Fried Shrimp Boil and Funnel Cake Beer Nab State Fair of Texas Trophies

Funnel cake beer might sound pretty hideous, but according to the judges at the annual Big Tex Choice Awards — which included Texas Monthly barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn and chef Tiffany Derry — it's a winner. Justin Martinez's Funnel Cake Ale (brewed with the help of Community Brewing Co. in the Design District) nabbed the coveted "Most Creative" award at the event, which took place yesterday at Fair Park. Meanwhile, the "Best Tasting" award went to the Fried Gulf Shrimp Boil created by Clint Probst, which is basically a tail-on shrimp surrounded by a mixture of baby shrimp, red potatoes, and onion that's (duh) breaded and fried and served with remoulade — sorry, no ranch here.

According to the official description, the Funnel Cake Ale is a "refreshing English style summer ale ... with delicate notes of natural vanilla." (Having the plastic cup rimmed with powdered sugar is strictly optional.) The general fairgoing public will get their chance to taste these award-winning creations on September 26, when the State Fair kicks off its 2014 season. Other new creations on the concessions menu this year include Fried Sriracha Balls; a bizarro deep-fried breakfast burrito concoction that contains, amongst other things, pieces of cinnamon roll; fried brisket tacos served with both chili and country gravy; and the actually-pretty-tasty-sounding Deep Fried Loaded Baked Potato.

· What You'll Be Eating at the 2014 State Fair of Texas [-EDFW-]