One of the most popular events of the annual New Mexico State Fair will be held on the opening day of the fair, Thursday, September 8, 2016. The Unique Foods Contest provides an opportunity for fair food vendors to compete amongst themselves to be crowned the reigning champion of creative culinary delights, which is no small task considering the vast array of delicious and unique cuisine options enjoyed by patrons each year at the New Mexico State Fair.
The always exciting competition will kick off at noon at the Mattress Firm Pavilion (Main Stage). The contest is judged by a panel of local TV media personalities. This year’s unique foods contest participants are as follows:
New Mexico Green Chile Peanut Brittle
Vendor Name: Cowboy Nut Shoppe
Booth location: On Heritage Avenue, in front of the Flower Building
The 2015 Unique Foods Contest Winner returns with a local spin on an old time favorite. A blend of New Mexico Green Chile added to an Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe that created a unique sweet and spicy treat.
Bacon Wrapped Green Chile Cheeseburger
Vendor Name: Rex’s Makin’ Bacon
Booth Location: Food Court
Rex’s Makin’ Bacon is taking their famous, fresh, handmade burger, topping it with green chile and American cheese, wrapping it in bacon and deep-frying the whole thing to crispy, brown perfection.
Deep Fried Steak Fajita
Vendor Name: Quesada’s
Booth Location: Food Court
The 2014 Unique Foods Contest Winner returns after taking a year off for a chance to reclaim his victory with a Deep Fried Steak Fajita. Grilled bell peppers, onions, fresh roasted green chile, Applewood smoked bacon, and cheese dipped in a homemade batter and deep fried to golden brown perfection. This fajita comes served with Quesada’s homemade chipotle cream sauce.
Foot Long Deep Fried Bacon Enchilada Dog
Vendor Name: Casa Dog
Booth Location: Main Street, next to Baskin Robbins
A foot long all-beef hot dog, wrapped in a New Mexico corn tortilla, then stuffed with thick smoked bacon and cheese, and smothered in green chile.
Lobster Roll
Vendor Name: Gator and Taters
Booth Location: Food Court
A New Mexico State Fair twist on this classic New England favorite, this yummy sandwich is a combination of lobster claw and tail meats sautéed in butter, parsley, garlic, and diced green chile served on a deli roll with a touch of chipotle mayo.
Green Chile Maple Bacon Mini Donuts
Vendor Name: Tom Tom Donuts
Booth Location: North end of Main Street
Fresh hot mini donuts drizzled with a sweet and spicy green chile maple frosting with crumbled salty bacon over the top.
Smothered and Covered Chicken Nuggets
Vendor Name: Stuffies
Booth Location: Food Court
Chicken nuggets on a stick, deep fried to a golden brown, then topped with grilled peppers, onions, jalapenos and melted cheese.
Marshmallow Delights
Vendor Name: Extreme Ice Cream
Booth Location: Food Court
Extra large marshmallow wrapped in cookie dough and dipped in chocolate covered with a choice of Oreo cookies, nuts, sprinkles, or Reese’s Pieces.
"The Unique Foods Contest has been cited as one of the reasons we are ranked among the top fairs in the country, and has allowed us to gain national recognition for our exceptional food," stated Dan Mourning, General Manager of EXPO New Mexico. "Our unique food options are so popular that we have been contacted by national travel and food networks eager to come to New Mexico to sample and feature our delicious food."