes, cream cheese frosting, sauteed caramel apples, caramel sauce and whipped cream. I can already hear my dentist yelling at me.
Gelato nachos Yeah, you heard that right. Gelato nachos, and tacos. Get to the Funky Flamingo for this brilliant creation. Dutch stroopwafels replace the tortilla chips or shells, and there’s a bunch of gelato flavors to choose from.
The PigRig One of only three of the new options that is strictly savory, made by the folks at Low N Slow. It’s a grilled cheese stuffed with BBQ pork and mac and cheese then finished with even more barbecue sauce. I’d wait a bit before getting on Gravitron after eating this one.
Loaded tater burger Another strictly savory beast, this one new from Carousel Foods, is a hamburger with shredded toasted cheese, cottage fries and bacon, then finished with ranch dressing and chives. You pick your lettuce, tomato, pickle, and onion combinations.
Dill pickle pizza Either you love pickles or you’re a fucking weirdo. This is on the top of my list to try because I, like many people, already love the pickle pizza from Ybor City’s Mangia Bene Pizzeria Corp. This one, from Angela’s Pizza, has a white garlic sauce base, topped with mozzarella cheese and dill pickles.Ranch dressing and dill seasoning are added after it’s cooked. Anyone game for a taste test?
Peanut butter and spicy jelly tater tots It’s peanut butter and (spicy) jelly time with Swift Concessions’ intriguing peanut butter and spicy jelly tater tot concoction. So intriguing, I might need to get my medical marijuana card soon so I can truly enjoy these without being paranoid about the legalities of being high AF in public.
Flaming Hot Cheetos funnel cake Best Around wants to help you with your social media thirst by offering a sweet, savory and spicy monstrosity that'll drive much attention to your feed. Cornmeal, spices, jalapeños, and flaming hot Cheetos are added to the cake mix before it’s fried then topped with nacho cheese and more Cheetos. I might have to pass on this indigestion fest.
Tickets for the Florida State Fair are currently on sale, with a disclaimer that by purchasing a ticket you agree to follow the fair’s COVID-19 protocols. Some of those protocols include a mask requirement when not eating or drinking, increased hand sanitizer stations and social distancing.
Support local journalism in these crazy days. Our small but mighty team is working tirelessly to bring you up to the minute news on how Coronavirus is affecting Tampa and surrounding areas. Please consider making a one time or monthly donation to help support our staff. Every little bit helps.
Want to know everything going on with Tampa Bay's food and drink scene? Sign up for our Bites newsletter.
