For over 25 years, thousands of people have celebrated summery food and fun in the village of Oswego, Ill. at PrairieFest. While you can find new takes on classics like roasted corn and grilled cheese, you're always sure to find comfort food. "You'll find nothing but Midwestern carnival goodness here," Anthony said.
The classic grilled cheese gets the Greek treatment with Kefalotyri cheese — a variety that's firm enough to put right on the grill. The cheese gets grilled and then flambeed in brandy before it's stuffed into a pita with fresh Greek fixings. "The only thing better than cheese is cheese on fire," Anthony said.
Pop Cone — Page's Popcorn and Favors
It doesn't take much to make a Pop Cone, but it sure does make for a mouthwatering combination. There's popcorn, chocolate, butter and marshmallows — in other words, "the ingredients for a party in my mouth," as Anthony said.
Chicago Crab Dog — Cape May Crab Cake Factory
This East Coast business quickly spread to the Chicago market by combining crab cakes with one of the city's most-beloved foods: the Chicago dog. It starts with a specially formed crab cake and gets topped off with celery salt, dill pickle, tomato, peppers, coleslaw, corn salsa and chipotle remoulade.
Apple Pie Fries — Marian's Sweet Tooth
Pie isn't exactly the most-portable festival food, so this place managed to make it hand-held. After the apples are sliced, they're dipped in pancake batter, deep-fried and covered in cinnamon sugar, caramel and whipped cream. "It's got fruit in it. That's healthy, right?" asked Anthony.
Root Beef Sandwich — Tap House Grill
The chef at Tap House Grill gave Chicago's famous Italian beef a makeover by braising it in root beer and topping it with tomatoes, mushrooms and smoked Gouda. It's served with root beer au jus — of course — and Tater Tots stuffed with bacon and cheese. "You do taste the root beer! It adds a great flavor to it," Anthony said.
Want More Carnival Cravings?
Get all the inside info on which festivals Anthony went to and what food he ate.
