Courtesy of the State Fair of Texas
The countdown is on for one of the tastiest traditions in Texas. The State Fair of Texas has announced the 15 finalists for the 21st Annual Big Tex Choice Awards, presented by Karbach Brewing Company — and this year, there's a brand-new category in the mix.
For the first time ever, the Fair will honor the Best Taste – Sipper, spotlighting the wildest, most creative drinks alongside its iconic sweet and savory contenders. The other categories, Best Taste – Savory, Best Taste – Sweet, and Most Creative, return for another round of deep-fried, sugar-dusted cheese-smothered glory.
Courtesy of the State Fair of Texas
Out of a record-breaking 76 entries submitted by 50 concessionaires, only 15 remain. Each finalist was judged on uniqueness, creativity, presentation and, of course, taste. They’ll now go head-to-head in front of a panel of celebrity judges on Thursday, August 21, to determine the winners at the Most Texan Place on Earth.
The good news? Whether a dish made the final cut or not, all semifinalist creations will be available at the Fair this year—so foodies won’t miss a single bite.
In the Best Taste – Savory, contenders include Brisket & Brew Stuffed Pretzels, Crab & Mozzarella Arancini, Deep Fried Deli Tacos, a Vietnamese Crunch Dog and Wagyu Bacon Cheeseburger Deviled Egg Sliders.
Courtesy of State Fair of Texas
Best Taste – Sweet finalists are the Candy Lemon Sour Face, Chill & Thrill Delight, Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake, Rousso’s Dubai Chocolate Funnel Cake Fries and Tex’s Toast á la Mode.
Best Taste – Sipper finalists are the Coconut Quadruple, Cookie Chaos Milkshake, Hot Honeycomb Lemonade Shake Up, Nevins Dirty Red Bull Tex-arita and a Poppin' Boba Rita.