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Tag: 2026 big tex choice awards

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Food News

A delicious lineup of finalists announced for the 2026 Big Tex Choice Awards

August 6, 2026August 11, 2026 Nelli Tokleh Sproull
state fair of Texas 2026

Get your taste buds ready! The State Fair of Texas announced the finalists for the 22nd Annual Big Tex® Choice Awards.

Tagged 2026 big tex choice awards,state fair of texas

A Community Project

this is a community project of a few (20+ now!) Dallas based nerds who happen to like food. probably a little too much. do you heart food? do you take pictures of everything before you eat it? Do you use foursquare, foodspotting, yelp, instagram, pinterest and twitter to share about food? Do you live or travel to the Dallas area? join us. Questions or concerns can be directed at DFN founders @Elysa or @RoryEllis or email foodie AT dallasfoodnerd.com Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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Mac & Cheese isn’t just a side at @mix_mac_kitchen Mac & Cheese isn’t just a side at @mix_mac_kitchen It’s the main dish and shows up in everything. 🧀 You can customize your mac & cheese and top it with just about anything you can imagine, from BBQ chicken and Philly cheesesteak to pork, lobster and more. This is comfort food for kids and adults alike, thanks to the elevated-level of their blend of cheeses. Beyond the mac bowls that are a whole meal, you’ll find mac & cheese worked into grilled cheeses, flatbreads, burgers, and other creative dishes. We stopped in for lunch on a Saturday, and it was well worth the drive. Here’s what we tried: 🧀 Mac & Cheese Poppers served with tomato soup dipping sauce 🦞 Lobster Mac & Cheese 🥓 Bacon & Tomato Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese 🍗 BBQ Chicken Flatbread topped with Mac & Cheese 📍North Richland Hills *Partner #DallasFoodNerd
Fall is trying to show up in Dallas! 🍂🧡🤎 It’s stil Fall is trying to show up in Dallas! 🍂🧡🤎 It’s still hot, but the pumpkins are out, the bier is cold, and soup is slowly sneaking back onto menus. Before we jump into Christmas mode, let’s enjoy what our city gives us this season. Football weekends, Oktoberfest beers, the State Fair of Texas, & pumpkin patches everywhere you turn. We’re soaking it all in while we can… even if we’re still in shorts & sweating. Just a few of our favorite fall activities: @thedallasarboretum @statefairoftx @addisonoktoberfest @visitgrapevine Wine Train, @northparkcenter @mckinneymonsterdash5k @friscooktoberfest @peticolas 5Ks, @haywirerestaurants seasonal menu, and so many more!
💅The ultimate self-care day, all in one place.🥂 @ 💅The ultimate self-care day, all in one place.🥂 @Kalosmuse just celebrated 2 years of their café and medspa concept, so we made a friend date out of it. We got spa pedicures, complete with exfoliating scrub, hot stone massage, paraffin wax. Plus a warm weighted neck pillow and drinks brought from the bar straight to our chairs! What a dream! Pedicures this time, but their IV therapy and skincare offerings are definitely on the list for next visit. If you need a full reset: start with coffee, stay for the pampering, finish with a nightcap. 🍸💅 📍Richardson *hosted #DallasFoodNerd 📷: @amypyen & @denimlikethejean
Ever heard of Aufguss? 🔥💨 We just experienced the Ever heard of Aufguss? 🔥💨 We just experienced the new Aufguss Sauna at @worldsprings in The Colony, & it’s unlike any sauna session we’ve done before. 🌎Rooted in European sauna culture, Aufguss is DFW’s first immersive sauna experience, where a sauna master guides you and the group through a sensory journey using aromatherapy, music, lighting, & choreographed towel movements that circulate waves of heat & fragrance throughout the room. We already love WorldSprings for its 46 mineral pools, cold plunges, and saunas, but the addition of Aufguss takes the experience to another level. As essential oil-infused steam fills the sauna, the heat builds in stages for deep relaxation, a heavy sweat, & a mental reset that leaves you feeling refreshed after the session ends. If you’re bold enough, follow it with a cold plunge! The contrast of hot and cold leaves you feeling completely recharged. 💡 Nerdy Tip: First-timers should grab a seat on the lower bench where it’s cooler, then work their way up on future visits if they’re ready for more heat. Dallas friends, this is your sign to venture to the burbs for one of the most unique wellness experiences in DFW. Book a day pass, spend the day soaking in mineral pools inspired by destinations around the world, & don’t miss an Aufguss session. It’s a mini vacay without ever leaving North Texas. 🧖 📍 The Colony, TX *hosted #DallasFoodNerd
