Ube Butter Banana French Toast Lumpia from Lumpia City was named the winner July 29 in Wisconsin State Fair’s annual Sporkies competition for new menu items at the festival.
The winning item is made with caramelized bananas, syrup-soaked French toast, and rich purple ube butter, then deep-fried until golden and dusted with powdered sugar.
A panel of TV people, chefs and foodies judged the Sporkies and Drinkies finalists in a media event at the fair’s Bank Five Nine Amphitheater stage.
The Purple Rain Refresher from Rock & Roll Beer Garden was winner of the third annual Drinkies competition for new beverages. This drink is described as a mix of Concord grape juice, tart lemonade and grapefruit soda, topped with edible glitter and pop rocks. This drink is said to change color with each sip of blue and silver edible glitter.
Second-place at the Sporkies went to Brat Rangoon, from WürstBar. Crisp wonton wrappers filled with bratwurst, cream cheese, green onion and melted cheese are deep-fried, and drizzled with house-made sweet and sour sauce, topped with Nori Komi Furikake seasoning.
Third place was awarded to Mexican Street Corn Pizza, from Charlie’s Pizza. This cheesy pizza features sweet corn, mozzarella, cotija cheese, spicy mayo and fresh lime on a crispy, golden pizza crust, topped with a lime.
Dario Melendez, WISN-TV (Channel 12) sports director, emceed the judging panel, whose members included Paul Bartolotta, chef and owner of The Bartolotta Restaurants; Angela Mallett, CEO and founder of HoneyBee Sage Wellness & Apothecary; Wes Shaver, president and CEO of Milwaukee Pride; Diana Gutiérrez, Channel 12 evening news anchor; Dominic Dean, gastronomically known as Dominic the Food Reviewer; and Rebecca Berkshire, chef and culinary research and development leader for Lowlands Group.
Wisconsin State Fair takes place July 31 through Aug. 10 at State Fair Park. All Sporkies and Drinkies competitors will be on sale during the fair.
Dining and Cooking