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Dive Into Dallas Flavors: 2025 Big Tex Choice Award Culinary Winners

Update Celebrating Food Innovation: Highlights from the 2025 Big Tex Choice Awards The much-anticipated 21st Annual Big Tex Choice Awards, sponsored by Karbach Brewing Company, provided an electrifying showcase of culinary creativity at the State Fair of Texas this year. Fairgoers were treated to a feast of flavors not just from winning dishes but also from the intriguing array of entries that demonstrated the innovation and artistic flair that defines Texan cuisine. Crab & Mozzarella Arancini Takes the Crown This year, the coveted award for Best Taste – Savory went to Stefan T. Nedwetzky for his delightful Crab & Mozzarella Arancini. These rice balls, housing Maryland Blue Crab and gooey mozzarella, boast flavors enhanced by fresh herbs and spices. The golden breadcrumb coating, fried to perfection and served with a house-made marinara sauce, encapsulates what the Big Tex Choice Awards truly celebrate: a blend of traditional recipes and creative culinary twists. It’s these kinds of dishes that keep locals and visitors alike looking forward to the fair every year, contributing to the vibrant Dallas culinary scene. A Sweet Treat to Beat the Heat In the realm of sweets, the award for Best Taste – Sweet was claimed by Tony & Terry Bednar's Chill & Thrill Delight. This refreshing dessert invokes the essence of summer with its mix of juicy fruits soaked in watermelon juice, all topped with a scoop of mango sorbet. It’s a playful and elegant experience, perfect for sharing on hot Fair days, reflecting the sweet indulgence that encapsulates the fair atmosphere. Drink Up: A Milkshake for Cookie Lovers Just when you think sweet creativity peaks, Brad Weiss surprises with his Cookie Chaos Milkshake, capturing the Best Taste – Sipper honor. This indulgent shake, bursting with cookie flavors, brings together a scrumptious blend of snickerdoodles, Golden Oreos, and creamy cookie butter, making it an unforgettable sip for fairgoers. The milkshake frenzy exemplifies >Dallas events that not only celebrate food but also evoke feelings of nostalgia and joy, sparking communal experiences over shared treats. Reinventing Classics: Deviled Egg Sliders Shine Offering a daring twist, Kendall Williams' Wagyu Bacon Cheeseburger Deviled Egg Sliders won the Most Creative award. This imaginative dish takes the comfort of burgers and deviled eggs, combining them into a crunchy and savory slider. It reflects the bold spirit of Dallas cuisine, where traditional methods are taken to new heights, resonating with those in Dallas nightlife and dining who seek unique food encounters. Culinary Creativity Fuels Competition While these dishes captured titles, the competition was fierce, showcasing a plethora of inventive finalists. The likes of Deep Fried Deli Tacos, Hans Brisket & Brew Stuffed Pretzels, and Vietnamese Crunch Dog display the rich tapestry of flavors typical of Dallas and surrounding areas. Just as these finalists illustrate, culinary creativity is thriving in the community, an indication of the vibrant local culture and the allure of Dallas happenings. A Star-Studded Panel of Judges This year’s competition was graced by a celebrity judging panel that included notable figures from the local culinary scene, adding to the excitement and prestige of the awards. Their combined expertise ensured that the most inventive and mouthwatering creations received the recognition they deserved, encouraging local food enthusiasts to continue pushing the envelope. The Future of Food at the Fair As the State Fair of Texas continues to set the stage for culinary innovation, the Big Tex Choice Awards serve as a spotlight on the creativity that defines this beloved event. Each winning dish not only satisfies hunger but also delivers a story, a connection to community, and a celebration of the ongoing growth in culinary experiences in Around Dallas. As you gear up for your next visit to the fair, keep these winning flavors in mind, and remember that the true essence of food lies not just in taste but in the experiences and memories they create. Whether you are a local or visiting the vibrant Dallas events, the Big Tex Choice Awards is an invitation to indulge in what makes the community truly special.