Western Fair’s menu: Foot-long fries, deep-fried candy bars … and vegetables, too

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We’ve given our recommendations for the thrill-seekers at the Western Fair, but what about when your tummy starts rumbling? Reporter Jack Moulton honed in on some of the unique and popular food fair-goers can dine on during the event’s 10-day run that ends Sunday.

WESTERN FAIR STAPLE

If you ask anyone familiar with one of North America’s oldest midways what type of food you should look into, there’s a decent chance they will recommend the great Canadian back bacon sandwich from Peel and Squeal.

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Coming in at $9 before tax, the sandwich is made with back bacon, caramelized onions and a slice of aged white cheddar, glazed with a jerk marmalade. It’s even given a prominent spot inside the Agriplex kitchen.

“Years ago, (the fair) always had a vendor who came in and sold back bacon, and they haven’t had it for a while,” said Melissa Lassaline, kitchen manager at Top Of The Fair restaurant. “So, that was kind of in our minds, in bringing it back for a little memory of that. We’re trying it out this year, and people seem to be enjoying it.”

She and other kitchen staff say it’s been one of the first items on the menu to need replenishing.

FRIED FOOD GALORE

Looking for something a little more filling? Curly’s Curds has a selection including traditional fair food and fare that’s different.

You can find curly fries for $8 and poutine for $13, but also fried cheese curds for $14, fried pickles for $9, buffalo cauliflower for $16, or even a giant mozzarella stick for $14.

Western University students Devarsh Shah and Nikhita Austin came to the fair after class Wednesday, and were immediately looking for vegetarian options.

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“I looked at this, and I was like, this looks real good,” Shah said, talking about the novelty of the fried curds. “Then, the picture of the deep fried poutine. . . . We’re Canadian, you can’t stop yourself.”

FRIED SWEETS

Continuing on the fried food trend, if you’re looking for more sweet than savoury, why not try a deep-fried dessert?

You’ve got options at the Sugar Pops stand, including deep fried Oreos, Mars bars, Twinkies, ice cream sandwiches or even cheesecake. The deep-fried treats range from $8 to $17.

Andrew Haines and Tracy Mallow are previous fans of the Oreo cheesecake, but Mallow settled on the fried Mars bar.

“Plain and simple, but it’s good,” she said. “(Haines is) going to go for some hot food, but me, I need sweets.”

THE (FOOT) LONG HAUL

If you’re yearning for something that you can make last, why not foot-long fries from Freakk Fries?

For $14.15, you can get a basket of the “longest fries ever.” You can nibble on them plain, or get a condiment drizzle such as chipotle mayo, sour cream and cheese, butter chicken, ranch bacon, curry ketchup and even chocolate.

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Vaibhav Panchal said the most popular order is the fries with garlic parmesan drizzle.

THERE ARE SOME VEGETABLES HERE

A healthier option at the fair, or a good way to round out some good barbecue, is roasted corn.

Tim Malcolm, manager of the roasted corn cart by PK Barbecue, said corn, served on the cob or in a cup, is perfect for fall.

“The corn is a really big seller for us, so it’s been going good so far,” he said. “A lot of people associate corn on the cob, they think Thanksgiving or turkey and that kind of stuff.”

For $10, you can get roasted buttered corn, but for $12 you can get a parmesan garlic, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos or Taki’s coating on your corn.

Lori Mansfield and Jay Davis appreciated the corn stand was surrounded by other barbecue vendors.

“The pairing of the corn across from the ribs was intelligent, because that kind of drove us down here,” Mansfield said. “This is not something you see every day.”

HUNGRY NOW?

The fair is into its closing days, running until Sunday, Sept. 15. Gates open at 3 p.m. Friday, and at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

For more details, including about fair promotions, go to westernfair.ca

jmoulton@postmedia.com

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