I have to admit I have never been to the Iowa State Fair before. But, I will definitely be going back. It is any hungry person’s dream. Vendors of more types of food than you could imagine line food row. I did learn one trick. Bring someone with you and share. That way you can try more foods without getting full too quickly.

My first stop was at Elie’s Stable for some sweet potato fries. If I had my choice, I would always choose sweet potato fries over regular. Surprisingly, these weren’t very greasy and the paper boat was not see-through by the time I had found my way to the bottom. The fries came with a maple crème dipping sauce. As if the sweet potato fries weren’t “sweet” enough. This sugary sauce was different, but not something I used for every bite.

I needed another snack so I wanted to find something a little bit different, something I can’t find anywhere else. Of course, the two themes of fair food are fried and on-a-stick. If they can fry it or put it on a stick, they will. For something a little exotic, I tried fried pineapple-on-a-stick. It was still juicy, cool and sweet in the middle with the delicious batter fried coating to top it off. They put a sweet glaze frosting over the top that I didn’t think did much for the appearance, but gave the snack an extra load of sugar.

While in line, I could not help but notice the number of turkey legs that kept passing by me. One woman had a turkey leg in one hand and her 3-month-old baby in the other — both the same size. Then a group of young men walked by, each with a leg in hand. I had to try one. The turkey legs smelled good, but looked intimidating. All were about the size of my arm.

Like a savage, I took a bite and it wasn’t long before I threw my fork down and just started using my hand. That’s acceptable at the fair, right? The smoked turkey leg exceeded my expectations. It was a generous portion of meat, definitely worth the money. It also took the prize for the most napkins used. I made three trips for napkins before my turkey leg was buried in a mountain of greasy paper.

So being at a fair, I figured I had to try a classic: the corn dog. Compared to everything else I was devouring, I didn’t care too much for it. It was average. They were crispy, but a bit burned for my liking, and not as greasy as I was anticipating.

Another popular item I had to try was the fried Twinkies. Now, I don’t normally like Twinkies, but I love fried Twinkies. Judging by the long lines, I’m not the only one. They are sweet, but not too sweet, fluffy and a size that fills you up without sending you into a sugar coma. Next time, I want to try one with chocolate sauce or whipped cream. Mmmmm.

To add to the list of calories I was inhaling, I also tried the cup-of-cookies, a beef po-boy sandwich, a Polish sausage and scoped out the pork-chop-on-a-stick. All were great and filling and worth trying. Going into this challenge, I thought all the fried food would make me feel sick. But actually, it was not that bad. Plus, outrageous food is just part of the fun of the fair.
— BRITT

THE BILL
Sweet Potato Fries, $3
Fried pineapple, $4
Turkey leg, $8
Corn dog, $4
Fried Twinkie, $4
Cup-of-cookies, $4
Po-boy sandwich, $7
Polish sausage, $4
Pork chop-on-a-stick, $6
Admission, $10
Parking, $10

The tab: $10

The verdit: Cheap food, comfortable atmosphere

Located on Sixth Street tucked between a couples small building is BULICEK’S. This is what I would call your “neighborhood get together” place. Everyone inside is incredibly friendly, it is so comfortable and relaxed. Even on the wall is a TV screen that projects pictures of the “regulars” at the bar having a good time… you can look at it and feel like it is okay to people watch (lets face it, we are all guilty of it).

I was amazed to find the numerous different types of appetizers, all priced at $5.00 each. They range from your typical cheese balls, mozzarella sticks and wings, to cauliflower, green beans, dill pickles, Mac and cheese bites … even adding a few “randoms” like mini tacos and eggrolls – just to name a few.

