Take a Cavity-Inducing Bite 31 Photos
Whether they're deep-fried or bacon-covered, these classic confections are worth the glucose spike.
Most-Awesome Foodstuffs Known to Mankind 11 Photos
It’s no secret that carnivals feature some of the unhealthiest, and most-awesome, foodstuffs known to mankind. But even these festive funtopias occasionally go too far. Here are some of the wackiest and strangest foods that'll have you tossing your triple-fried cookies all over that dang Gravitron.
Get Carnifull 13 Photos
You don't have to head to a carnival to eat your favorite fair foods. Try making these 12 delicious — and mostly deep-fried — delights at home, ferris wheels optional.
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See Episode GuideAny Given Shrimp and Grits Sunday
Host Noah Cappe heads to Ladson, South Carolina, for the Coastal Carolina Fair, where he dines on a three-course meal courtesy of the legendary Hagy family! First, oldest Ryan whips up their signature Fried Shrimp and Grits Sundae -- tender seasoned shrimp on a bed of fries and deep-fried grits. Then, Noah meets younger sister Megan for a crabby sandwich that doubles down on flavor before he hangs out with middle brother Dustin for the sweet and savory Hamburger Donut Dog. Plus, Noah stops by the Oak Mountain State Fair in Alabama for some carnival eats with wicked Southern twists: the Pecan Pie Bacon Burger and the Peach n' Pork Pie. Then, it's off to Rodeo Austin, where Noah starts his day with the Brunch Pop -- a breakfast sausage coated in pancake batter, deep fried and rolled in fruity cereal -- and chomps on some fiery hot Habanero Gator Wings.
Steaks on a Plantain
Noah Cappe starts his midway culinary adventure in Prospect, Pennsylvania, at the Big Butler Fair with the massively monstrous Challenge Burrito and the Crabby Patty Melt, in which a crab cake is stuffed into a grilled cheese. Then, it's off to the State Fair Meadowlands in New Jersey, where Noah samples Jibaritos, a Puerto Rican steak and plantain sandwich, and taste tests the State Fair Funnelwich -- a mashup of funnel cake and French toast. Plus, Noah visits the Macoupin County Fair in Carlinville, Illinois, where the menu includes the Breakfast Shoe -- a morning take on the classic Illinois sandwich -- the BBQ-stuffed Fat Sammy and cereal-coated doughnuts called Cereal Bombs.
From Livestock to Lemons
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of the biggest events in Texas. With over 2.5 million visitors a year, it's the perfect place for carnival concessionaires to perfect their offerings. Host Noah Cappe gets a lesson in the meat that makes Texas famous, sampling the Texas Chili Burger and the Big Texas Barbecue Baked Potato. Then he tries a local legend's tamale recipe before rounding off the day with Strawberry Waffle Bombs. Next, he arrives at Lemonade Days in Dunwoody, Georgia to discover a new breakfast concept called Rise & Shine Pizza. A Sushi Burrito is an East-West fusion food that tickles his taste buds while The Funnel Cake Dog proves that even the wackiest carnival concoctions can be a success.
From Chowchilla-Madera to Ciao!
In the tiny town of Chowchilla, CA Noah Cappe discovers some carnival eats that deserve to be shared with the world. First up, it's the Deep Pit Barbeque, a meat extravaganza that takes three days to prepare. Noah also enjoys a Funnel Cake Cheeseburger and the Baja Avocado Taco. Across the country in New Jersey, the St. Michael's Italian Festival celebrates the cultural and culinary history of Italian-Americans with Zeppole, a cheesecake known as Cake 'n Bacon and a bad boy of a sandwich: The Hoboken Fat Boy.
Feast and Fries
At the Paris Fair in Ontario, Canada, Noah Cappe gets regal with Her Majesty's Feast, ponders a Meat Pie Poutine, gets down and dirty with the Dirtburger and bites off more than he can chew with the gigantic Maddy Moo's Wrap Attack. At the Washington County Fair in New York, he taps into Sugar Shack Cotton Candy, bites into Bleu Ribbon Fries and eats himself into knots with the Twisted S'More.
The Hills Have Fries
Noah Cappe feels the brotherly love at the RiverRink Festival in Philadelphia with the Ultimate Crab Fries, a classic Philly street eat, and the Brewed Awakening Shake, where French toast and bacon meet a milkshake in the best way possible. Noah also checks out the South Florida Fair in West Palm Beach for the Pizza Supreme Blossom and the riveting Rosie's Sweet Potato Ribbon Pie. Then, Noah gets dealt a great hand at the Great American Foodie Fest in Las Vegas. On offer is the Quattro Queso Taco, where crispy cheese makes the best taco shell, the Jamaican-inspired Dutty Fries and the truly divine Lobster 'n Waffles.