POV: you didn’t think shawarma could get better, t POV: you didn’t think shawarma could get better, then @osmows.us proved you wrong 🤯 We tried the chicken shawarma on rice and the falafel wrap. Everything’s made to order, so you can customize your spice level and toppings exactly how you want. Both were fresh, loaded, and that garlic sauce alone is worth the drive. Adding this to the DFW rotation immediately. 📍3204 E Hebron Pkwy #320, Carrollton *hosted #dallasfoodnerd 📷: @ashleemademedoit
Just lived our best Fan Expo Dallas life: autograp Just lived our best Fan Expo Dallas life: autograph lines, tattoo alley, panels, sessions, and way too much shopping. Now the countdown begins: Fan Expo Dallas 2027 is already on the calendar! 🗓️: June 11–13, 2027 at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Follow @fanexpodallas to stay to date on who & what will be there! *hosted #dallasfoodnerd
RA Sushi rolled out a revamped menu and we basical RA Sushi rolled out a revamped menu and we basically ordered our way through it. First up: Sushi Nachos loaded with yellowtail, salmon, tuna + avocado, followed by the new $6 sushi rolls 👀 Then came the protein packed mains — the Hibachi Burrito packed with sliced steak, fried rice, sautéed onions, zucchini + greens 🌯 and the Wagyu Noodles. The steak was so tender 🥩For dessert, we went for the Pineapple Cake 🍍 and Crunchy Cheesecake 🍰 There are still plenty of new dishes we didn’t get to try: Wagyu & Pork Potstickers, Bang Bang Shrimp, Baked Scallop Dynamite Rolls + more. So basically… we need another girls’ dinner. 🤷‍♀️🍣 📍RA Sushi 5100 Belt Line Rd, Dallas, TX 75254 *hosted 📸: @jeanerjeaner
@canstructiondallas is back at @northparkcenter bu @canstructiondallas is back at @northparkcenter but only through this Sunday! One of our favorite fall traditions is wandering the mall to see the massive sculptures made entirely out of canned goods, and this year’s theme makes it extra worth the trip before it’s gone. This year’s “A League of UnCANny Villains” theme brings 26 large builds created by local architects, engineers, and designers, all made from donated canned goods that will go straight to the @northtexasfoodbank after the exhibit. We especially loved seeing grocery partners like @heb in the mix. Some of our favorite villains: Maleficent, The Grinch, Wicked Witch, PAC‑Man, and Bowser, but honestly, every single piece is wild to see up close. Nerdy tip: Mall walkers and employees get in early, so you can slip in before stores open and take your time exploring all the installations. You can even vote for your favorite for $5 at canstructiondallas.com. Every vote helps provide meals for neighbors in need. NorthPark Center Hours: Monday–Saturday: 10 AM – 8 PM Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM Go see the creativity, the engineering, & the heart behind one of North Texas’ most beloved traditions before it’s gone.
PROST, y’all! Addison Oktoberfest is THIS Thurs-Su PROST, y’all! Addison Oktoberfest is THIS Thurs-Sun 🥨🍻 Now in its 39th year, @visitaddison ‘s fall tradition takes over Addison Circle with beer & food vendors, carnival rides, live music & games. Yes, it’s family-friendly! Kids get their own Kidsgarten (arts & crafts, airbrush tattoos, Mini Masskrug comp) plus a free carousel & arcade. Our faves: massive pretzels, ice-cold @paulanerusa beer & watching the stein-holding, barrel racing competitions and polka dancing/two-stepping the night away. It is, Texas after all. 🍻 Nerdy tip: Watch college football on the grounds Saturday! It’s just like a big tailgate! 🏈 The weekend breakdown: 🍻 Thurs: FREE entry + live polka 🍻 Fri-Sat: $15 adults/$5 kids and all the fun activities, like beer competitions, two stepping, and live music 🐾 Sun: Hund-Day! The Dachshund Dash is so fun to watch their tiny little legs! Dust off your Lederhosens & Dirndls and practice ahead of time to join the competitions!! See you on the grounds this weekend! Follow @addisonoktoberfest for tickets & info! *partner #dallasfoodnerd
