State Fair goes local with Minneapolis Midtown Global Market

In case you need enticement to take in the Fair more than once, take the culinary route. Though the diversity and abundance of ethnic delicacies are too much to survey, much less consume, some locally-based small businesses at  Midtown Global Market offer an interesting variety.

In an arrangement that allows all of the tenants to keep the home fires burning while they staff the Fair concessions, MGM restaurants take turns at the International Bazaar

• La Loma Tamales proffered their signature pork or vegetarian tamales (2/$5) through August 29.

• Aug. 30 - Sept. 2:  Safari Express, NEW to the State Fair this year, will offer food from East Africa, including camel on a stick, a centuries old delicacy, for $5.  Owner Jamal Hashi and his staff will also feature mango on a stick for $5, Somali sambuzas, one for $3 or two for $5, and an authentic African cooler for $3.

• Sept. 3-6:  Jakeeno's Trattoria will feature garlic cheesy bread with marinara sauce, 3 pieces for $6.  The Jakeeno's team will also be bringing back their four-star pear and gorgonzola salad with candied walnuts for $5, prosciutto wrapped asparagus, two for $5, and authentic Italian soda for $5.  

Three other Midtown Global Market businesses will be located in the International Bazaar throughout the twelve days of the Fair.

• Holy Land Grocery and Deli dishes-up authentic Middle Eastern fare;
• West Indies Soul Food features traditional Caribbean food;
• Fiesta in America offers an assortment of Mexican candy.

Some Midtown businesses also have concessions outside the International Bazaar:

Manny's Tortas will be hawking his tortas in the Food Building throughout the Fair. Manny's blends a non-alcoholic pina colada served in a fresh pineapple ($7) to wash down their classic tortas ($5) each. Manny's tortas, Cuban, chicken or vegetarian sandwiches, are replete with cheese, tomato, lettuce, onion, avocado, jalapenos, refried beans and chipotle pepper mayo.

The Produce Exchange features their popular "Big As Yo' Face" sweet and juicy peaches in the Agriculture Building, across from the entrance to the International Market.

Also in the Agriculture Building, Salty Tart bakery will serve their award-winning macaroons.

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Café Finspang, selling authentic Scandinavian gifts, will be located in Heritage Square.

Bon Appetit!

CORRECTION 8/30/2010: Thanks to MGM's Megan Swanson for corrections to the schedule, listed above.

Mary Treacy

Mary Treacy believes firmly in freedom of information and social justice. Please visit my blog at:  http://marytreacy.wordpress.com