Bulicek’s also has bagel sandwiches, burgers, chicken and fish sandwiches… typical bar food. Everything is reasonably priced and you can get a sandwich ranging from around $4 to $6, adding fries for only $1.50. They also make daily specials like Philly sandwiches, or boasted chicken. After asking a couple “regulars,” for recommendations, I was told that the pizza and tenderloins are the best. I could not decide and only knew I wanted to try a little bit of everything! … So a plus in going with company is that I persuaded them into all ordering something different and we all shared. We ordered quite the variety to satisfy our cravings including a Chicken Alfredo Pizza ($10), fried green beans, mini tacos, naked chicken wings and fries. I might also add that drinks were reasonably priced too and I could order a beer without breaking the “Fill Her Up” budget.

I enjoyed the atmosphere at Bulicek’s. It’s new, but still has its own character. At one point on this Thursday night, one group there was having a “good time,” non-stop laughing and for such a small place, I could see its potential to have a really fun time. It is a nice bar… essentially laid back and a place where everyone knows your name

The Place: Bushwood, 350 Edgewood Rd. NW

The Bill: $6.95, plus tax and a drink

The Verdict: Definitely full. Wouldn’t necessarily go back for the wings.

I attempted Bushwood’s Wing Night for the “Fill Her Up“ challenge. And I filled my plate up, more than once. By the end of the night, I did not know what would have been a more entertaining picture- my pile of bones or pile of napkins … I saved myself the embarrassment and did everyone a favor of not letting you see either!

I had heard about Bushwood’s Wing Night and definitely wanted to give it a try. While I knew what I wanted before going, I was sure to ask the server of any other suggestions that could fit a $10.00 budget at the bar… direct quote, “You cannot get any two things here for under $10.00 (meaning the wings and a side)” … good to know! I went during happy hour which lasts from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday (and all day Sunday), but the server failed to give me the, “Happy Hour,” deal on my drink and overcharged my drink – which pushed my bill a bit more over the budget.

Every Monday and Thursday’s Bushwood’s has “All-you-can-eat wing special” all night long. This would be a situation where I would say it is “Quantity over quality”… pretty much what you can expect. $6.95 includes just the wings and no sides. So, if you strictly want just protein, that is fine to stick with just wings, but to add a side of fries at $4.00 would put you over a $10.00 budget. They offer two different flavors of Honey BBQ or Buffalo Sauce. I was a little nervous because they are “Served buffet style,” and I am always a little “eerie” of potential germs! Luckily, I was able to get a seat right by the wings table so I could watch what was going on. Because they are served as a buffet, be sure to get the wings from the bottom of the tray because the wings on top were not exactly warm. I will say that the wings were always available and plentiful but I would like to see more to their “buffet.” It would be better if they served celery or carrot sticks with the wings, or even put blue cheese or ranch at the table.

I’m not sure I will go to Bushwood’s specifically for the wing night, but they have other items on the menu that sound good like the BW Combo, CJ’s Favorite, the Cheeseburger Wrap or the Lasagna Roll-ups! If you can break the “Fill-her-up” budget… for $11.75 the, “Bushy’s BW Burger” sounds like a good challenge, 2 half-pound burgers, 4 cheeses, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, mushrooms, bacon and onion strings all piled with a steak knife holding the compound together! Overall, it was a fun, casual, atmosphere and numerous television’s were great to watch March Madness. Everyone there seemed to be having a good time and how could you not leave filled up after an “All-You-Can-Eat” deal?

The place: Dublin City and Grafton Street

The bill: $8.03

The verdict: A new (old) fave

Dublin City and Grafton Street has the best of BOTH worlds!  Dublin City is a crafty new bar located downtown with Grafton Street Eatery downstairs.

It is nice to see businesses coming back from the flood and the city rebuilding. Dublin City has a huge bar that can make creative drinks. The whole pub offers a great and unique atmosphere with friendly service. I love the personal photos of Ireland and the flags and stained glass. I even noticed the same style of carpet from the old Dublin City! Upstairs, my favorite place to sit is in the “River Room.” It is gorgeous and calming.

