The CNE’s annual exhibition is pushing the boundaries of edible, high-calorie concoctions, with a new food menu featuring pigs’ ears, bug hot dogs, and pork cinnamon rolls.
From live entertainment to international shopping, there is plenty to see and do this year at 138th Canadian National Exhibition. But let’s get real: Most visitors to the 18-day fair in downtown Toronto come to try a sampling of weird and wacky food items on offer.
Blurring the difference between dessert and dinner, one of the offerings this year is a Philly steak sandwich made inside a cream-puffed éclair. Another: pulled-pork cinnamon rolls.
For the even more adventurous, Bug Bistro’s Bug Dog includes a crunchy topping: mustard-flavoured crickets.
And what would the annual fair be without a smattering of bacon-y goodness? Bacon Nation will be there, with an all-pork taco featuring peameal in place of the tortilla.
Deep-fried offerings are another staple at the Ex. This year, visitors will be able to munch on a deep-fried pickle with a hot dog in its centre or sample some deep-fried pig’s ears.
Chimney Stax Baking Co. will have chimney cone sundaes, with a variety of toppings, including gummy worms and chocolate chunks.
And Tim Hortons will also be serving exclusive specialty sweets, including Orange Cream Timbits poutine, the Tim’s Cereal Donut, and the Jolly Rancher Dip donut.
And don’t worry traditionalists, classic treats that have become synonymous with the Ex will also be available, including ice cream waffles, caramel apples, funnel cake and Tiny Tom Donuts.
The Ex opens on Friday and runs until Sept. 5.
