Aug. 22, 2012 - Issue #879: Is The Party Over?

Prevue

Eats on the street

We spot the hot spots for festival street food

There may be 215 plays to check out at this year's Fringe Festival, but you're going to need some energy to tackle such a monstrous lineup, and what would any festival be without food? Just remember, calories don't count at festivals.

Tackling the Fringe from a theatrical perspective is a daunting task, but the same can be said for the Fringe grounds. The entrance opens to an explosion of sights and sounds, complete with an array of food ranging from classic festival fare like soft pretzels and popcorn to multicultural cuisine and more unique offerings. To help you navigate the final weekend of the festival, we've put together a food roundup of Fringe essentials.

Green onion cakes
Green onion cakes have become a staple at the Fringe Festival and there's always a lineup in anticipation for the dish. It's great for sharing, or tackling on your own if your appetite's up for it. The doughy, fried cake is soft and chewy, with just a hint of green onion flavour that kicks in as an enhancement, rather than overpowering. If you like things spicy, get it with a side of spicy chili sauce.

Lemonade
Fresh squeezed lemonade can be found throughout the Fringe grounds at either its own booth, or served at a variety of others as a flavourful way to quench your thirst. The drink is a perfect blend of sweet and tart that's just a little more interesting than basic, and let's face it, boring water.

Taco in a bag
Taco in a bag received a six-star rating (out of a possible five) from Vue's very own Paul Blinov, who says its rating would have been elevated to seven stars had there been guacamole to top it all off. The flavourful take on the Mexican favourite is a much less messy alternative, as it's made in a Dorito bag with all the fixings of your choice.

Cupcakes
For those who have a sweet tooth, Glinda's Goodies is serving up decadent cupcakes in flavours ranging from coffee-bean garnished tiramisu to chocolate mint and classics like red velvet. They seem to have mastered an ideal icing to cake ratio that satisfies a cupcake craving, but will still leave you with room to devour more Fringe food.

Pizza
Think wood-fire pizza is just for pizza joints? Think again. Rather than a slice of the usual greasy variety, kick things up to a more gourmet level. Each pizza is baked to order, so you know it hasn't been spinning around under a heat lamp for who knows how long.

Chocolate-covered banana
It may be smothered in chocolate, but hey, at least you're getting a serving of fruit with a chocolate-covered banana. The confection can be topped with cookie crumbs, caramel and candy pieces for a new take on the fruit on a stick trend.

Elephant ears
If deep fried dough is more your thing, elephant ears will do the trick. If you can finish a whole one by yourself, kudos to you, because these things are not for small appetites. They come out of the fryer plain, so you can dress them up with sugary toppings to your heart's content.

Deep-fried awesomeness
Mars bars and Oreo cookies are pretty amazing on their own, but now imagine what would happen if you threw those same delicious treats in a deep fryer. The result is essentially a ton of sugary goodness encased in a doughnut. Can you say heaven? Remember, calories don't count at the Fringe. vueweekly.com comments: powered by Disqus