Geddes, NY — Just as fans began crowding Suburban Park behind the New York State Fairgrounds to see TLC’s 8 p.m. performance, the popular 1990s R&B band announced it had to cancel because one of its members had a bad bout of food poisoning.
Yes, TLC fans were disappointed, but many went on and enjoyed their evening.
“Sir, we’re going to have a great evening,” said Frederick Greene of Syracuse. “We’re going to eat, we’re going to watch other bands perform, and we’re going to enjoy the family reunion.”
Jaiyah Broom and her uncle Frederick Greene had hoped to watch TLC on Friday, but when the show was canceled, they enjoyed the fair instead. (Charlie Miller | [email protected])Charlie Miller
Instead of turning left toward Suburban Park, they went straight to Restaurant Row. “Let’s eat,” he said.
Today’s menu
I’m at the fair every day and night, and hey, a man’s got to eat (and drink). I write about food and drink for syracuse.com and The Post-Standard, so I might as well give you suggestions while I’m working here. But I’m no expert. I rely on readers to tell me what’s good. If you find something that makes your belly happy, text me at 315-382-1984 and I’ll try. Maybe I’ll eat or drink with you and pay the bill.
Lunch: How can something that sounds so offensive be so good? Danny Karleski and his crew of college students who work at the Tommy C’s booth near Restaurant Row have brought the trash plate back to the State Fair.
This mishmash of not-so-healthy foods comes from Nick Tahou Hots, a small eatery in Rochester. To locate this garbage plate, Danny starts with eight ounces of mac and cheese, followed by a handful of thick-cut fries, a burger, a Hofmann hot dog, some Gianelli sausage with peppers and onions, and a couple of pieces of medium-rare steak. The whole thing is smothered with meat sauce from Rudy’s in Oswego, ketchup, mustard, and a Krispy Kreme doughnut.
This 2-pound plate costs $19. For an extra $5, you can add a pint of Tommy C’s Garbage Plate Beer from Meier’s Creek Brewing Co. Not bad for a meal that could feed a whole family. (In this case, I only ate my fill.)
Beer of the day: Today is almost a perfect storm in New York State. The fair is on, the sun is shining brightly, and the Buffalo Bills play the Panthers at 1 p.m. We can enjoy it all at the same time in the beer garden while sipping Big Ditch Fun House Mirrors Sour.
“There’s no better way to celebrate than with a Buffalo Brewery beer with a carnival twist,” said Erinn McDowell, the Bills/beer fan who runs this beer tent at the entrance to Restaurant Row. “If you’re looking for the wildest stuff at the fair, try this – a sour beer with peanut butter and blackberry jam, decorated like a circus tent.”
» Detailed daily schedule for Saturday, August 24
Concerts
1/21
» KIDZ BOP, 1pm at Chevy Court
» Ying Yang Twins, 6 p.m. at Chevy Court
» Chevelle, 8 p.m. in Suburban Park
Today’s forecast: Warm, sunny and a little humid
Fair principles
Hours: The fair is open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. The buildings are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Midway is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., but closes at 9 p.m. on Labor Day.
Tickets: Admission to the fair is $8 for an adult. Seniors 65 and older are admitted free. Children 12 and under are admitted free. You can purchase tickets in advance online. You cannot purchase tickets with cash at the entrance – you must purchase them on your phone or at a kiosk at the entrance.
Park: Parking is $12 per car this year, up from $10 last year. You CANNOT pay with EZ Pass Plus, but you can pay with a credit card at the entrance to the parking lot. You can also purchase parking passes in advance online.
Further rules: Smoking is only permitted outside the gates in designated areas. You can bring coolers with food and non-alcoholic beverages. Pets are not allowed unless they are working dogs or participating in a competition. Visitors must wear a shirt and shoes. Last call for alcohol is 10:30 p.m. each day.
State Fair Newsletter: Stay up to date on all the New York State Fair news, food, music, events and more with our free newsletter, emailed to you each morning. Click here to sign up.
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Charlie Miller finds the best food, drinks and entertainment in all of Central New York. Contact him at (315) 382-1984 or email at [email protected]. (AND he pays for what he and his guests eat and drink, just so you know.) You can also find him at @HoosierCuse on Þjórsárdalur and further Instagram. Sign up for his weekly Where Syracuse Eats newsletter here.