The menu still has some of the old favorites but with a new addition. I have been anxious for Grafton Street to open up post the flood and so I already knew what I wanted to order without even looking at the menu. My favorite is the Donegal Sandwich. Barbecue sauce, ham, cheese, pineapple and bacon on sourdough bread. Amazingly delicious. My sandwich was accompanied by waffle fries. I had onion rings too. I definitely was full after my meal.

They offer other creative works on the menu as well. Next time I want to try the fried cheesecake or their Captain Morgan root beer float! I attended a wedding reception (Congratulations Liz and Andrew!) there as well and was also able to try a number of their appetizers like the chicken fingers, fried cheese and my favorite — their pizza! The barbecue chicken and chicken alfredo was excellent as well. Grafton Street has all sorts of deliciousness!!

It was great to eat locally and Grafton Street is one of my favorite restaurants in Cedar Rapids. I will definitely be a regular. It is among my favorites in town!

Welcome back Dublin City and Grafton Street – we are so glad to have you back!!

Happy Eating,
Britt

The place: Cibo Fusion

The bill: A little more than $10 with tax and drinks.

The verdict: Delish!

Whether sitting in the lounge, patio, Chicago room or dining area, Cibo creates a unique atmosphere and experience for the customers. Located where Cedar Rapids and Marion intersect, Cibo offers Mediterranean and American dishes that include gourmet pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and much more.

Monday through Friday, Cibo has Early Bird Specials from 3 to 6 p.m. This menu consists of any pizza ($8.99), grilled pork loin ($9.99), rosemary chicken ($9.99) or UNLIMITED pasta ($9.99). For a $10 budget, these items are intriguing and hard not to pass up!

Usually, I order lettuce wraps or the chicken curry (other fine choices), but I thought I would give the Early Bird Special a try. My friend accompanied me to dinner and we agreed it was a good idea to split a pizza and another entrée. For $10, I thought my best deal would be the unlimited pasta. The waiter reminded us that we could really eat “pasta anywhere,” and repeatedly suggested and pushed us to try the rosemary chicken.

Trusting the waiter, we ordered the chicken which was accompanied by broccoli, mashed potatoes and bread. From the list of pizzas, it was not easy to choose which fit our craving. We decided to try something new, the Pomodoro Pizza. This pizza was topped with Pomodoro, prosciutto, fresh basil, mozzarella and goat cheese.

The waiter was right, everything was very delicious. All unique flavors and cooked to perfection. Even better for under $10!

Drinks are a great deal during early bird hours. You can get a $3 imported or domestic drafts, $5 martinis and $6 wine. By the end of our meal, we unfortunately did not have room for dessert. Cibo also has a scrumptious dessert menu. Try the marshmallow fondue that can serve four!

Happy Eating,
Britt

Villa’s Patio

The Bill: $11 (dinner); $7 (lunch)

The verdict: Enough to share

Walking into Villa’s Patio you are greeted by life-size statues that you might mistake for a real life person,  depending on how many margarita’s you compliment your meal with.

Located in Marion, Villa’s Patio offers authentic Mexican meals at a reasonable cost.

Tonight I chose the chicken fajita’s that included sautéed peppers, onions and tomatoes. I could hear and smell them sizzle on their way to the table on the skillet followed by a plate of condiments. There was enough to share with another person!

This meal took up half the table with all my plates I needed for my meal. The fajita’s were $10.59, but if you go during lunch, you can get this meal for only $6.79. That is a great deal that is hard to pass up.

For those of you who are indecisive, you can order the enchiladas rancheras. For $8.79 you can have five enchiladas including a chicken, beef, bean, cheese AND shredded beef enchilada. For lunch, another great option is the “Create the Perfect Plate.” For only $7.70 you can get any two of a quesadilla, burrito, tamale, enchilada, tostada, chile relleno or a taco.

I could not leave Villa’s without ordering the cheesecake. The cheesecake is wrapped like a burrito, fried, topped with whipped topping and covered in chocolate sauce. It is wonderful goodness! Not only are there great desserts, but try some of the flavored margaritas or sangria! Go for the big size, it is worth it!

