2 chefs rate 9 crazy fried foods, desserts and sandwiches at the Iowa State Fair
Editor's note: This article has been updated with the correct last name for the couple. It is Robertson.
This fall, one of the most-anticipated restaurant openings in Des Moines brings two chefs, one handling savory, the other sweets, on the New American menu. They also happen to be married.
Ian and Jess Robertson took some time away from opening Oak Park on Ingersoll Avenue to make the trek to the Iowa State Fair. The couple — Ian as executive chef and Jess as pastry chef — married five years ago but have been together for 11 and have three children. They tried 10 crazy fried foods and dessert treats at the Iowa State Fair, as well as one iconic drink.
This year, the State Fair features more than 50 items on a stick, 64 new dishes, and three vying for best of the fair honors, so experts were needed to suss out favorites.
Everything the Robertsons tried was paid for by the Des Moines Register.
What is the corn dog rating system?
Our rating system, all meant in good fun, ranges from one to four corn dogs.
One corn dog signifies a dish that’s just OK; two a good, solid example of a dish; three denotes a superior and memorable dish; while four corn dogs marks a transcendent dish that sets the local example.
Here's a look at the dishes they tried:
OMG chicken sandwich
What is it?: This dish features a doughnut cut in half sandwiching fried chicken with bacon.
Cost: $12
Where to find it: Chicken City south of the Susan Knapp Amphitheater
Ian’s verdict: There's nothing better than fried chicken and a doughnut early in the morning. A 4. A hard 4 corn dogs.
Jess's verdict: Pretty good, even with ranch and mustard. 4 corn dogs.
Rating: 4 corn dogs
Funnel cake
What is it? A State Fair staple, funnel cake is made from a light batter squeezed out of a tube, then fried and dusted with powdered sugar.
Cost: $9
Where to find it: Jada’s Funnel Cake, north side of Grand Avenue, south of Susan Knapp Amphitheater
Ian’s verdict: The oil's clean. Very tasty. A solid 3.
Jess's verdict: It's more fluffy than I can remember. Maybe needs a little salt. 3 corn dogs
Rating: 3 corn dogs
Wonder Bar
What is it? Vanilla ice cream on a stick dipped in chocolate and coated in sprinkles or nuts.
Cost: $8 for two
Where to find it: Well’s Wonder Bar, on the corner of Rock Island and Grand avenues
Ian’s verdict: 2 corn dogs
Jess's verdict: This is really refreshing. 3 corn dogs. I would order this again.
Rating: 2.5 corn dogs
Corn dog
What is it? A staple of any fair, this dish on a stick features a beef hot dog coated in a cornmeal-based dough batter and then deep fried.
Cost: $6
Where to find it: Everywhere, but this one is at Campbell’s Boss Hog Stand, east of the Administration Building
Ian’s verdict: I'm not a big cornmeal batter guy. 2 corn dogs.
Jess's verdict: It's just so Iowa State Fair. It's good. It's salty enough. It's easy to eat. 4 corn dogs.
Rating: 3 corn dogs
Cheese curds
What is it? Another fair staple is cheese curds, made with mild cheddar curds battered and deep fried.
Cost: $8
Where to find it: Brad & Harry’s Cheese Curds Grand Concourse in front of the Varied Industries Building or Triangle
Ian’s verdict: Just 3 corn dogs. They're better with the marinara.
Jess's verdict: I give these guys 4 corn dogs.
Rating: 3.5 corn dogs
Bauder's peppermint bar
What is it? $8
Where to find it: Bauder's on Rock Island Avenue south of the Agriculture Building
Ian’s verdict: 4 corn dogs
Jess's verdict: I love peppermint ice cream. 5 out of 4 corn dogs. Jess later said this was one of the best things she ate.
Rating: 4.5 corn dogs
Lobster roll
What is it? Lobster meat combined with capers, mayo and green onions on a brioche roll
Where to find it: JR's Southpork Ranch on Rock Island Avenue
Cost: $29
Ian’s verdict: You can tell they put time and effort into it. It's the best value at the fair. That bread was nice. 5 out of 4 corn dogs
Jess's verdict: 4 corn dogs
Rating: 4.5 corn dogs
Lemonade
What is it? Freshly squeezed lemons, water and sugar.
Where to find it: Everywhere, but these were at Crutchfield's Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, southwest of the Administration Building
Cost: $6
Ian’s verdict: Refreshing. 7 out of 4 corn dogs
Jess's verdict: It tasted homemade and it wasn't too tart. 4 corn dogs
Rating: 5.5 corn dogs
Mini doughnuts
What is it? Pillowy mini doughnuts topped with sugar.
Cost: $8
Where to find it: Miller's Concessions, east of the Administration Building
Ian’s verdict: Absolutely great. 4 corn dogs
Jess's verdict: Better than the funnel cake. 4 corn dogs
Rating: 4 corn dogs
More on the Iowa State Fair
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Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 2 chefs try fried foods, desserts at the Iowa State Fair in 2023
