10K Lakes Nice: Must. Stop. Eating.

I'm sure I've said this before, but I really love going home to MN. It's a combination of fond memories and the fact that I don't live there anymore, as well as the fantastic summer weather. There's something about driving with the windows down, cheesy Top 40 radio station blasting, on my way to eat something tasty and see some old friends that just makes me so blissfully happy.

This particular trip I saw a lot of people in a short period of time and I ate more food than I should have.


Here was my original food wish list from before I left and what I actually ate (in blue):

• Hot mini-donuts from the MN State Fair CHECK. 1 bag.
  
• French fries from the MN State Fair CHECK
• Cheese curds from the MN State Fair CHECK
• Something breaded and deep fried on a stick from the MN State Fair Not enough stomach space for this. I heard the bacon on a stick was good. The bucket of chocolate chip cookies was tempting also.

• Baker's Square french silk pie CHECK. I almost had to skip this one, I was so full. But it just wasn't right for me to not have some.
  

• Dairy Queen Girl Scout Thin Mint Blizzard CHECK. First night. Had a 2nd Blizzard on our last day.
  

• Hot Fudge malt from Snuffy's (or Annie's or Malt Shop) I had a malt from the State Fair Dairy Goodness Building. Not nearly as good as Snuffy's or Annie's.

• Torte slices from Wuollet bakery CHECK.
  

• Vietnamese food in Frogtown CHECK. Although at a fancier than expected spot.
  

• Arby's roast beef sandwich Sadly, no time for this--ended up having lunch with my friend Jon (from NY) who happened to be in town for work. I didn't think it was proper to take him to Arby's his first time in MSP.
• Eclairs from a big chain grocery store Too full. I went into a grocery store to get one, but just couldn't do it. However, I did get a slice of grocery store sheet cake. Fabulous.
  
• I've also been thinking of the cheese bread at Carbone's. I was never fond of their pizza, but that bread is good. No time for this.

One place I did go to that wasn't on the list is the Uptowner Cafe on Grand Avenue, in my old neighborhood. They make some great hash browns. And the bacon is thick cut--much better than anything you'd get in a New York diner.



















I also didn't mention the best sweet corn ever at the State Fair. So sweet and juicy! Rumor has it that the family that owns that corn stand only works the 12 days out of the year for the Fair and that's all, they turn such a huge profit.

I am currently on a deep-fried food detox. I am also in dire need of a nap.

MN State Fair: You Betcha!

I don't think there is any way to make it clearer: Minnesotans do not mess around when it comes to the State Fair. It's been around since 1859. The 320 acre fair grounds are located in the Twin Cities, and well over 110,000 attend each of the 12 days. Rumor has it we are one of the largest state fairs in existence, second only to Texas.

Also, I should mention we like our deep fried foods. Even better if on a stick.

We had the most delicious of treats: super sweet corn on the cob, cheese curds, fresh lemonade, french fries, malts from the Dairy Building and the best of the best, fresh hot mini-donuts.