Ready to break up with your açaí chain? 🍓🥥 @bowlm Ready to break up with your açaí chain? 🍓🥥 @bowlmami in Carrollton might be a little tucked away, but it’s absolutely worth the find! They make their tasty, thick açaí fresh every single morning using natural sweeteners like agave & dates. ❌No mass-produced frozen purees here! The Endless Summer bowl is incredible, & their menu goes way beyond açaí with avocado toast, fun sparkling fruit refreshers, and an extensive matcha list. Whether you need a light mid-day lunch break or a refreshing post-run refuel, we encourage you to check it out! 🤓 Nerdy tip: Because everything is made to order with fresh ingredients, save yourself some time & order pickup through their website before you head over! 📍 Old Denton Rd, Carrollton (Open daily 9 AM - 9 PM) *ad #dallasfoodnerd
@scarboroughshollow returns with more fall fun!🍂👑 @scarboroughshollow returns with more fall fun!🍂👑 New magic, mysteries, and adventures are headed to Scarborough’s Hollow this season. Guests of all ages will enjoy expanded entertainment, artisan shopping, seasonal food and drink and interactive experiences. 🗓️September 26 – November 1 🚨Save the date for a new bonus event this year!🚨 Texas Mead & Music Festival - Sept. 19 Get a sneak peak at Scarborough’s Hollow when you purchase tickets to the Mead Fest! This new event blends craft mead, local love music, artisan makers and more entertainment at Scarborough Village. 🔗 srfestival.com/txmeadfest 🎟️ Use code FOODNERD for $5 off adult tickets on both events! Discounted tickets are limited. *partner #dallasfoodnerd 📸Photos from @thesrfestival Spring 2026
That Lumpia and Fish Curry alone are worth the tri That Lumpia and Fish Curry alone are worth the trip to Plano. 🍤 🌴 If you’re looking for vibrant Caribbean flavors and serious getaway energy, the Aguasal Pop-Up at @flamant.restaurant is an absolute must-visit before it closes at the end of the month. The Michelin and James Beard recognized team created an elevated Caribbean pop-up that feels like a luxury vacation. The food came out piping hot, packed with flavor, and completely delivered: 🔥 Starters: Deviled eggs, shrimp dip, Caribbean wings, Jamaican beef patty, and the Lumpia (my absolute favorite!). 🔥 Standout Entrees: The Yucatán steak bowl and a rich, fragrant fish curry that stole the entire night. The atmosphere is stunning, the cocktails are built for slow sipping, and the menu is only here through the end of September. Don’t wait on this one! 📍 Aguasal Pop-Up at Flamant | Plano, TX 🗓️ Open Wed–Sun for dinner, Wed–Fri for lunch, Sat–Sun for brunch. *hosted #dallasfoodnerd 📸: @feliciajarrell_
🍂Fall Activities Bucket List! 🍂 SBG Hospitality al 🍂Fall Activities Bucket List! 🍂 SBG Hospitality always brings the best fall activities that we look forward to every single year. We’re getting excited for the next months of festivals, food, drinks, live music, & Halloween fun! 🍺 Frisco Oktoberfest at @thestarinfrisco - October 3 🍷 McKinney Wine & Music Festival - October 24 🏃 McKinney Monster Dash 5K - October 31 🎃 Downtown McKinney Spooktacular Brews & Boos Walk - October 31 🍽️ Plano Food + Wine Festival at @legacywestplano - November 7 Whether you’re ready to raise a stein, sip wine, dress up for Halloween, run a festive 5K, or enjoy incredible food, there’s something for everyone! Many of the activities are family-friendly and outdoors in the nicer fall weather! Follow @sbghospitality for ticket announcements, event details, giveaways, and everything you need to experience fall in North Texas!🍂 *Partner #dallasfoodnerd
New location, so we had to try some new things! Ma New location, so we had to try some new things! Margaritas are a must, so we started the night with the Flaming Frozen Margarita & Spicy Margarita. 🍹🔥 For apps, we tried the Corn Tempura 🌽 , light and crispy and the Shrimp Ceviche, which had that bright, citrusy flavor 🍤 So yes, we skipped the famous fajitas this time. Instead, we went with Los Enchiladas, a combination of one cheese, one brisket, & one chicken enchilada. For the steak lovers, the Las Vegas Ribeye is marinated in guajillo pineapple slightly sweet. 🥩 But the surprise favorite was the Branzino Diamanté — definitely go with the lemon garlic sauce! 🐟✨ New location, new favorites… but next time, we’re finally getting those famous fajitas. 🔥 📍 Preston Hollow — 7775 Walnut Hill Ln, Dallas, TX 75230 📍 near Inwood Village — 5301 W Lovers Ln, Dallas, TX 75209 *hosted 📸: @jeanerjeaner
