The Queen City Exhibition (QCX) begins on Wednesday, a summer staple where fairgoers can enjoy rides, entertainment, and of course, food. Some of the usual favourites like cotton candy and mini donuts are sticking around but have gotten an elevated twist. Visitors will have the option to choose a cotton candy treat in the shape of a character, or try some brownie mini donuts, which combine the classic snack with European cocoa and a drizzle of salted caramel to satisfy the sweet tooth. Other sweet treats include tanghulu and Mexican street fruit, which includes fresh strawberries, grapes, bananas and other fruit hand dipped in a candy-coated shell that shatters to reveal the fruit inside. There are also a couple of slush options, including biscoff kunafa salted caramel slush and Dubai pistachio chocolate slush. A Hawaiian hurricane extreme storm, which combines fresh-squeezed lemonade with mango and tropical flavours, is also the perfect refreshment for a hot day. As well, visitors can try deep-fried butter tarts, which dips the classic treat into mini donut batter then dusts it with icing sugar. Want something sweet and savoury? Look no further than a cookies n cream Korean dog, a Korean corndog finished with sweet icing and crushed Oreos, or a Cinna-dog, a deep-fried corndog topped with frosting and cinnamon toast crunch. For those not in the mood for something sweet, there are also a handful of strictly savory options, including a Korean curd crunch, deep-fried cheese curds with teriyaki, siracha mayo, tempura flakes, chives, crushed seaweed, and sesame seeds. Twista-Roni is a take on pizza that includes a swirling stack of pepperoni and mozza cheese brushed with garlickly butter on a stick. Brisket in a bag is a snack that includes hickory sticks, coleslaw, kickin’ ranch and horseradish aioli. There are also several smash burgers to choose from, including the classic, cheese lovers, and pulled pork. The mighty moo perogy bowl includes perogies topped with shredded beef, cheese sauce, beef gravy, sour cream, and green onions. The classic perogy stack is also returning, which includes Kielbasa and perogies on a stick, topped with sour cream and green onions. Pickle fans can also relish the opportunity to try dill pickle pizza, or the big dill brick, a layer of curly fries loaded with aged white cheddar cheese sauce, piled with crunchy dill pickles, and topped with a drizzle of cool ranch. Several food vendors will also have vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy free options. The QCX goes until Sunday.
