Farm To Fork bits and bobs...

I found these posts from Angie Turner (my chef) in the Farm to Fork series and thought you might enjoy a peek into her life .... Here we go...

OMG, I love the state fair. I feel like a little girl as we finally arrive at the parking lot. I note our row and the closest section marker up on the light poles. When I was a kid, it was my job to remember Section 24, Row D. Now, I key it into my phone note app just in case I forget.

The parking lot is dirt and now crushed grass that had been cut probably a few weeks ago in preparation for the thousands(?) of cars that will be parked here for the next week and two days. I can smell the fryers setting up, getting ready for the crowds and my mouth waters for a freshly made corn dog. Slathered with plain yellow mustard.

The best food ever.

When I went to California for a few years, I tried to find a corn dog that matched the ones I devour during Fair week. No luck. Either the hot dog was off, or they used frozen corn dogs and re-heated them in the fryer. Just not the same.

Yes, I'm a corn dog purist.

There are other foods that I must eat while I'm here. Fudge from one of the vendors in the exhibition hall. A hamburger covered in onions fried on a flat top. And for dessert? A baked potato made out of ice cream.

This is the Idaho State Fair after all.

This year, I'll be working during the fair. Felicia signed us up for restaurant wars. Mostly it's a marketing thing. Good for business. And it gets our name out there. I have to say, winning against some of the more established local restaurants wouldn't hurt my feelings any. Being the 'country' farm to fork place is sometimes challenging to get respect out of the culinary community.

I'm not totally looking for respect. I'll be happy if we have a good showing. It's about the bottom line and keeping The County Seat in the green.

But I'd love it if we won.

I've got to get going and figure out the game plan here. First up? Date night with Ian. It's time to let my inner child play a little. I'll work tomorrow.

What's your favorite memory of a local fair?