Corn Fest, like all fairs and festivals, features an array of some of the area’s best food. From corn on the cob to pizza to kabobs, no palate will leave Corn Fest unsatisfied. The Mystery Diner on Friday afternoon tried some of the food from local vendors that were open for business despite the late-afternoon deluge that sent many running for home and dry clothes. Though the Mystery Diner didn’t try food from every single vendor and while other local vendors that weren’t there Friday most likely will have their operations up and running throughout today and Sunday, it was clear that good food was aplenty and hungry stomachs were sure to leave happy and full. Various drinks, including water and soft drinks, also are available at each of the booths.
DeKalb Kiwanis
Corn on the cob, $2 per ear
DeKalb Kiwanis corn is cooked in the husk on the grill, and served with the husk pulled back and serving as a handle. This made it the easiest and neatest corn to eat, for those who prefer to keep their hands cleaner. This corn had a smokiness to it some of the others lacked. This ear is served with butter, along with salt and pepper available to season the corn to your liking.
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Gyros, $5
With the lamb meat shaved right off the spit, and onions, tomatoes and cucumber sauce added upon ordering, the Greek church in DeKalb sure knows how to serve gyros. This is a powerful meal and should probably be reserved for serious eaters. St. George’s booth also served their own style of Greek kabob.
Kishwaukee Kiwanis
Corn on the cob, $1 per ear
Kishwaukee Kiwanis corn is boiled and served without the husk, requiring a bit of creativity when it comes to eating. But hey, it’s Corn Fest; who’s gonna notice a little drop of butter or two on your shirt? Kishwaukee Kiwanis also offered hot dogs, brats and some other items, with all sorts of fixings on the side for custom-made snacks.
Giordano’s Pizza
Deep dish sausage pizza, $3
For those who have already tried deep dish pizza from Giordano’s, no further explanation is needed. For those who haven’t, try Giordano’s deep dish at Corn Fest this weekend! For $3 per slice, this hefty serving of pizza is a steal. Slices are available in cheese, pepperoni, sausage and spinach.
Fay’s Kabobs
Chicken and pork kabobs, $6
Mmmmmm. That’s the first thing that comes to mind when trying to figure out how to describe Fay’s kabob. I had the chicken kabob, but they both come with green peppers and onions and a delectable barbecue sauce. They taste like kabobs your dad pulled off the grill in the backyard for years, and that’s a big part of why they’re so good. Fay’s also offers pork chop sandwiches for those who prefer their meat between buns rather than skewered on a stick.
Pizza Villa
Pepperoni pizza, $3
Not everyone likes deep dish pizza, and this is where Pizza Villa comes in. With its dependable cheese, sausage and pepperoni pizza slices, Pizza Villa has the other end of the pizza spectrum covered.
Maid Rite
Maid-Rite loose-meat sandwich, $2
The loose-meat sandwich tends to invoke interesting thoughts and questions in those who’ve never tried it. But those who have tried it can answer those questions in one word: great. Like a sloppy joe with no sauce, or like a hamburger with no structure, the Maid-Rite sandwich is just one of those things everyone needs to try. And for the full experience, make sure to order yours with ketchup, mustard, pickles and onions.
Boy Scout Troop 33 of DeKalb
Corn on the cob, $2 per ear
This corn on the cob had perhaps the best smell of all of the ears, and a sweetness that stood out among the crop. This corn came with butter, and salt and pepper were available on the side. The Boy Scouts also offer hot dogs, polish sausage, burgers, nachos and other fair-type snacks.