Midnight Bao-Boy
Noah Cappe gets a good start to his day at the Macon County Fair in Illinois with the Big Biscuit and the After School Funnel. Then, he takes a bite out of the Big Apple when he heads to the Ninth Avenue Food Festival in NYC for sensational street food like Motz' Burgeryaki -- a Takoyaki ball cheeseburger -- a sensational, Spanish-inspired Paella Burrito and a doughy Cookie Bao. Plus, Noah rings in the 4th of July at the Big Butler Fair in Prospect, Pennsylvania, and celebrates with the fruity Tropical Sunset Burger and the crunchy, bacon-y Cook Out Cupcake.
From Derby Day to Down State
Host Noah Cappe is off to the races in Louisville, Ky., at the Kentucky Derby Festival. First he chows down on a custom made pizza, the Kentucky Hot Brown. Then it's time to get a little bit country with Ozark Style Loaded Fries, piled high with pork, baked beans and cheddar cheese. Ending the day are two sweet treats: Festive Funnel Cake made with pumpkin and Kentucky's Fried Cookie Dough. Next he heads to Beaumont, Texas, for the South Texas State Fair where local specialties are The Swamp Thing and Hush Kitties.
Mac and Cheese and Monster Meat
Noah Cappe takes a bite out of the Great New York State Fair where The Defibrillator gets his heart pumping. Then he tries on two local favorites -- the piquant Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese and the Crispy Clamwich. For dessert, he wolfs down PB&J Ice Cream. Then it's off to Columbia for the South Carolina State Fair, where the floods don't stop Noah from sinking his teeth into The Super Stick and a Monster Meatball Sub, before The King's Corn Dog gets Noah all shook up.
Meat and Mandarins
Noah Cappe is at the Eastern Carolina Agricultural Fair in Florence, S.C., where the Calzagna has him dancing for joy. He then peels into a Deep Fried Philly Blossom, gets hot for a Smokin' Okra Burger and investigates the Deep Fried Banana Pudding. Next, at the Mountain Mandarin Festival in Auburn, Calif., the launches into the Atomic Habanero Tots, The Big Yum and a Mandarin Cheesecake Pizza.
Lights and Literature
At the spectacular Magical Winter Lights in Houston, two very bright vendors turn Noah Cappe on to fusion favorites The Torthai and The Koagie Dog. Then Noah tries his hand at making a Deep Fried Root Beer Float and torches a Berry Brulee Waffle. Next, he snacks to the future at Dickens on the Strand in Galveston, Texas, donning some Victorian finery for a trip back to Dickensian England. On the menu are Fagin's Fried Shrimp, Scotch Eggs and Deep Fried Baklava.
Swai School Musical
Host Noah Cappe heads to Balboa Nights in San Diego, where the carnival eats are fresh and twisted -- just the way he likes them! There's the Carne Asada Yakisoba, which brings Mexican and Japanese flavors together in the most tantalizing way, and the Southern Swai Mac Rolls, crispy egg rolls stuffed with catfish, mac and cheese, and collard greens. Before that, Noah heads to Florida's Space Coast for the Key Lime Pie Festival, where a pair of off-the-wall burgers will get him ready for a key lime pie ice cream sandwich! Finally, Noah's off to the Coastal Carolina Fair in South Carolina for a dough-nutty take on banana pudding.
Doughboy Does Dallas
Noah Cappe tackles his "Must Eat" list of doughy delights at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas before heading to the State Fair of Louisiana for some sweets turned savory. Finally, he grabs a Bavarian Burger at the Linde Oktoberfest Tulsa.
Fruity Favorites
Noah Cappe samples some berry delicious fairground treats in this fruitful episode. Tart, sweet and perfect with breakfast, lunch or dinner, fruit makes everything pop. No forbidden fruits here, just some truly inventive fruit-filled creations!
89er Days/Pungo Strawberry Festival
Funnyman host Noah Cappe indulges in America's favorite carnival eats at the 89er Days Festival celebrating the land run in Oklahoma's historic first capital, Guthrie. He meets a fourth generation Cherokee who teaches him the secret to authentic fry bread for Indian Tacos. He loosens his belt to take on the Giant Texas Tenderloin Sandwich and begs for more as he wolfs down the delightfully decadent Fudge Puppy. Next, he takes his pick from a field of flavours at the Pungo, Virginia Strawberry Festival where he finds himself getting sweet on Strawberry Arugala Pizza, supersizes a Strawberry Shortcake and puckers up with giant Deep Fried Pickles. Finally, it's a race against time as he discovers the crunchy creamy goodness of the Soft Shell Crab Sandwich.
