2016 CNE Menu Includes Bug Dogs, Beetle Juice and Pig Ear Sandwiches

2016 CNE Menu Includes Bug Dogs, Beetle Juice and Pig Ear Sandwiches
2016 CNE Menu Includes Bug Dogs, Beetle Juice and Pig Ear Sandwiches

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) today revealed the featured foods for 2016, and bugs, crickets and mealworms stand out as just a few of this year’s most creepy and crawly ingredients.

Advertisment

Story continues below

If you’re not in the mood for bugs, you can always grab the Tim Hortons Jolly Rancher Donut.

Tim Hortons Jolly Rancher Donut
Tim Hortons Jolly Rancher Donut

Here’s a closer look at some of this year’s CNE culinary curiosities:

BUG BISTRO: Bug Bistro will be presenting its “bug-worthy” menu starring the Bug Dog: a hormone-free beef frank seasoned with crispy mustard crickets; Tacos Grillos: flour tortilla tacos with chipotle fried beef sirloin and toasted chilli lime crickets; and a Beetle Juice packed mango pulp, fresh lime, buttermilk and protein from roasted mealworm powder. (Bug Bistro, Food Building)

FRIED PIG EAR SANDWICH: Crispy coated pig ears, coleslaw, maple bacon, cheddar cheese with spicy chipotle aioli. (Farm to Fryer, Food Building)

Would you try a fried pig ear sandwich?? #CNE #CrazyFood

A photo posted by Indie88 (@indie88toronto) on

PHILLY STEAKLAIR: A sweet and savoury hybrid of a Philly cheesesteak and éclair. A traditional cheesesteak sandwiched between a cream puff éclair, topped with bacon meats, whipped cream and chocolate icing. (Philthy Philly’s, Food Building)

PULLED PORK CINNAMON ROLLS: A marriage of tender pulled pork rolled into a soft warm cinnamon bun and drizzled with frosting. (Howie’s Cinnamon Rolls, Midway)

 

FRAN’S RESTAURANT: Known for their unique take on home-style comfort food, Fran’s is bringing a bit of nostalgia and a lot of creativity to its 2016 CNE menu with foods such as the Bacon Croissundae: maple bacon and vanilla ice cream sandwiched in a croissant; The Meatloafer: deep-fried meatloaf topped with cheese and served on a bun; and to celebrate their new presence on the CNE Midway, Fran’s will also be serving up Carnival Milkshakes. (Fran’s Restaurant, Food Building & Midway)

CHOCOLATE DIABLO CONE: Chocolate soft serve coated in cookie crumble, cocoa puffs and wasabi peas, and drizzled with Sriracha caramel. (Swiss Waffle & Crepes, Food Building).

THE 3SUM BURGER: This internationally-inspired burger creation combines Italian meatballs, Canadian mac ‘n cheese, and Greek fries topped with feta cheese, coleslaw and bacon. (Corrado’s Authentic Italian, Midway)

DEEP FRIED COOKIE DOUGH BALLS: Everything tastes better deep fried, including cookie dough! (Cookie Dough Me, Food Building)

SPAM DOUBLE DOWN: Two thick cut pieces of Spam serve as the bun for the centre filled with bacon, tomato, cheese and chipotle. (Miami Press, Food Building)

THE BIG PICKLE DOG: Presenting the deep-fried pickle 2.0. A cored giant pickle with a hot dog centre, smothered in corn dog batter and deep fried to perfection. (Pickle Pete’s, Midway)

Churro cheeseburgers are coming to the CNE this year! ? #burgersTO #CNE2016 – ? @jessemilns

A photo posted by blogTO (@blogto) on

Great combo…savory, crunchy and sweet #letsgototheex #food #media #preview #CNE #creative #hotdog

A photo posted by momwhoruns (@momwhoruns) on

Sushi nachos y’all! @suandbu serving up Tokyo meets Tijuana eats @letsgototheex #torontofood #cne2016 #toronto #letsgototheex

A photo posted by Erica Salyi-Pannozzo (@being_ericapannozzo) on


The CNE’s annual Ribfest is happening daily at Bandshell Park, as well as Craft Beer Fest & Food Truck Frenzy, from August 26 – 28, featuring 26 trucks offering global fare and six new food trucks making their CNE debut!

Toronto, Ont., is the permanent home of the CNE. This year, the fair runs from August 19, through September 5, and features more than 100 restaurants in the iconic Food Building and more than 60 concessionaires in the Midway. More than 1.6 million visitors pass through the gates every year.

 

Images – CNE