2009: Just outside of here, the Fried Green Tomatoes are great. Mix ranch and Tabasco while you wait for them to cool. They're tart, yielding and crunchy.
2009: At Sonny's Tornado Potato Spiral Chips, skip the stick and get the huge basket. Watch them use the power drill. The chips are shockingly light and crisp. Plenty to share.
2009: Peach Glazed Pig Cheeks at Famous Dave's are a deal for $5. The portion is enough to share. A bit underpowered but a good balance of flavors, ultra-tender and not fried!
2009: The Krumkake is a sweet wafer cone with macerated blueberries and strawberries with whipped cream. Surprisingly light, sweet and fresh.
2009: It obnoxiously pollutes with fumes & noise as you wait but the result is quite smooth; almost like soft serve. Try the strawberry as the strawberries taste quite fresh.
2009: The cinnamon roasted pecans sold at European Roasted Nuts outside the Education building are like miniature crunchy pecan pies.
2009: In the back, taste free samples of the balsamic vinegar & olive oil from Pastamoré. Try the strawberry and fig balsamic. Well, try them all, really.
2009: It may be the best deal at the fair: the Cider Freezes found near the apples. For only a buck they are packed with flavor, last long & quite refreshing.
2009: Salty Tart is set up southeast of the building and serving coconut macaroons. 3 for $5. They're chewy yet tender; not too sweet. Strong toasted coconut flavor.
2009: Talk to Vern about Fortner's salt-free (and gluten-free) seasonings.
2009: The best sampling here is likely the huckleberry jams from Montana Huckleberries on the south end of the building. Hard not to buy a few jars.
2009: Go to Renewing the Countryside's booth in front of the Eco Experience get Stanly's Sugarbush Maple soda. Almost creamy, not oversweet, and very refreshing.
2009: The new Sunnies in a Boat are delicate, taste fresh and well-balanced with a tiny squeeze of lemon.
2009: Smoked Salmon-on-a-stick. It's molasses brined Atlantic salmon with raspberry chipotle and Walla Walla onions. Makes a great sweet / hot pairing. Generous portion for $5.25.
2009: Try a free sample of garlic from "Garlic Gourmay" on the first floor building.
2009: Go straight to the back to view the well-lit and extensive displays of food and awards.
2009: Summit Beer on a Stick: $7.50 for a paddle holding three 7 fl oz cups of Extra Pale Ale, Horizon Red and Oktoberfest... and you keep the paddle.