Silence of the Spams
Noah Cappe heads to the Vermont Maple Festival in St. Albans to dine on the best maple-infused carnival offerings, like the Maple Bacon Butter Dog and the Get in My Belly Pizza. Then, Noah lets it ride at the Great American Foodie Fest in Las Vegas with the Mardi Gras Po'boy and pops at the chance to snack on the Boba Grilled Cheese. Later, Noah returns to the Riverside County Fair and Date Festival in Indio, Calif., for a towering Stacked Spam Burger, delectable Teriyaki Stir Fries and the sweet First Date Funnel Cake.
Wolf of Walla Walla Street
It's rodeo time, and Noah Cappe heads to Texas for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. On the menu is the Cajun Smoked Tater -- a zesty BBQ sandwich which swaps the bread for a smoked potato -- followed by the Birria Bun-ritto that fuses authentic Vietnamese and Mexican cuisine. For dessert, Noah snacks on the Monte Cake Cristo, a deep-fried take on the classic American sandwich. Noah also visits the Clark County Fair in Nevada for the Poppin Walla Walla Burger, a towering jalapeno popper stuffed masterpiece, and gets some home cooking on a bun with the Adobo Pancit Hoagie. Then, Noah heads back in time at the Medieval Fair of Norman, Okla., to stuff himself with Thanksgiving Feast Tots and attend the coronation of the Crown Cannoli.
Churro Dark Thirty
Noah Cappe hits the Garden State and enjoys the snacks on offer at the State Fair Meadowlands in New Jersey, including the Big Dill Super Stick, a cheesy and brine-y fried treat, the Cheeseburger Mofongo, which takes a classic burger and gives it a Puerto Rican twist, the Curveball, a decadent take on a fried onion that needs to be seen to be believed. For dessert, Noah dines on the sweet and salty Bacon Chocolate Churro. He also makes a stop at the RiverRink Fest Philadelphia for Poppin' Shrimp Cheesesteak and the spicy, cheesy, Fiesta Frank. Finally, Noah visits the Medieval Fair of Norman, Oklahoma, for the royally decadent Prince's Pizza Dippers.
Parmageddon
Host Noah Cappe's taste buds are brought to life at the Día de los Muertos Festival in San Antonio. Noah does a deep dive into a Loaded Oaxacan Tamale -- a traditional tamale loaded with fried chicharron and sumptuous sauces -- and scarfs down the Elote Dog -- a house made bacon-wrapped wiener loaded with Mexican street corn -- that twist fair food staples together in the most satisfying way. The fantastic food fusion doesn't stop there as he tries the Smash Burger Taco -- seasoned beef pressed into a tortilla and loaded with burger toppings -- and the Breakfast de Muertos -- a sweet and savory breakfast sandwich on a traditional Pain de Muertos bun. Later on, Noah visits Florida for the Florida State Fair in Tampa, where series veteran Mama Jane serves up a Cubano sandwich on a funnel cake, and for the Brevard Renaissance Fair in Melbourne for the sweet, crunchy and fired up Dragon's Breath Brûlée.
Steaks on a Plantain
Noah Cappe starts his midway culinary adventure in Prospect, Pennsylvania, at the Big Butler Fair with the massively monstrous Challenge Burrito and the Crabby Patty Melt, in which a crab cake is stuffed into a grilled cheese. Then, it's off to the State Fair Meadowlands in New Jersey, where Noah samples Jibaritos, a Puerto Rican steak and plantain sandwich, and taste tests the State Fair Funnelwich -- a mashup of funnel cake and French toast. Plus, Noah visits the Macoupin County Fair in Carlinville, Illinois, where the menu includes the Breakfast Shoe -- a morning take on the classic Illinois sandwich -- the BBQ-stuffed Fat Sammy and cereal-coated doughnuts called Cereal Bombs.
