Fried Beer at State Fair “An Unholy Union,” Writes Sommelier Heather Green

When it comes to wacky new State Fair foods, I keep an open mind.  I am an admitted State Fair of Texas geek, and sampling some of the winners and finalists is part of my yearly pilgrimage to Fair Park.  Some times I am pleasantly surprised (this year’s Fried Club Sandwich, for instance), sometimes not (Fried Coke a few years back was just too syrupy).  But this year, for the first time, I found myself wondering:  What were they thinking?  Fried beer?

No, it doesn’t work.  Imagine little raviolis filled with cheap beer, then deep-fried.  When I bit into one, warm beer leaked out of doughy, undercooked pasta and flooded my mouth with a sensation that was in no way pleasant.  Really, an unholy union.  Lukewarm, flavorless ballpark nacho sauce- in no way related to cheese- did nothing to enhance the experience.  Truly this is Fair food based on a dare.

Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained!  My overall food experience this year was quite satisfying.  That Fried Club Sandwich offered an enjoyable combination of flavors and textures, and didn’t seem forced.  Fried Fritos Pie was tasty, in a “this will kill me eventually” kind of way.  The giant overstuffed gordita, always a favorite, was as good as I remembered.

So get to the State Fair and let your freaky food flag fly!

Just be sure to get your beer in a cup- no pasta or sauce.

Green is certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers as a Sommelier. She is a member of the wine and spirits team at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in Dallas and writes about wine and spirits for EscapeHatchDallas.com.