The Mid-State Fair...Deep Fried

Last night we made the two hour trip to the Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles, CA. We mainly went to see Brad Paisley (love, love, love) in concert but it also didn't hurt that this fair, along with most fairs, is filled with deep fried apparently-anything-you-can-gluttoningly-imagine. (I say "most" because it wouldn't surprise me if the fairs in, say, Oregon only had steamed tofu and quinoa burgers...hippies.)

I will venture out to say that almost anything is better deep fried. Case in point...I despise zucchini. However, if you deep fry it, I will make it my bitch. Granted, it is hard to tell whether it is the deep frying or the ranch dressing or a combination of both that makes this greasy culinary method so great, but I would be willing to do a side by side taste test so that you all can be better informed.

We started out with a corn dog, which wasn't the best I have ever had, but was still promptly devoured. That was followed by deep fried artichoke hearts which were tasty, crispy and hot (the three requirements, by the way, for a perfect fried food) but the ranch dressing was a disappointment.

The pinnacle of the night, however, was after the concert (and three glasses of wine). Funnel cake. It was incredible. Someone at work today told me she had never had a funnel cake. And then I was sad for her.

I have yet to try any of the newest fried concoctions that have recently made their debut at fairs and carnivals around the world, but I am certainly not afraid of a fried twinkie, snickers or oreo. I actually have no idea if they even have fairs and carnivals around the world, but it gives my statement an added sense of panache (yes, I got that word from Rob).

I am, however, afraid of fried butter. My stomach is not, but my arteries are, and apparently you need them to live. Therefore, they win that fight.

So, next time you see a Ferris Wheel on the horizon, for the love of all that is holy, follow it until you find sweet sweet smell of old hot oil. You won't regret it. Well, you will immediately regret it, but once the indigestion and bloating wears off, you will left with the lovely memory of deep fried goodness.

Cheers!