"This review has an interesting twist. I appreciate the fair food available in the parking lot of Hy-Vee on some Saturdays. Initially, I had planned to eat there on Friday night, but after a long journey from Eagan to Elma, Iowa, and a shopping trip in southern Rochester, I found my way back to Rochester the next day to sample the good fair food. As a Hy-Vee shopper, I hadn’t visited this place when I lived in Rochester since I was based in the north part of the city. This location is near where the first Panera Bread was established before it relocated closer to Trader Joe's.
I heard about the food fair through a Facebook post about food trucks, and I was immediately intrigued—especially by the corn dogs. I had never tried fried cheese curds before, so I was eager to give them a shot. There’s plenty of parking at this spot, and coming from Highway 52, it was easy to access just north of Apache Mall. I parked close to the brightly lit signs and stands and made my way over, despite the windy weather.
Wow! The food options were impressive as I surveyed everything before settling next to the street. The signage was eye-catching. Although corn dogs and cheese curds are common finds at food fairs, the corn dog stand was closest to the road, while the cheese curds were nearer to Hy-Vee. The middle section offered donuts and lemonade, but I passed on those since I didn’t have the appetite to fit them in.
I ordered my corn dog from a woman whose voice had a noticeable edge to it. I accidentally referred to it as a "hot dog," and she quickly corrected me. I felt a bit awkward, as it’s easy to unintentionally offend people here. But if I’m picturing a foot-long corn dog, that's just a hot dog wrapped in batter and deep-fried, right? So I wasn't entirely mistaken; folks just take their corn dogs seriously. I paid with my credit card and waited about ten minutes for my order to be prepared.
When I finally got my corn dog, it looked delicious! I thanked the woman and prepared to dig in, making sure to sprinkle garlic powder on it. My strategy was to put ketchup on first, then add the garlic powder so it would stick. Sounds good in theory, but the wind had other ideas. Some of the powder clung on just fine, while other parts went airborne, creating a mini garlic dust cloud. Luckily, I was facing the right way, or it might have looked like I was juggling the corn dog.
Then I moved on to the cheese curd station. I hesitated at first—what if I didn't like fried cheese curds? Instead, I opted for a serving of garlic cheese curds (notice a garlic theme here?). I paid with my card again and patiently waited. The aroma of freshly fried cheese was incredible! I was thrilled when they handed me a small paper container along with some marinara sauce. I thanked them and carefully made my way back to my car with my delicious haul.
The corn dog truly hit the spot; it was technically lunch for me. The outer batter was crispy while the inside remained perfectly moist. The hot dog itself was tasty, without being overly salty—it was just right. The addition of garlic powder with the ketchup was genius!
The garlic cheese curds were outstanding as well. Living in Minnesota means we have easy access to cheese from neighboring Wisconsin, and the flavor of garlic made these fried curds exceptionally delicious. The thin, crunchy batter was delightful, and I dipped each piece into the pizza sauce—heavenly! How had I never tried fried cheese curds before? This was my first experience, and it definitely won't be my last. Whenever I see fair food at Hy-Vee, you can bet I’ll be taking advantage of it. I’m really glad I made the trip back to Rochester; it was worth revisiting my old stomping grounds to enjoy these treats!"
