Day 16 at the NYS Fair: Today’s handpicked menu and schedule

Pot Roast Fries

Dan Karleski runs Charlie Famous Steak Pit at the State Fair's Colonnade. His Pot Roast Fries are the perfect food for late at night. Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com

Geddes, N.Y. — The past few days at the Fair started feeling like the old days here. Yes, the crowds remained smaller than past years and the wine slushie stands are spread way-too-far apart, but the energy was creeping back. The music was blaring, the drinks were flowing, and the food was as gooey and tasty as ever.

I can’t wait to do it again today, the 16th day of the New York State Fair. Seven acts will be playing back-to-back at Chevy Court this afternoon into the evening for the Fair’s FunkFest. DJ Zulu kicks it off at noon. The Unstoppable Forces of Syracuse dance troupe takes the stage at 12:30 followed by non-stop music from The Meditations, Sam Wynn, Darryl Brooks, Ronnie Leigh and the Mary Jane Girls. That leads into the evening’s top show of the Stone City Band and the Mary Jane Girls. Rapper YG will be at the big stage out back in Chevy Park.

That’s the beauty of the Fair. You can listen to a national act at no charge and then head a few hundred feet in any direction and grab a cocktail and some greasy food to soak it all up. That’s what we did the other night, and the night before, and the night before that.

Today’s Menu

I write about food for syracuse.com and The Post-Standard, I rely on readers to tell me what’s good in Central New York. That’s exactly what I’m counting on during the State Fair. I’m still taking your suggestions and highlighting the best food and drinks here. If you eat or drink something that knocks your socks off, text me (315-382-1984) and I’ll give it a try. I might even join you for a meal and pick up the tab. I’ve been doing that every day of the Fair. So, let’s set our table:

Nightcap: Peanut Butter & Jelly shot at Charlie’s Famous Steak Pit in the Colonnade ($5)

When Starship started playing “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” at Chevy Court on Thursday, we decided nothing was going to stop us from getting more to eat and drink. We made that 1-minute walk to Charlie’s Famous Steak Pit in the Colonnade for a $4 can of Busch beer. Then we saw we could get a PBJ shot for just a dollar more. Four please!

This drink has been around for a year or two, but it’s new to the Fair this year. Consider this drink when you’re all beered out.

It’s half Chambord raspberry liqueur and half Skrewball peanut butter whiskey. The bartender poured the two ingredients into a cup over ice, gave it a swirl or two and then strained it into 2-ounce plastic cups. It was sweet, cold and smooth. It does taste like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It might sound odd to you, but it was fun.

PBJ shot

A peanut butter and jelly shot with reader Kevin Sexton at Charlie's Famous Steak Pit in the State Fair's Colonnade. Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com

Late-night snack: Pot Roast Fries at Charlie’s Famous Steak Pit ($8.50)

We didn’t have to go far for good bar food. In fact, we didn’t have to move it all. We stayed at the Steak Pit. Dan Karleski (photographed at the top) helps run this popular stand. This is the fourth year they’ve served pot roast fries at the Fair. “It’s the perfect chaser to those PBJ shots,” he said.

They start with thick fries from nearby Deli-Boy and cover them in a hot cheese sauce. As the fries cooked, the grill-master sliced six pieces off one of the hunks of top round steak that had been on a slow simmer. The layer of fresh beef must have weighed about a half-pound. Another cook then poured a ladle full of beef gravy over the whole cardboard boat.

This Fair comfort food soaked up the booze quickly. It was the best food to eat at the end of this night. At least we thought so at the time.

Syracuse bar owners take note: Serve pot roast fries at your establishments!

Pot Roast Fries

Pot roast fries at Charlie's Famous Steak Pit are the perfect late-night State Fair food. Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com

>> Detailed daily schedule for Saturday, Sept. 4

Concerts

>> FunkFest, Noon to 7 p.m. at Chevy Court

>> Cold War Kids, 2 p.m. at Chevy Park

>> The Stone City Band and the Mary Jane Girls, 6:30 p.m. at Chevy Court

>> YG, 8 p.m. at Chevy Park

Fair Basics

Tickets: Admission this year is $3 at the gate; children under 12 are free every day, and those 65 and older get free admission. The Fair will not accept cash at the gates this year. Buy tickets in advance on etix or use a a credit card at a nearby kiosk.

Hours: Door open at 11 a.m. each day this year, three hours later than previous fairs. The buildings close at 10 p.m., but the Midway shuts down at 11 p.m.

Parking: The parking lots surrounding the fairgrounds can accommodate more than 23,000 cars. Parking is $5 (advance sales or EZ-Pass) for all lots. They will not accept cash this year. (Click here for parking map and directions.)

Masks: Face masks are required for everyone inside buildings. If you’re vaccinated, you don’t have to wear one outside. Workers will have masks available at each building’s entrance.

Other rules: You can bring coolers with food and non-alcoholic drinks. No pets are allowed, unless they are working dogs or in a competition. All bags, backpacks, coolers, purses and fanny packs are permitted but subject to search upon entry. You cannot bring firearms or other weapons, signs, roller blades, skate boards or bicycles onto the grounds.

NYS Fair newsletter: Stay up-to-date on all New York State Fair news, food, music, schedules and more with our free newsletter. Get it in your inbox all 18 days of the 2021 NYS Fair. Sign up here.

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Charlie Miller finds the best in food, drink and fun across Central New York. Contact him at (315) 382-1984, or by email at cmiller@syracuse.com. You can also find him on Twitter @HoosierCuse.

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