Everything tastes delicious; I have never had anything bad at Villa’s Patio. With all the chips and homemade salsa consumed along with everything else, you will be sure to leave “filled up!”

Happy Eating,
Britt

The Place: Short’s Burger and Shine

The bill: $8.50

The verdict: No room for dessert!

When you think of a burger, what may come to mind is the standard ketchup, mustard, pickle and onion, but at Short’s Burger and Shine, stretch your imagination. Short’s Restaurant is in Iowa City on Clinton Street. Fairly new, this burger joint is able to fix any craving for a hearty burger.

I was puzzled by the numerous types of burgers to choose from on the menu, so I kindly asked my waitress for suggestions. With all of the creative names and “fancy” toppings, she pointed out the “Dundee Burger” as one of the more popular picks. As I read the description of the burger, I think a strange look came across my face. This burger is combined with sautéed mushrooms, Canadian bacon, a fried egg, American cheese and garlic aioli. I took her word for it, felt adventurous and ordered the Dundee Burger. To my pleasant surprise it was actually very delicious! A strange combination, but it works! I think the toppings on the burger could be another small meal in itself. The burger was monstrous to eat, I had to tackle it with my fork and knife too. It was very messy, but wonderful!

All of Short’s are bona fide all-Iowa burgers made with 100% Iowa beef from Johnson Farms in Columbus Junction and other products used are local. Those of you who are vegetarian can find various black bean burgers on the menu as well. Burgers are accompanied by a stack of hand cut fries.

I will definitely be back to Short’s to try another burger, like the “Thornton” topped with chorizo, guacamole, sour cream, mozzarella and chipotle mayo or the “Jamaica” served with jerk spice, mango-jalapeno salsa and pepper jack cheese. I was so stuffed from my burger that I was not able to try their double chocolate cake with strawberry coulis.

Burgers are priced at $8.50, including fries; but if you have a late night craving, go to Short’s between 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday for their “Late Night Burger” for only $5.

Short’s says that “You have yourself one heckuva meal that even the pickiest connoisseur can take a shine to.” I will have to say that they are right about that! Venture into Short’s Burger and Shine and fill up on an inventive burger!

The place: DC’s Riverwalk, Cedar Rapids

The bill: $9.01

The verdict: Stuffed

Whenever ordering a tenderloin sandwich, I assume you will be getting a generous size sandwich. However, when I ordered the tenderloin from DC’s Riverwalk, I was surprised to see that this sandwich was able to even fit on my plate!

DC’s has two locations, one in Iowa City and one in Cedar Rapids. Menu’s vary at both locations, but satisfies any hungry soul. At the Iowa City location, I would recommend the, BBQ Chicken Pizza, a very respectful choice. In Cedar Rapids, I typically order the, Grilled Ham and Cheese, on the pretzel roll, but I thought tonight I would venture out and try something for a bigger appetite.

The waitress was kind enough to guide me through the menu and direct me towards DC’s Pork Tenderloin, which they offer grilled or fried. I was warned the tenderloin was big, but it exceeded my expectation. I was amazed to see my tenderloin was so big – it could have been two large sandwiches. As if the sandwich was not enough, it comes with your choice of fries, potato wedges or onion rings, all for a total bill of $9.01. At the end of the meal, I was extremely full.

For those of you out there who are as thirsty as you are hungry, try a fishbowl. You get 34 ounces of an enjoyable drink all for only $5 during happy hour from 3 -7 p.m in Cedar Rapids. Fridays in Iowa City for F.A.C.

DC’s is a definite place to fill up on, eating or drinking. Thank you to Stephanie for the wonderful fast and friendly service! Good food with great portion sizes and welcoming service makes DC’s a place that I will be returning to and a place I would absolutely recommend.

