Latest news with #ThreeLittlePigs
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Surf and turf at the Iowa State Fair? Try lobster corn dogs and steak gnocchi
Mark Hanrahan grew up showing animals and produce at his local fair, even making it all the way to the Iowa State Fair a few times. As a 10-year-old in 1978, his tomatoes made it to the State Fair. 'I thought that was the coolest thing. It is like the pride as a 10-year-old to see you're at the Iowa State Fair in 1978... and then I got my picture in the DeWitt Observer,' he said. Hanrahan grew up south of DeWitt, Iowa, on a farm on the Wapsi River. He was involved in 4-H, even showing dogs at the fair. 'When you think about the Iowa State Fair, and just the county fairs to the state fair, it's a pretty big part of Iowa,' Hanrahan said. Those memories inspired Hanrahan to bring Destination Grille, his three-year-old restaurant in Grimes, to the Iowa State Fair. Last year, its lobster corn dog was one of the top three contenders for Best New Food at the fair. This year, the restaurant kicks up the luxury dining with a surf-and-turf option for $30 and a savory Butcher's doughnut. Serving 4-H and FFA kids at the Iowa State Fair This early connection to Iowa's fair tradition has come full circle. Destination Grille's journey to the fair began in 2023 when the restaurant had 'an opportunity to serve meals to FFA kids, which led to their first foray into the fair,' Hanrahan said. The restaurant handled all the food needs at the Oman Family Youth Inn, the place some of the 4-H and FFA kids stay during the fair. The building with an art deco design was originally a Works Progress Administration project built between 1939 and 1942. The experience involved 'setting up a commercial kitchen from scratch and handling health inspections for 11 days' while serving 'three meals a day to the kids, aiming to provide healthier food options,' Hanrahan said. More: Three Little Pigs dish brings grandma's ham balls to the Iowa State Fair — with a twist Bringing gluten-free food to the Iowa State Fair Hanrahan and Kurt Mumm, the owners of Destination Grille, wanted to create a menu for the Grimes restaurant that made it stand out. The 20,000-square-foot restaurant includes a patio, a four-season rooftop patio with fire pits, a fireplace, and plenty of room for private events spanning two floors. After culling through food trends, they landed on providing gluten-free options on the menu. 'We decided to go gluten-free to cater to a growing number of food allergy sufferers,' Hanrahan said. 'The gluten-free menu was designed to be approachable and affordable, with dishes that were both flavorful and safe for those with food allergies.' They faced challenges in creating gluten-free versions of popular dishes but found ways to make them work. Hanrahan and Mumm said the gluten-free menu has been well-received, with many customers appreciating the effort to accommodate their dietary needs. Since gluten-free dining became part of the restaurant's identity, Hanrahan and Mumm decided to extend that to their food at the Iowa State Fair, where they opened DG Grille near the Iowa Craft Beer Tent in 2024. 'We were officially in the fair last year, in 2024, with kind of the overriding theme of Destination Grille having a gluten-free pretty heavy' focus, Hanrahan said. They sold 25,000 lobster rolls and 10,000 lobster corn dogs. The transition wasn't without challenges. They built a new trailer with a large footprint and menu that included lobster corn dogs. They shelled the lobster tails by hand. What to order at DG Grille at the Iowa State Fair Butcher's donut, $12: Destination Grill's creative take on a doughnut combines a savory mix of bacon, ground beef, and Graziano sausage, dipped in house-made barbecue glaze, drizzled with queso — served over tortilla chips. Lobster corn dog, $20: The finalist for Best New Food at the Iowa State Fair in 2024 includes a six-ounce North Atlantic lobster tail, lightly fried on a stick and finished with lemon aioli drizzle, herbs, and aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Steak tips gnocchi, $14: The potato-based pasta comes with a blended cheese sauce mixed with sirloin steak tips. Surf N Turf, $30: Order the lobster corn dog and steak tips gnocchi together for a fair-worthy surf-and-turf dish. Buckin' Berry lemonade, $8: This new drink is one of the mocktails up for best new drink at the Iowa State Fair. It combines lemonade, simple syrup, and berries — blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. A souvenir rubber duck completes the drink. More: Would you pay $600 for a lobster roll? This Iowa State Fair dish has gold, caviar, and Champagne Where to find Destination Grille Location: 2491 E. First St., Grimes Contact: 515-355-1153 or Where to find Destination Grille at the Iowa State Fair Location: Next to the Iowa Craft Beer Tent Sign up for our dining newsletter, Table Talk DSM, which comes out on Wednesday mornings with all the latest news on restaurants and bars in the metro. You can sign up for free at If you see a new restaurant opening or a beloved place closing, send me some details at sstapleton@ Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@ This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State Fair: Yes, you can get surf-and-turf for $30 Solve the daily Crossword
