Aug 11, 2023 - Food and Drink

Former Manhattan Deli owners make a new fair food debut

👋 Jason here. We're featuring fun food every day of the Iowa State Fair, starting with this monstrosity.

What it is: A spicy twist on chicken salad, complete with Italian seasoning and little pieces of pepperoni in a hearty bun ($12).

What I liked: It tasted like Hy-Vee's creamy Italian pasta salad.

Plus, it comes from Hagar's Hoagies, a first-year fair vendor run by the family that once owned DSM's Manhattan Deli.

What could improve: I'd love it if they offered half the sandwich at half the price, 'cause I was f-u-l-l by the time I was done.

Fair factor: 4/5 — Tasty and very worthy of your time, especially if you're hungry.

Editor's note: This story first appeared in the Axios Des Moines newsletter.

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