The Fried Charcuterie Board Wins at the State Fair

The Fried Charcuterie Board, conceived and executed by Tami Nevins-Mayes and Josey Mayes of Nevins’ Concessions (and the A&E series Deep Fried Dynasty), is the deep fried dish at the State Fair Eater Dallas was most perplexed by. Now, it is the winner of the Big Tex Choice Award for Best Taste — Savory. So now we’re all going to have to try it to see what’s up.

If you missed previous reports, this deep-fried masterpiece is made with fresh mozzarella, salami, and crisp green apples tossed in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Italian herbs. Everything is wrapped in a wonton wrapper and fried, then topped with goat cheese and a drizzle of hot honey.

Other winners include the Peanut Butter Paradise by Chris Easter and Nicole Sternes, built off a deep fried honey bun injected with caramel and topped with peanut butter. It is finished off with Reese’s Pieces, Crushed Butterfinger crumbles, peanut butter cups, drizzled caramel, and powdered sugar. For the record, we were always in the bag to try this one and happily, it took Best Taste — Sweet.

Texas State Fair

And for Most Creative, the winner is the Cha-Cha Chata by the Garza Family, a horchata milkshake served with a churro straw. Obviously an instant classic.

The Texas State Fair opens on September 30.

The Whippersnapper on Henderson Ave. has transformed itself into Whipperfell, a bit of Westeros that no one knew existed and will be around until October 15. Among the recreations of Game of Thrones sets, order up a Westeros ale or Milk of The Poppy cocktail, eat a Dothraki Burger or Little Fingers & Dragon Eggs (ed.: ew), and, of course, get yourself a pic on the Iron Throne (or something very like it).

This pop-up is open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 6:00 pm until 2:00 am.

If you found yourself in London circa the beginning of the 2010s, you’ve likely already experienced the Wagamama phenomenon firsthand. Now, the international Asian-fusion fast casual restaurant is opening its first Texas outpost in Dallas, in The Link at Uptown.

Diners will be able to order ramen bowls, noodle and rice dishes, and curries and salads inspired by Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam cuisines. The lease was just signed, so it might be a hot minute before it opens up.