NZ Herald
6 days ago
- NZ Herald
Lake Dunstan Trail and Clutha Gold Trail: Cycling Central Otago's scenic rides
Up early the next morning and dressed for cycling, I join a pair of concrete merchants and four other cyclists at the communal breakfast table while unflappable Andy works calmly in her scullery. Sitting down to Oliver's hearty morning repast of homemade muesli, berries, stewed apricots, homemade bread and jam as well as cooked options, I am ready for action. Oliver's Subtle Breakfast. Photo / Elisabeth Easther Over the road from Oliver's, the team at Bike it Now! fit me out with an e-bike, then a small group of us are driven to Cromwell to the head of the trail. I am also given Gary, a recently retired arrival to Clyde. At least Gary thought he'd retired after spending 40 years as a commercial baker in Invercargill, but be warned, practical chaps get snapped up round here and find themselves doing everything from driving shuttles to chaperoning solo cyclists. Saddled up, we pedal beside the river with its jaw-dropping backdrop of snow-capped peaks. As we ride, Gary tells me how he and his wife relish their new life, and his contentment is contagious. As we shoot the breeze, I try to think of words to capture the colours of the river and cliffs of schist, but everything feels like a pretentious paint chart. What I will say, I could ride this trail every day forever and never tire of it. More bike art. Photo / Elisabeth Easther Eight kilometres in we reach Carrick Winery near Bannockburn where we stop for a cuppa on their manicured lawn dotted with chairs, tables and art. With the view duly admired, we are off again. As the sun rises higher, the aroma of thyme fills the air, thanks to some French fella who planted the heady herb back in the day, Gary tells me. Merci monsieur. At Pick Axe Bridge, Gary slows so we can find the eponymous tool wedged into the rock by some long-dead miner. Central Otago's Excalibur. Pulling over at The Coffee Float, this burger joint operates from an old moored boat at the river's edge. Shut for winter, it's actually for sale if anyone fancies picking up sticks and relocating. A new photo opportunity around each bend with trail segments called quirky things like Three Little Pigs, Colosseum and Cold Stew – cheers to the trail builders – and all too soon we're back in Clyde, and it's adios to my new pal Gary. Bridge to somewhere, although Gary framed it a bit close. Photo / Elisabeth Easther If the Lake Dunstan Trail is the main course, then the 62km leg from Lawrence to Waihola on The Clutha Gold Trail is dessert. Reaching Lawrence on dusk, I park at Lawrence Townhouse, the brainchild of local entrepreneur Jude. A former shearing gang cook, Jude recognised the town's future and created a range of accommodation options from the newly built townhouses to Mata Au Lodge. Jude also runs a shuttle service and The Slippery Chip food truck. A hard-case, Jude had seen a fair few towns in her shearing days, but it is Lawrence that stole her heart. Jude also knows what big groups need, from the massive kitchen and living room, this place sleeps six. It also has excellent amenities including laundry and a top-of-the-line massage chair. Instead of going out for dinner, I eat toast and set the controller to full-body Shiatzu. Properly pummelled, the next day I set off on another steed from Bike it Now!. Fully charged, the sturdy Merida had been left outside my digs. 'No lock, this is Lawrence mate,' and from the get-go I'm virtually the only rider on the trail. I do spy one far-off farmer, otherwise it's just me and the rolling green hills. The perfect temperature too, and I relish the aromas of fallen leaves and wet grass, damp wool and wood smoke. Riding through rural Waitahuna, the old rail town features wrought iron sculptures and old bicycles rusting on fences. Gingerly riding the dank dark tunnels, grateful for my torch, I pop out at pretty Mount Stuart Reserve to find a paddock of bonny black sheep with curly horns wagging their undocked tails. Plump sheep on way to Waihola. Photo / Elisabeth Easther Riding along under wide open skies, I eventually hit Milton where op shops and farm stores line the bustling main street. The locals go about their weekday business, and I stop for a snack to fuel up for the final 17km leg to Waihola. The bridges on this stretch are very impressive and I stop to chat to a cheerful local who tells me about a local businessman whose largesse makes this section possible, including the native trees and the one-way flax roundabout. All too soon, I'm on the home stretch clattering on boardwalks that lead through rushes and wetlands, when I arrive at Lake Waihola. And the verdict for both these rides? I can absolutely see what all the fuss is about, although rather than ease my FOMO, I just want to go back. Landscape outside Milton. Photo / Elisabeth Easther Details Bike it Now! | Oliver's | Lawrence Townhouse |