Swai School Musical
Host Noah Cappe heads to Balboa Nights in San Diego, where the carnival eats are fresh and twisted -- just the way he likes them! There's the Carne Asada Yakisoba, which brings Mexican and Japanese flavors together in the most tantalizing way, and the Southern Swai Mac Rolls, crispy egg rolls stuffed with catfish, mac and cheese, and collard greens. Before that, Noah heads to Florida's Space Coast for the Key Lime Pie Festival, where a pair of off-the-wall burgers will get him ready for a key lime pie ice cream sandwich! Finally, Noah's off to the Coastal Carolina Fair in South Carolina for a dough-nutty take on banana pudding.
Any Given Shrimp and Grits Sunday
Host Noah Cappe heads to Ladson, South Carolina, for the Coastal Carolina Fair, where he dines on a three-course meal courtesy of the legendary Hagy family! First, oldest Ryan whips up their signature Fried Shrimp and Grits Sundae -- tender seasoned shrimp on a bed of fries and deep-fried grits. Then, Noah meets younger sister Megan for a crabby sandwich that doubles down on flavor before he hangs out with middle brother Dustin for the sweet and savory Hamburger Donut Dog. Plus, Noah stops by the Oak Mountain State Fair in Alabama for some carnival eats with wicked Southern twists: the Pecan Pie Bacon Burger and the Peach n' Pork Pie. Then, it's off to Rodeo Austin, where Noah starts his day with the Brunch Pop -- a breakfast sausage coated in pancake batter, deep fried and rolled in fruity cereal -- and chomps on some fiery hot Habanero Gator Wings.
The Eggs-Files
Hear ye, hear ye! Host Noah Cappe ventures to the Brevard Renaissance Fair in Melbourne, Florida, to sample masterful medieval dishes delicious enough to satiate the biggest giant. First, there's the Dragon's Egg -- a fiery red take on a scotch egg -- Her Majesty's Mac -- a macaroni and cheese made for a royal palate -- and Fluffy Trolls -- a cotton candy-wrapped pickle. Plus, Noah heads to Cathedral City, California, for the Taste of Jalicso Festival which celebrates Mexican heritage, culture and food! On the menu is the Chorizo Pina Smash Burger, a pineapple-injected chorizo burger, and the Poblano Popper Fried Chicken, a chicken sandwich with a creamy, spicy kick. Noah also visits the Coastal Carolina Fair for the Bacon Jalapeño Corn Puppies and the Chicken Mac Queso-rito.
Steaks on a Plantain
Noah Cappe starts his midway culinary adventure in Prospect, Pennsylvania, at the Big Butler Fair with the massively monstrous Challenge Burrito and the Crabby Patty Melt, in which a crab cake is stuffed into a grilled cheese. Then, it's off to the State Fair Meadowlands in New Jersey, where Noah samples Jibaritos, a Puerto Rican steak and plantain sandwich, and taste tests the State Fair Funnelwich -- a mashup of funnel cake and French toast. Plus, Noah visits the Macoupin County Fair in Carlinville, Illinois, where the menu includes the Breakfast Shoe -- a morning take on the classic Illinois sandwich -- the BBQ-stuffed Fat Sammy and cereal-coated doughnuts called Cereal Bombs.
Swai School Musical
Host Noah Cappe heads to Balboa Nights in San Diego, where the carnival eats are fresh and twisted -- just the way he likes them! There's the Carne Asada Yakisoba, which brings Mexican and Japanese flavors together in the most tantalizing way, and the Southern Swai Mac Rolls, crispy egg rolls stuffed with catfish, mac and cheese, and collard greens. Before that, Noah heads to Florida's Space Coast for the Key Lime Pie Festival, where a pair of off-the-wall burgers will get him ready for a key lime pie ice cream sandwich! Finally, Noah's off to the Coastal Carolina Fair in South Carolina for a dough-nutty take on banana pudding.
Any Given Shrimp and Grits Sunday
Host Noah Cappe heads to Ladson, South Carolina, for the Coastal Carolina Fair, where he dines on a three-course meal courtesy of the legendary Hagy family! First, oldest Ryan whips up their signature Fried Shrimp and Grits Sundae -- tender seasoned shrimp on a bed of fries and deep-fried grits. Then, Noah meets younger sister Megan for a crabby sandwich that doubles down on flavor before he hangs out with middle brother Dustin for the sweet and savory Hamburger Donut Dog. Plus, Noah stops by the Oak Mountain State Fair in Alabama for some carnival eats with wicked Southern twists: the Pecan Pie Bacon Burger and the Peach n' Pork Pie. Then, it's off to Rodeo Austin, where Noah starts his day with the Brunch Pop -- a breakfast sausage coated in pancake batter, deep fried and rolled in fruity cereal -- and chomps on some fiery hot Habanero Gator Wings.
