The Best Food You Can't Get at Rochesterfest This Year

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First off, let me say how GREAT it is to have Rochesterfest back again this year. After not being able to go in 2020 (like just about everything else), I realize that I kinda took our city's annual festival a little for granted, so I'm really happy to have it back this year.

Food is a big part of Rochesterfest

And while there are a lot of great events associated with Rochesterfest, the food (and its location at Soldiers Field Park, only a few blocks from our radio station studios downtown) has to be my favorite part of the summer festival.

But one food is mysteriously missing

There are a LOT of great foods available at Rochesterfest again this year. (Keep scrolling to check them all out!) But one, sadly, isn't available this year. It's one I first saw back in 2016 and instantly fell in love with: The Hot Beef Sundae!

Rochesterfest 2016 (CSJ/TSM-Rochester)

Introducing... the Hot Beef Sundae!

The Hot Beef Sundae first appeared at Rochesterfest five years ago, and while I enjoyed several that year, it hasn't made an appearance here in the Med City since then. Just what IS a Hot Beef Sundae, you ask? Only complete deliciousness! Take a look:

Texas bread
Roast beef
Mashed potatoes
Homemade gravy
Cheddar cheese
Cherry tomato (on top)

The key to a Hot Beef Sundae is to assemble all the ingredients in a bowl, so it looks similar to a regular ice cream sundae. The Hot Beef Sundae stand I visited at Rochesterfest that year appeared to be owned by Signature's Supper Club in Northwood, Iowa. And a check of their website doesn't say anything about Hot Beef Sundaes at all. Sigh.

According to this Travel Channel article, the Hot Beef Sundae got its start just to our south, at the Iowa State Fair. It's been found at several other State Fairs, as well, although I'm not sure it'll be available this year at Great Minnesota Get-Together, either. But here's hoping that it is! And, there's always next year, right?

Listen to Curt St. John mornings from 6 to 10 on Quick Country 96.5
and afternoons from 2 to 6 on 103.9 The Doc

All 21 Delicious Food and Drink Vendors at Rochesterfest 2021

Rochesterfest is going on right now at Soldier's Field in Rochester, Minnesota. There's a stage with all sorts of musical performances, lots of fun events, plenty of shaded places to sit thanks to the tents, and, of course, all of the food and drinks! Here are all of the options at this year's Rochesterfest.