DALLAS, TEXAS – August 14, 2019 – The final countdown to three of the most coveted food titles in all of Texas begins. The State Fair of Texas is proud to partner with Metro by T-Mobile to present the 15th Annual Big Tex® Choice Awards.
On Sunday, August 25, three winners will be crowned in the categories of: “Best Taste – Sweet,” “Best Taste – Savory,” and “Most Creative.” The competition began in early July with an impressive 49 entries represented by 30 concessionaires. Of those entries, 33 were selected as semi-finalists. Each entry was evaluated on four Fair-food elements: uniqueness, creativity, presentation, and taste. After some tasty tests and delicious dishes, votes were cast and the results are finally in! Now, the top ten finalists must present themselves to a prestigious panel of celebrity judges in hopes of securing one of the top spots. If your favorite entry did not make the final cut, fret not, concessionaires may still choose to introduce their creation at their stand as a new food during this year’s Fair.
Without delay, the State Fair of Texas is happy to announce the 10 finalists that will be competing for the titles of “Best Taste – Savory,” “Best Taste – Sweet,” and “Most Creative” in the 2019 Big Tex Choice Awards competition.
Calypso Island Shrimp Bowl by Stephen Alade (SAVORY)
Tasty and colorful tropical cabbage stir fry with fresh carrots, kale, scallions, ginger, and sweet red bell peppers, served on a yellow tropical rice topped with herbaceous grilled Caribbean (marinated) shrimp and a sweet and spicy tropical glaze. Not only does it look like the tropics, but it offers tremendous flavor as well. The veggies are cooked just right on a high heat to provide a slight crunch. The shrimp offers a succulent herbaceous note and the
sweet and spicy chili glaze kicks it up a notch, providing a tantalizing finish.
Fernie’s Fried Burnt End Burrito by Winter Family Concessions (SAVORY)
The pinnacle of barbecue combined with everyone’s favorite spicy appetizer! Starts with a large flour tortilla slathered with a 
jalapeno popper spread of cream cheese, savory bacon, Mexican blend cheese, and mildly spicy diced jalapenos. Next we add a layer of pepper jack and finish with a generous helping of smoky nuggets of pure barbecue gold burnt ends! It is folded burrito style and quick fried lightly golden brown with a crispy, flaky crust. Our Texas sized burrito is cut in half and served in a basket with a side of panko crusted crunchy onion rings dusted with a special blend of barbeque seasoning, a sweet tangy, spicy barbecue sauce, and a cherry pepper to top it off! The succulent, charred crispy bits of beefy parts with the creamy, spicy jalapeno popper spread and melty cheeses are the definitive Texas feast!
See photos of all of the finalists here.
