This year, the threat of the coronavirus canceled state fairs across the country. đ«
Some states still plan on livestock shows and other 4-H events. đ But don't expect carnival rides or deep-fried delights such as funnel cakes, fried Oreos and corn dogs. Such delicacies sadly won't return until 2021.
But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy deep-fried treats right here in Kansas City! You can still find these essential summer foods in Kansas and Missouri, whether the fair goes on or not.
Please note: All the recommendations here are current as of Tuesday at 3 p.m., but with COVID-19, it's never a bad idea to double check that restaurants are open.
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For the first time in more than a century, officials canceled the Kansas State Fair due to rising cases of COVID-19. The Missouri State Fair wrapped up last weekend, with only the youth livestock show continuing as the rest of the festivities were canceled.
That leaves thousands of typical state fair attendees without their annual excuse to indulge in some deep-fried favorites. But thanks to some area restaurants, you can get your annual corn dog fix fried with a side of fancy.
Q39, for example, offers a pork belly and sausage corn dog with barbecue sauce and maple syrup. And Terrebonne CafĂ© in Lawrence serves a Cajun corn dog made of andouille sausage; these dogs are coated in hushpuppy batter and deep-fried and served with creole honey mustard. đŻ Both restaurants offer carryout; Q39 is open for dine-in service and also offers curbside pickup.
But, if you want to stick to the classics, Charlie Hooperâs Brookside Bar&Grille has you covered. Twin City Tavern and Westport Flea Market offer mini corn dogs, too.
Check out KCURâs Food Criticsâ recommendations for Best Hot Dogs and Sausages in KC.
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| 2. Deep-fried funnel cake, Oreos and Twinkies đŻÂ
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Draftcade, the vintage arcade and drafthouse in Zona Rosa, has 60 beers on tap. They also have lots of delicious fried foods.
Look for Twinkies deep-fried in funnel cake batter. Theyâre served with whipped cream, raspberry puree and vanilla bean ice cream. You can also get deep-fried Oreos with Nutella and vanilla bean ice cream. đš
Hamburger Maryâs serves Deep Fried Twinks: Two deep-fried Twinkies with raspberry sauce and whipped cream. The menu specifies that theyâre only 490 calories each.
If your neighborhood is planning an outdoor, socially-distanced gathering, the occasion might call for a visit from the Funnel Cake Truck. In addition to funnel cakes, they offer cotton candy as well as deep-fried candy bars, Oreos and Twinkies. đ€€
For additional funnel cake finds, consider Bite & Bean in North Kansas City or Iron Horse BBQ in Platte City for funnel cake fries. PaleterĂas Tropicana offers funnel cakes as well.
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| 3. Fried green tomatoes, please đ
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Fried green tomatoes are a tasty summer side dish.
Theyâre usually considered a Southern staple, but food writer and culinary historian Robert F. Moss argues that they originated in the Midwest, first cropping up in 19th-century cookbooks. đ©âđł
For local recommendations, we looked to Liz Cook at The Pitch, one of KCURâs regular food critics. In a 2019 review, Cook described the fried green tomatoes at SoirĂ©e Steak & Oyster House âas thick as porterhouse but tender all the way through.â
She added, âThe crumbly breading didnât stay crisp long beneath a blanket of roasted red pepper and crawfish, but I didnât need much incentive to eat them quickly.â
For more green tomatoes, check out the menus at Black Sheep and Gusâs World Famous Fried Chicken â which also offers fried pickles đ„ and fried okra.
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One of the traditions many Kansans will miss this year, as a result of the Kansas fair cancelation, is breakfast and lunch at the Kansas Kitchen and Bakery. For more than 20 years, the sit-down cafĂ© operated by Wheatland CafĂ© has served around 36 dozen cinnamon rolls and 500 apple dumplings a day. đ„
And then there are bierocks (pictured above) â not widely known outside of Kansas and Nebraska (in Nebraska, theyâre called runzas).Â
The hand-held meat pie was introduced to the Midwest by German and Eastern European immigrants. It provided a hearty and portable lunch for farmers working in the fields. Bierocks are stuffed with ground beef, cabbage, carrots, đ„ onions đ§
and spices. The folks at Wheatland add grated cheddar cheese đ§ before the dough is folded, sealed and baked.Â
If youâre looking for bierocks in Kansas City, you can find them at Bloom Baking Company, The Laughing Place Bakery (only available on Fridays, so call ahead to reserve), Wiener Wagon/Wiener Kitchen and You Say Tomato.Â
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| 5. Don't forget the black walnuts
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More and more, state fairs are emphasizing locally sourced ingredients alongside the battered and the fried.
The Missouri Grown Bistro & Market typically serves up farm to table dishes, with ingredients sourced from Missouri farmers, ranchers and producers as part of a growing Missouri State Fair tradition.Â
One ingredient thatâs always prominently featured is the American Black Walnut â the official tree nut of Missouri.
Black walnut lovers, never fear. This year, you can get your own black walnuts straight from the source via Osage Pecan Company in Butler, MO; Osceola Cheese in Osceola, MO; and multiple other Kansas and Missouri hulling locations, starting October 1.
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| Â More Adventures in Kansas City
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|  | Musicians of the KC Symphony: Parking Lot Concert
Enjoy a concert of classical favorites and popular tunes at the Campground Restaurant and Bar on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. Bring your own lawn chair and don't forget your mask. Learn more.
| |  | Mission Outdoor Movie: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Watch the classic film at Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site Friday, Aug. 28 at 8:45 p.m. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets, snacks and masks. Learn more.
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