The treats along Junk Food Alley are one of the biggest attractions of the Three Rivers Festival. Of course, there are plenty of traditional fair favorites, but it’s also a test kitchen of sorts for new concoctions. I mean, how else would we have deep-fried Twinkies or Snickers bars?
“There’s always excitement to see the newest fads in the foodie world,” Three Rivers Festival Board President John Nichter said.
If a quirky treat has gained favor in other communities, it will probably get a chance in Fort Wayne.
Along with Junk Food Alley, the Emporium across Clinton Street at Headwaters Park West is worth a look, too. Especially now. You can have your pick of a locally produced adult beverage and roam around drinking it.
Nichter says the festival is dipping its toes into the waters of relaxed excise laws. Under revised state law, beer, wine, and spirits produced on a small scale are considered artisan-crafted.
Nichter says craft beverage vendors will rotate daily throughout the festival. The only stipulations are good behavior since public intoxication is prohibited in the city. Also, craft alcohol from the Emporium is not allowed in the concert area because alcohol is already available there.
By design, the Emporium is intended as an artistic marketplace. There are plenty of creative goods, arts, and crafts. You can also find some fun food treats.
Nichter mentioned a personal favorite: green grapes dipped in crushed Jolly Rancher candy at the Goodie’s booth. They also offer other fruits coated in candy toppings.
Enjoy some coffee with car enthusiasts
Cars. Coffee. Conversation.
The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum in Auburn, of course, hosts its monthly Cars & Coffee gathering Saturday, July 15, from 9- 11 a.m.
Whether you are a vehicle owner, a fan, or a casual observer, the museum campus will showcase an array of antique, classic, exotic, and muscle cars. The event is free, including the coffee supplied by 9th Street Brew Coffee in Auburn.
The event is every third Saturday through September.
Blue Jacket hosting block party
Blue Jacket is hosting a block party on July 15 at its campus at 2826 Calhoun St. with food trucks, family-friendly activities, and music from 3-7 p.m.
Blue Jacket provides training and opportunities for those with barriers to employment, including through the Tall Rabbit Cafe which opened in December. The coffee shop at Blue Jacket features espresso, artisan drinks, coffee alternatives, and treats like pastries. Blue Jacket clients staff the shop.
Pub at 1802 introduces a Beast
From the things that make you go hmmm. And by hmmm, I mean yum.
This news comes from Pub at 1802, appropriately named for their spot at 1802 Spy Run.
During a recent visit, this burger sent a siren signal my way. The Beast Burger is a custom blend of elk, bison, wagyu, and wild boar. Just in case you needed more protein, it also has bacon and a fried egg. It also includes pepper jack and gouda cheeses, spinach, and sriracha ranch sauce.
I’ll try it soon and let you know.
Restaurants heading to Auburn
Work is progressing on the new Auburn Crossing shopping center on West Seventh Street near Interstate 69 in Auburn.
The development will include a Texas Roadhouse and Chipotle. You may recall, a Ponderosa restaurant stood there for decades.
Off the Eaten Path is the Whatzup weekly column that covers Northeast Indiana’s restaurant and food news. Send your news items to info@whatzup.com.
