This Year’s CNE Food Preview

The Canadian National Exhibition, held annually near Toronto’s Waterfront, has been known to test palates with the monstrous fried (and deep-fried) offerings in recent years. With just a few days away until opening day, I know a lot of people are interested in seeing what sort of monstrous morsels will be available on August 15th.

From the Krispy Kreme Burger (yes, that’s a hamburger with Krispy Kreme doughnuts in place of buns) back in 2011, to 2013’s Cronut burger (which actually caused food poisoning for over 200 people due to toppings not being refrigerated properly), you can always count on finding some type of zany, fried concoction that will spur the public into a frenzy in order to garner a taste.

Back in 2010, I actually waited almost an hour in line for the infamous deep-fried butter. Was it worth it. In one word: yes.

What’s the food buzz this year for The Ex? Well, I hear that there’s going to be a “funana” which I’m eager to try (a chocolate-dipped frozen banana that is dipped in funnel cake batter and deep-fried). Also on the menu is chocolate fried chicken, and a “crobar” (think a chocolate bar that’s baked inside a flaky croissant).

Fran’s will be offering Spicy Peanut Butter Sriracha Bites (that has chocolate chips in the recipe to offset the heat), pie flavoured milkshakes, a Thanksgiving-style waffle, as well as maple french toast stuffed with bacon, sausage and egg.

Interested in the history of fried and deep-fried foods? Check out this infographic developed by the CNE.

Are you going to the CNE this year? What crazy, new food will you be tempted to try?