Axios
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
New Iowa State Fair food 2025: Our favorite fried finds
The Iowa State Fair on Tuesday released 11 of its best new foods for 2025, which will take visitors on a culinary journey — from funnel cake ham balls to a Butter Cow Tornado. The big picture: I got to try the new foods as a member of the local judging panel at the fairgrounds on Tuesday. In total, there are 68 new foods at the 2025 fair, but judges narrowed the finalists to three: bacon chicken ranch eggroll, Three Little Pigs and the scotcheroo shake. The ultimate winner will be determined by fairgoers in August. State of play: I judged each dish on its overall taste rating as well as its "fair factor" — does it have a fun twist and make you say, "Only at the Iowa State Fair"? Here are my (very subjective) thoughts on some of the new foods, in alphabetical order: Bacon chicken ranch eggroll — Winn & Sara's Kitchen What it is: Bacon, chicken and white cheddar wrapped in a crispy eggroll and drizzled with homemade ranch ($15). What I liked: This was so addictive — crispy, salty and zesty, thanks to the ranch on top. I liked this even more than the bacon cheeseburger eggroll from this same stand, which was voted the best fair food last year. What could improve: It's a little bit pricey, but definitely filling and shareable. Overall rating: 5/5, I would wait in line for this. Butter Cow Tornado — Dairy Zone What it is: Butterscotch ice cream, gooey butter cake pieces, butterscotch topping and a white chocolate cow on top ($10). What I liked: The cow chocolate is so cute! What could improve: It was solid-tasting ice cream, but nothing that gave a wow factor. Overall rating: 3/5 Fair factor: 3/5 — gotta love a butter cow take. Chicken Pickle Ranch Rocket on a Stick — JR's SouthPork Ranch What it is: Sweet and salty pickle-brined chicken on a skewer with dill and garlic pickles, basted with ranch butter. It can also be ordered with AE Dairy dill pickle dip ($9). What I liked: The brine gives the chicken a nice sweet flavor, and it's a protein-packed dish for all my fellow gym bros out there. What could improve: Drench that AE dip on that baby there. Overall rating: 3/5, it was decent! Fair factor: 3/5 — it's on a stick. Hawaiian Hog — Iowa Pork Tent What it is: Thinly shaved pork loin on a bun, served with coleslaw, brown sugar pineapple and sweet chili ($10). What I liked: The coleslaw is cool and refreshing. What could improve: The coleslaw was also messy. The pork was ok. Fair factor: 3/5 — it's more creative than a barbecue pork sandwich. HoQ lamb wrap — HoQ What it is: Locally-sourced lamb, tossed in tomato cream sauce and served with Basmati rice, turmeric crème fraîche and kale on naan bread ($18). What I liked: If I wanted to eat a "real" food at the fair, this would be it. It tastes good and there are vegetables. What could improve: Again, it's a little bit expensive, but I appreciate that everything HoQ makes is sourced from Iowa farmers — which is what we're celebrating at the fair. Overall rating: 5/5 — I would order this regularly. Fair factor: 2/5 — isn't really an "OMG can you believe this" dish. Sweet Granny's Apple Delight Sundae — Applishus What it is: Granny Smith apple-flavored soft-serve with apple pie filling, caramel and whipped cream in a waffle cone, served with an apple cookie ($10). What I liked: The apple soft-serve ice cream was so refreshing, creamy and not over the top. Combined with the pie crust, it reminds me of an all-American apple pie. It didn't win best sweet fair food, but honestly, justice for Granny. What could improve: The pie accoutrements give it the fair factor, but honestly, I would like to just eat the soft serve. Overall rating: 4/5 Fair factor: 4/5 Maple bacon bourbon grilled cheese — What's Your Cheez What it is: A grilled cheese made with locally-sourced bread, maple bourbon cheddar, candied bacon and a bourbon raspberry maple sauce ($12). What I liked: The candied bacon was yummy. What could improve: It was a touch too sweet for me. Overall rating: 3/5 Fair factor: 4/5 — kudos for creativity. Nashville hot chicken mac n' cheese pizza — Wiseguys Woodfired Pizza What it is: Mac and cheese pizza with chicken and a drizzle of hot honey from the Holton Homestead ($8/slice). What I liked: Gooey cheese and hot honey are always a great savory, spicy combo. What could improve: Challenge our Midwest palates and give us more Nashville heat! Overall rating: 3/5 Fair factor: 3/5 — I admire three foods in one bite. Potato Half & Half Korean corn dog — GoldenKDog What it is: A Korean corn dog, breaded with doughnut batter and filled with half mozzarella and half of a beef hot dog. It's topped with french fries and deep fried, served with a side of sauce and covered in sugar ($18). What I liked: I've been saying for ages that a Korean corn dog would be so much better than any sad, Velveeta "cheese on a stick" item at the fair. After eating this, I can confirm that I am right. What could improve: It was a lil' pricey, but you'll be so