Happy Eating,
Britt

The place: Emil’s Deli

The bill: $6.91

The verdict: Just right.

Emil’s has been serving the Cedar Rapids area for almost 50 years. They started in the downtown YMCA then moved to the lower-level in the downtown US Bank. Despite the loss due to the Flood of 2008, they are reopening this summer0. In the meantime, Emil’s Deli decided to expand and with a second deli located at 7037 C Avenue NE.

Their friendly service is inviting and comfortable, with a menu featuring many homemade recipes with prices that are hard to beat!  Emil’s Deli has an array of hot and cold foods. Sandwiches can range anywhere from $2.95 to $6.95. You can find your traditional deli specialties such as a reuben, club, french dip, BLT or cheeseburger, just to name a few. Other menu items to try are the meatloaf, sloppy joe or cuban sandwich. Some of the side dishes range in cost from $1.95 to $3.95 and include au gratin potatoes, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, pasta salad and more.

For $6.91 I was able to get a cold sandwich and side of pasta salad. I chose the Apple Turkey Jack, a sandwich that consisted of turkey, Granny Smith apple, Apple Jack cheese and Apple Jack butter on grainy wheat bread. It was a refreshing sandwich for a cool summer day.

With my bill under budget, I could have also added dessert to my meal. Emil’s has alluring desserts such as cakes and cookies. My personal favorite is the Red Velvet, but you cannot go wrong with any dessert you chose from Emil’s. Good luck with just having one dessert. I have tried them all.

Emil’s is dine-in, carryout, delivery and catering. This small deli creates a casual atmosphere with Iowa Hawkeye Pride portrayed over the walls. Find a table, sit at the sandwich bar or grab a bench outside. The new location features a variety of cold beer and wine and new items on the menu.

I’m so glad to have Emil’s Deli back and running again. Here is a budget friendly food find that is worth your dollar!

Happy Eating,
Britt

The place: Kernels’ $2 Tuesdays

The bill: $8, $2 each hot dog, peanuts, nachos and a pop

The verdict: A homerun

“Batter up!” Do not miss this fastball.

I discovered this food find on the Kernels website and I am on deck to see what deals I can get on a budget and hope I do not strike out!

Summer is just around the corner and the weather is getting warmer everyday. It is always a plus to get outside and enjoy the sun. At the stadium on the southwest side in Cedar Rapids, it is fun to come support and cheer on the Kernels baseball team.

When you first walk into the stadium you are greeted by the aroma of the grill which immediately makes you hungry! This year the Kernels have great deals and have a new value menu. An all beef hot dog slider, hamburger slider, chicken nuggets and mini cookies are just $2 each. Chips and candy are just $1 each.

With my $10 budget I could choose from a variety of things to fill up on.

At every Tuesday home Kernels game, in addition to the new value menu, you can also get regular hot dogs, peanuts and nachos for $2 each! You can even wash it down with a pop, bottled water or 12 oz. beer for $2 each as well.

Some ballpark food is part of the fun of going to a baseball game.

There are other things to choose from as well at the stadium. You can choose to go to the grill located by the front entrance gate which also has yummy choices to fill up on. Their menu consists of grilled chicken sandwiches, foot-long hot dogs, brats, etc. Also excellent choices.

Other deals at the Kernels games are “Thirsty Thursdays” with $1.50 12 oz. draft beers all night or every Friday home games, enjoy 16 oz. draft beer for just $1 for one hour after the gates open. The price goes up to $2 for the second hour and $3 for the third hour and returning to full price after the third hour.

“Buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks!”

With these deals, mix it up and get creative, satisfy any hungry or thirsty craving you may have. Kernels stadium is a great food find for filling up on a reasonable budget and getting to enjoy a baseball game outside as well!

This deal is a definite homerun!

Happy Eating,
Britt

P.S. Come join the Hoopla crew take advantage of the value specials and support the Kernels at the Veterans Memorial Stadium Tuesday June 9!