Not Your Typical Fair Fare

Last Sunday we once again headed to the Lexington Lion's Club Bluegrass Fair. We had gone last year because Brad was new to Kentucky and was intrigued with going to the local fair. I had not been in a loooooooong time and wanted to check it out.

We found the expected and typical fair food.






But we passed it up because last year we found this row of taquerias in a section of the Fair midway devoted to the Fiesta Meijicana! held as part of the Fair. This is where I got to have tacos al pastor for the first time. Oh my are they heavenly. And I really wanted them again.


But as you can see we were a little too early. Most of the taqueria stands were just starting to stir and gear up for the evening's festivities.

A tray of mangoes on sticks waiting to be peeled and turned into sumptuous 'flowers'.



But these luscious pork filled bits of goodness were nowhere to be found. (This is a pic of my plate from last year).

Disappointed that we were likely going to miss having these amazing tacos we wandered in search of food. We were starving and just about to settle for a something on a stick when I spotted this sign. Eureka!!

We walked up and were greeted by the friendliest folks who explained dishes and made suggestions.

The spread at the Nicaraguan Grill stand

My plate

The chicken was perfectly cooked and enhanced by a lovely chimichurri. The maduros --sweet ripe plaintains--were not too sweet and were reminiscent of a sweet potato but so much milder. The rolled tortillas contained shredded seasoned beef. It was a little oily but very good.

Brad's plate

Upper left corner is the gallo pinto --a beans and rice dish that is ubiquitous in Nicaragua apparently. This is a rather bland version compared to what I am used to with Cajun red beans and rice but it was good. Upper left is a cabbage 'salad'. It's vinegar based brine made it crisp and refreshing. Lower right is the cerdo asado--baked pork. It was luscious in that way that pork can be when it is allowed to bake long and slow. The seasonings were spicy without being hot. Finally lower left is the yuca--boiled cassava. Described by our cheerful server as tasting 'like a potato' I'd have to say it was interesting and good and I could get used to it quickly. The chimichurri was suggested by the server to give it a punch and we were glad we took her up on it.

We ate it all and were happy with the find. To top it off all of this food was a grand total of $13.

The Nicaraguan Grill has been in Nicholasville but they are moving to Lexington over the next few weeks. They have not quite settled on a location but as soon as I know you can bet we'll be there to try some more of their tasty dishes. And of course I'll fill you all in too!

You don't have to wait though--the Lexington Lion's Club Bluegrass Fair runs through Sunday. The Fiesta Meijicana! is on again this weekend and you can try both the Nicaraguan Grill and get tacos al pastor.

You do not want to miss it.