Something new is coming to @sugarandsagebakerydall Something new is coming to @sugarandsagebakerydallas on September 14th… 👀🥐 Made fresh in limited batches each day- once it’s gone, it’s gone until the next day. Consider us officially intrigued! Meet the Cristo Amann™ — a flaky, caramelized Kouign Amann layered with ham + melty Gruyère, griddled to order and served with fruit preserves for dipping. Sweet, savory, crispy, buttery… and unlike anything we’ve had before. Safe to say, this one left us speechless 🤌 And it’s the star of their NEW savory made-to-order lunch lineup, alongside: 🥐 Everything Chicken Salad Croissant 🧀 Ham & Cheddar Croissant 🥗 Chicken Caesar Wrap 🍅 Artisanal Caprese 🥪 Prosciutto & Gruyère Panini All of these will go great paired with one of their fall drinks: Churro Latte, Pumpkin Latte or Salted Maple Matcha 🍂🍁☕️. So set your alarms… this one is worth getting there early for! 🥐✨ 📍Lovers Lane, Dallas *hosted #dallasfoodnerd
Satisfy your sweet tooth at this late-night desser Satisfy your sweet tooth at this late-night dessert spot in DFW! 🍨 @meltndipdallas in Richardson serves premium Belgian chocolate treats, including: ✨ Triple chocolate drizzled crepes & waffles ✨ Warm molten lava chocolate cake topped with gelato (Our fave!) ✨ Pistachio & kunafa-topped treats ✨ Fresh fruit bowls & gelato scoops ✨ Refreshing fruit juices and delicious coffees and chais Melt n Dip is the perfect spot for date nights and celebrations, with something to satisfy everyone in your group! With their spacious indoor and outdoor seating, this should be your go-to spot this fall for treat yourself season! 📍 150 W Main St Suite 800, Richardson, TX ⏰ Open daily until 12am (and 2am Fri–Sat!) 🚗 Available for Dine-In, Carry-Out, and Delivery! Tag someone who owes you a dessert date at @meltndipdallas! 👇 *Sponsored #DallasFoodNerd 🎥: @CallingCarolyn
Sushi Bar in Carrollton 🍣 10 sushi courses in 10 Sushi Bar in Carrollton 🍣 10 sushi courses in 10 seconds 🍣 We recently tried the 10-course tasting menu for 2 at @kichi_bar in Carrollton, and every course was a delicious surprise. The chefs curate the experience based on what’s freshest that day, so no two visits are exactly the same. Since every course is meant to be shared, it feels like you’re discovering each new dish together.☺️ Our tasting included some of our favorites like A5 Wagyu, fried tofu, uni pasta, spicy tuna, striped jack, and chopped lamb. And if a dish comes topped with their signature yuzu foam, just order it. Trust us. We wrapped up the meal with a scoop of lavender coconut ube ice cream, which was the perfect ending. Whether you’re planning a date night or just craving high-quality sushi and Japanese-inspired flavors, KichiBar strikes the perfect balance between elevated and approachable. Since the tasting menu changes regularly, it’s the kind of place that keeps us coming back to see what’s next. 📍Carrollton *hosted #DallasFoodNerd
Say goodbye to boring bowling alley food! @bowla Say goodbye to boring bowling alley food! @bowlandbarrel is the perfect place to enjoy a round of bowling while you share a pizza and yummy appetizers. Not to mention, they’ve got a full bar - including mocktails! We tried the pepperoni pizza 🍕, chicken meatballs 🐔 and crab hushpuppies 🦀 Perfect for girls night, group outings, or date night. Tag who you’re bringing 👇 *invited #dallasfoodnerd 📷: @ashleemademedoit
Out in Denton testing the lineup at @kurumerameniz Out in Denton testing the lineup at @kurumeramenizakayatx, and this spot completely delivered on authentic Japanese comfort food. It’s a great little hideaway with awesome vibes and a huge menu that has something for everyone. What we ordered: 🔥 Nagasaki Seafood Ramen (hands-down the highlight of the meal!) 🔥 Gyoza & Egg Rolls 🔥 Shrimp Tempura, Fresh Sushi & Chicken Fried Rice Whether you’re stopping in for a steaming bowl of ramen, fresh sushi, or their insane $30 sushi boat deal, you’re in for a solid meal. 📍 Kurume Ramen & Izakaya — Denton, TX 🚗 Pickup & To-Go available if you’re grabbing lunch on the run! Save this spot for your next Denton food run! 📌 *hosted #dallasfoodnerd 📸: @feliciajarrell_
Add this Mexican restaurant to your rotation! We Add this Mexican restaurant to your rotation! We stopped by @LunaRojadallas in the heart of Downtown Dallas for National Fajita Day, and it did not disappoint. Tucked inside the Hilton Garden Inn, this spot offers an elevated patio vibe paired with some of the absolute best skyline views around. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, plus a great happy hour. (The Tres Leches French Toast and Lxcacao Chocolate Waffle from the brunch menu are calling our names!) Grab a seat on the patio, order a drink, and enjoy the city vibes. 📍1525 Elm Street, Downtown Dallas (inside @hgidallasdtn) *invited #DallasFoodNerd 📸: @feliciajarrell_
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