2018 BIG TEX CHOICE AWARDS
The 14TH ANNUAL BIG TEX CHOICE AWARDS, PRESENTED BY VISTAPRINT, will be held Sunday, August 26 at 2 p.m. in the historic Tower Building in Fair Park.
Tickets to the 2018 Big Tex Choice Awards ceremony are $125 each. Included with your ticket is one admission ticket to the State Fair, exclusive Fair gear, and a commemorative State Fair refillable cup. All proceeds from the event go to the State Fair Scholarship Fund.
2018 BIG TEX CHOICE AWARD WINNERS
WINNER “BEST TASTE – SAVORY”
Fernie’s Hoppin’ John Cake with Jackpot Sauce
by Winter Family Concessions
WINNER “BEST TASTE – SWEET”
Arroz con Leche (Sweet Crispy Rice)
by Garza Family
WINNER “MOST CREATIVE”
Cotton Candy Taco
by Justin and Rudy Martinez
2018 SAVORY FINALISTS
DEEP FRIED SHEPHERD’S PIE
by Clint Probst
Shredded cheddar cheese and cream is mixed into savory mashed potato pillows. Each potato ball is filled with Grandma’s shepherd’s pie filling made of ground beef, mixed vegetables, and rich beef gravy. Our special seasoning creates an explosion of flavors and textures as the filling and creamy potatoes mix with each bite.
TEXAS FRIED HILL COUNTRY
by Rudy and Justin Martinez
Fried mozzarella is complimented with locally-grown basil, sandwiched between two slices of juicy green tomatoes, and hand-breaded with seasoned breadcrumbs and flash fried to gooey perfection. Each dish is served on a bed of field greens, finished with balsamic drizzle and sweet local Texas honey.
TEXAS TWANG-KIE
by Chris & Sherry Howard
Cornbread cake is baked to moist perfection, hollowed out, and filled with a culinary masterpiece of Tex-Mex grilled chicken white bean chili! Each twang-kie is served with cornbread fries and more chili for dipping. A savory twist on an American classic!
DEEP FRIED SKILLET POTATO MELT IN A BOAT
by Tom Grace
Buttery skillet potatoes are griddled golden brown, combined with diced breakfast sausage patties and packed around a mini Babybel® cheese loaf. Seasoned in flour and dipped in the fryer, the skillet potato melts are then served up in the potato skins they came from and topped with melted cheddar and crispy bacon bites. A sour cream chipotle sauce is drizzled across the top and served on the side for dipping!
FERNIE’S HOPPIN’ JOHN CAKE WITH JACKPOT SAUCE
by Winter Family Concessions
Creamy black-eyed peas, fluffy white rice, spicy smoked sausage, aromatic green onions, and a secret blend of spices are combined with breadcrumbs and eggbeaters to form a generous Texas-sized cake. This savory cake is breaded, deep fried, and topped with a zingy black-eyed pea relish, garnished with pickled okra, and served with a side of Jackpot Sauce.