G.R.i.D. (Get Rich in Dallas)

The absolute best deal at the Fair is the Dollar Dog over by the Old Mill Inn. It ain’t nothing fancy but it’s a buck! And it’s fairly fresh save for the not yet stale buns that never seem to be freshly soft. Plus, they take cash which saves on coupon usage for later. Next year, remember to start your day off with that to get something in your tummy that’s yummy, cheap and sets the tone.

My only venture outside of Fletcher’s corny dogs and roasted corn was the chicken fried bacon and the whole time I ate it, I kept thinking, “I think I like this.” My hopes were a little high on this because I figured it would have been a thicker slab of bacon. Instead, they were literal bacon strips from the store fried up in batter. The batter overpowered the bacon but at times I could taste that crispiness I love in overdone strips. However, the flavoring of the batter AND the strip, I see now, was way too salty and I’ve mentioned before that is was pretty much a fried saltlick. If the meat was thicker, then it would have made sense. Also, if they had provided a sauce, it would have enhanced the treat in a positive fashion. Simple ranch would have made it more delectable but dried out strips of fried meat ended up on the unattractive and boring side of Fair dining. Plus, the rudeness of the lady serving them up didn’t help. That carnie bitch should have been happy to get my money to pay her way home in these economic hard times!

Despite the chicken fried bacon being on the new set of treats, my old standby did not fail to impress. The cinnamon roll in the food court is divine sugar heaven. The mere presence of its aroma is like a romance novel between it and my nostrils. There could perhaps be nothing better on this earth at that time that could provoke my nose to run off with one of the cinnamon rolls to have a torrid affair in nighttime Paris while leaving me tortured to only look at the other rolls dripping with sweet cream and adorned with perfect pecan bits. Yes, the smell is that good and it can only be topped by the deliciousness of the taste. Mine was just out of the oven so when topped by cream, it melted immediately. The bread was perfectly moist and gooey but soft and fresh. While so big it needed to be eaten with a fork, I longed to just be in private where I could hold it with my hands to eat. Oh trust me, it is THAT good. Cinnabon? No way but close! This is a more homemade (even if it’s not) slice of heaven on earth.

As for the rest of the Fair, my pizza disappointed. The little stand between the Midway and the market area by the Cotton Bowl had declined in their tasty goodness. Their yeasty crust was no more nor was their taste. Plus, once again, a carnie bitch could have cared less that I was forking over some four bucks for a barely slice of pizza that need to be reheated.

Tornado taters weren’t that good but I did not go to my usual stand. The Nutty Bar lived up as always. However, I did take a bottle of water that I nursed on for hours and refilled where I could. At the end of the day I had so many tickets left over and then I realized it was because I wasn’t spending any on drinks! It’s probably no secret but I had always figured I needed my sodas for the whole Fair experience. I didn’t save for one at the end of the day. Saved me about twenty bucks! Or coupons rather.

Until next year…

But really, we just care about the food and listen to this:

Chef Robbie, a one-year veteran of the Tex-Asian concept, enhanced the menu creating new dishes and maintaining favorites.  The new “Casual” Dining section includes affordable entrees priced between $13 to $16, such as the Hibachi Chicken Pad Thai and Ancho-Honey Pork served with ”daily mashers” and soy BBQ sauce.  New entrée highlights include the Ginger-Sake Salmon with traditional spicy cucumber salad, scallion, and cous cous and Miso Lobster with parmesan risotto, Texas sweet corn and white miso broth. 

A diverse array of starters tempts the tastebuds including Spicy Fuse Popcorn, Tex-Asian Chips dusted with nori and salsa roja, Tortilla Fried Avocado and Braised Brisket Potstickers.  Sushi and sashimi arrives in classic style or with a contemporary twist, such as the signature Fuse Roll made with Snow Crab, salmon, asparagus and carrot wrapped in cucumber.

Lunch, now available Monday through Friday, offers a tantalizing selection of salads, rice or noodle bowls, sandwiches, entrees and Balanced Plates, a choice of protein served with a California or tuna roll, miso soup, steamed rice and mesclun salad.  The Kobe Short Rib Bowl with garlic, broccoli, daikon sprouts, jalapeno, fried egg and hoisin sauce and Tex-Asian Sliders with cilantro aioli, soy caramelized onions and cheddar cheese are not to be missed.

After reading all that, just kill me. My mouth is watering big time. Pad Thai is one of my favorite dishes but sliders, as trendy as they are, have been sliding up my list of treats to eat. So, for sure, Fuse has just made its way back from my “meh” category of restaurants to try to the “marking the calendar now” list.

Fuse is located downtown at 1512 Commerce Street.  Lunch - Monday - Friday 11:30am until 2:30pm.  Dinner - Monday -Thursday 6 - 10pm, and Friday and Saturday 6 - 11pm.  Happy Hour  Monday -Friday from 4 - 7pm.  For reservations call  214.742.FUSE(3873).