WEST ALLIS, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — As the Wisconsin State Fair nears the half-way point, many of the estimated one million visitors will check out the rides, the animals, and of course places to eat and drink.
What are the best locations?
The Sporkies and Drinkies Champions may be a place to begin.
Some describe it as a savory take on a sweet classic. The Executive Chef at Wurstbar calls it the Beer Cheese Wisconsin Lava Cake.
“Milwaukee Pretzel Company pretzel bun. We inject it with our house-made beer cheese soup, and then drizzle hot honey on top of it, and just a sprinkle of salt. And it’s pretty straightforward,” said Curtis Peterson, Wurstbar Executive Chef.
Curtis Peterson says the Sporkie’s winner is selling quickly, even on warm summer day.
“Soup is not something that that you would generally eat in this weather. It seems like it’s been a great big hit so far. We knew going into it that we had a good shot at winning, and it’s paying off, big time,” he said.
Each order is $11. Fairgoer Taylor Urbaniak says trying the lava cake is a must.
“I got the email, so it’s definitely on my to-do list. The first thing I got today. So, I had to make sure I got one. I personally love getting to try something interesting. So, I had to give it a try, especially since it was the number one winner,” said Taylor Urbaniak, Neenah.
About a block away, at the corner of Central Ave and First Street is a stand called The Old Fashioned Sipper Club. The site is home to the very first Drinkies Champion.
“It’s the inaugural year, and we were able to come in first place. We’re super-excited about it with our Ferris Mule. What is a Ferris Mule? A Ferris Mule is going to have some ginger beer in it, with some blackberries, and some rosemary. Just an incredibly refreshing cocktail, and it’s non-alcoholic, I should say,” said Josh Erickson, Old Fashioned Sipper Club.
Josh Erickson says the Ferris Mule is priced at $12. Kelsey Wackman says the drink is delicious.
“It’s ginger beer heavy, with refreshing blackberry notes. It’s very good on this the hottest day of the fair. Very refreshing,” said Kelsey Wackman, Vernon.
If you want to check out the winners or any of the other offerings there’s still time.
The Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis runs through Sunday.