1 returning, 2 new stands will face off for the best new food at the Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, Iowa — The three finalists for the new Iowa State Fair foods were determined Tuesday at the Best New Food Contest.

The 2024 finalists are:

• Iowa Sm’Oak’ed Roll (an Iowa take on sushi) – Whatcha Smokin? BBQ
• Bacon Cheeseburger Eggroll – Winn & Sara’s Kitchen
• Lobster Corn Dog – Destination Grille

This is the second year that Whatcha Smokin? BBQ will have a stand at the Iowa State Fair, and they were also a finalist last year. Paul Babberl said they are excited to be back at the fair.

But, it’s the first year both Winn & Sara’s Kitchen and Destination Grille have stands at the Fair.

Andrew Sayasane with Winn & Sara’s Kitchen said, “I still think I’m dreaming at home. It feels unreal. It’s surreal. I’m just so super excited for my family.”

Sayasane said their Bacon Cheeseburger Eggroll is a combination of their culture with American culture. When his parents first came to America, they fell in love with the cheeseburger. They decided to mix the burger with eggrolls to represent their Asian heritage.

Destination Grille is also excited to be showcased this year. Along with their lobster corn dogs, they’re also serving their Chicken Strips and a Candy Bacon Gnocchi. All three of these options are gluten-free. This is because Destination Grille recently won Best Gluten-Free Menu in the Metro. They will also serve two mocktails at their stand.

“That’s a huge honor for us and we’re really excited to be part of it and to get our food in the hands of different people that have never been to Grimes, Iowa,” said Jonnann Benedict.

There is a total of 84 new foods this year. The Iowa State Fair runs from August 8 to August 18.

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