There are two things I look forward to every year about the State Fair of Texas – taking a picture with Big Tex and trying as many unhealthy, weird-sounding and delicious foods that I can. But it’s not always easy to find time to make it out to Fair Park. Luckily for me and other busy Plano residents, the best part of the Fair has already arrived in Plano: State Fair-inspired foods.
These local restaurants have come up with their own unique treats, designed to satisfy your craving for all things ultra-sweet or deep-fried (or both). While you may not get the chance to say “Howdy!” to Big Tex this year, you’ll still get to add a few centimeters to your waistline, as all good fairgoers usually do.
Amazeballz
930 E 15th St #200
Bacon aficionados rejoice: Chocolate maple bacon Amazeballs are back, and they are exactly what you need in your life. Three years ago these very treats were actually fried and sold at the State Fair of Texas. Now you can get the non-fried version of these chocolatey concoctions for a limited time at Amazeballz in downtown Plano. The bite-sized dessert is made by mixing together chocolate cake, chocolate frosting, maple syrup and bacon pieces. Next, it is rolled into a ball, dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with more bacon pieces. Although it’s small, it’s full of flavor, making it a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Holy Grail Pub
8240 Preston Rd #150
Enjoy a fried food feast at Holy Grail Pub this week, as the restaurant is offering a unique menu of four State Fair-inspired items through October 15. Any day after 5 p.m. indulge in one of the desserts, such as the deep-fried candied bacon with house-made whipped cream, deep-fried Oreo cheesecake balls with a strawberry preserve dip or deep-fried mini pecan pies with vanilla bean ice cream. Or bite into something a little saltier by ordering the house-made mini corn dogs with fried zucchini chips and habanero mustard. To top it off, Holy Grail Pub will be tapping specialty beers this week to complement the fried food (and to make sure you have an even more gluttonous, Fair-like experience.)
Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar
8401 Preston Rd
Everything is hotter in Texas, and these snacks from Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar are no exception. For candy with a kick, try bacon candy. It’s made with hickory-smoked bacon that has been brushed with brown sugar and topped with crushed red pepper chili flakes and black pepper. Need something to crunch on while you drink? The pow pow popcorn, available only during happy hour, will do the trick! Furikaki seasoning with Nori flakes, garlic, sea salt and chili flakes is added to Lazy Dog’s house-made caramel, and then the popcorn is tossed in. Both food options offer a great balance of sweet and savory flavors, just like the best Fair foods do.
Snuffers
4901 West Park Blvd #521
Made with two chocolate cookies and a creamy center, Oreos are already practically perfect – but Snuffers is making them even better. The restaurant is offering its own version of deep fried Oreos, a classic State Fair staple, for just $3.99 through the end of October. First, double-stuffed Oreos are deep-fried, then they are served with creamy, hand-scooped vanilla ice cream topped with a drizzle of sweet, strawberry sauce. This dessert is so delightful you may never go back to plain Oreos again.
Sugar Ray Bake Shop
4021 Preston Rd
No trip to the State Fair is complete without caramel apples and funnel cake, right? Try new versions of both at Plano’s Sugar Ray Bake Shop. Bobbing for macarons will be your new favorite tradition, as these caramel apple French macarons are irresistible. The outer shell tastes like caramel and apple, with caramel frosting and apple compote stuffed inside. This delectable treat is tastier (and way less messy) than real caramel apples. Also, don’t leave the shop without trying the funnel cake cupcakes. Cinnamon sugar frosting is spread onto a cinnamon cupcake, and a hot, fresh funnel cake dusted with powdered sugar is set delicately on top. One bite of this will have you wishing the Fair came around more often than once a year.