full after eating this, and mozza can be expensive. Overall rating: 4.5/5 — I will go and get this again. Fair factor: 5/5 — can't get more fair-like than something fried on a stick. Scotcheroo shake — Over The Top What it is: Peanut butter and scotcheroo ice cream, with scotcheroo fudge and scotcheroo chunks. Topped with whipped cream, chocolate and caramel sauce and a scotcheroo on top ($12). What I liked: It's hard not to like any of the listed items, unless you don't get along with peanuts. This is a crowd-pleaser for sure. What could improve: The taste is just like peanut butter ice cream, so nothing too out of the ordinary. Overall rating: 4/5 Fair factor: 3/5 Three Little Pigs — Whatcha Smokin? BBQ What it is: Three Iowa State Fair-inspired ham balls — "corn dog" with mustard and cornbread crumble, "soda fountain" with maraschino cherry, and "funnel cake" with a vanilla glaze and powdered sugar ($13). What I liked: Wow, wow — this is one of those really funky and weird things that you can only get at the Iowa State Fair. Many kudos for turning a favorite holiday dish into something eyebrow-raising worthy.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jim Leighton takes helm at Village Gourmet
Village Gourmet, a US-based producer of fine meats, charcuterie, and specialty snacking products, has appointed Jim Leighton as its new CEO. Leighton, whose appointment was effective 9 June, succeeds David Kemp. Kemp has been the CEO since January 2020 and will continue to be part of the board of directors and a partner in the business. In a statement issued on 24 June, Village Gourmet said Leighton has over 30 years of experience in 'growing' food and consumer packaged goods companies through 'operational excellence, brand innovation, and market expansion'. His background includes senior executive roles at Perdue Farms, Boulder Brands, Ingham's Group, and Conagra Foods. According to Kemp, Leighton's 'proven ability to lead purpose driven food companies and deliver results makes him the ideal leader for Village Gourmet as we enter our next phase of growth'. Leighton credited Kemp for 'bringing together and scaling five authentic heritage brands to shape what we now proudly know as Village Gourmet'. Village Gourmet, backed by private equity, owns Three Little Pigs, Fabrique Délices, and Longhini Sausage, along with Uncle Charley's Sausage Co., and Esposito's Finest Quality Sausage brands. The company has been expanding its portfolio since its inception in 2015 with the acquisition of Three Little Pigs. In August 2021, Quad-C Management, a middle market private equity firm, acquired a majority stake in Village Gourmet. Over the next five years, the company completed four additional acquisitions, each adding a new specialty heritage brand to its portfolio. Under Leighton's leadership, Village Gourmet plans to continue exploring 'new growth opportunities'. Commenting on his appointment, Leighton said: "I am honoured to join a company with such strong brands and dedicated people. 'Village Gourmet has a unique place in the market, and I look forward to working with the team to continue delivering excellence for our customers and partners.' "Jim Leighton takes helm at Village Gourmet " was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Scottish Sun
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Classic nursery rhyme becomes latest victim of woke madness as it's slapped with bonkers trigger warning
It comes after a theatre production of the kids' classic Three Little Pigs was slammed for slapping on a trigger warning WOKE JOKE Classic nursery rhyme becomes latest victim of woke madness as it's slapped with bonkers trigger warning Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NURSERY rhyme Hickory Dickory Dock has been given a trigger warning after almost 300 years — as a cat chases a mouse. The latest woke madness is being spouted by bosses running a puppet show based on the children's poem, first published in 1744. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Hickory Dickory Dock has been given a trigger warning after almost 300 years — as a cat chases a mouse Credit: Supplied They warn over-protective parents bringing tots to the production of a 'scene with some tension where a cat chases a mouse'. It is being performed by Garlic Theatre for kids as young as three at Little Angel Theatre, Islington, North London, in August. Tim Scott, of the Freedom Association, said: 'In the latest example of trigger madness, we now find beloved children's nursery rhymes are the target. 'Certain adults seem determined to inflict their nonsense on children, who have coped perfectly well for generations with these educational rhymes. 'You do have to wonder what might be next?' It comes after a theatre production of the kids' classic Three Little Pigs was slammed for slapping on a trigger warning because the dad gets eaten by the Big Bad Wolf. The work of children's author Roald Dahl has also been given cautions, due to 'racist and sexist stereotypes, anti-Semitism, and the use of derogatory language'. Garlic Theatre was asked to comment.
