The Indiana State Fair's annual culinary clash, 'Taste of the Fair,' has crowned a new champion this year, signaling a shift in the fair's food hierarchy. Nitro Hog BBQ, a food truck that has become a staple on the county fair circuit since 2015, has snagged the first-place title with its inventive fried sugar biscuit and pulled pork with apple butter barbecue sauce. Owners Jessica and Jeff Orme pivoted from their second-place finish last year with a dish that has fairgoers and judges alike savoring every bite. "We were tired of coming in second," Jessica Orme told IndyStar in an interview.
The triumph of Nitro Hog BBQ disrupts the two-year winning streak of previous champion, Swains Concessions, known for their unique pizza offerings. The victory was sweetened by a public vote, hinting at the appeal of the Ormes' dish among the wider fair audience. The winning creation balances the sweetness of the fried biscuit and apple butter with the savory pulled pork. According to the IndyStar, this culinary delight delivers a "commendable marriage of two classic comfort dishes," teetering on the edge of too much flavor, but managing to impress nevertheless.
Yet, it's not only bragging rights that the Ormes take home as the Taste of the Fair winners. They also receive a cash prize and the esteemed Golden Ticket entry to the World Food Championships event to be held in Indianapolis at the State Fairgrounds this fall. This distinction provides them with the chance to showcase their talents on a global stage. As detailed in the FOX59 report, the winners were determined by fairgoers' votes throughout the duration of the fair.
Innovation and creativity at the State Fair have never been so deliciously celebrated as with the announcement of this year's 'Taste of the Fair' winners. With the bar raised high, concessionaires across the fairgrounds have set new standards for what it means to satiate the palates of adventurous eaters. Aside from Nitro Hog BBQ's accolade, the public voted in favor for, second and third place winners as they also make their way to the national competition with Golden Ticket entries in hand. The prize not only offers prestige but also the opportunity to compete amongst top-tier foodsmiths from around the country. WRTV notes the significance of hosting the World Food Championships event in Indianapolis this year, saying it's "the first time in history" for the city to have this honor.
