I’ve spent a large number of time round rodeo arenas, but, I’ve by no means been to what’s arguably the largest common season rodeo in North The us: Rodeo Houston.
That may have to modify one day. Oddly sufficient, it used to be finding out about one thing this is bought at concession stands there that gave me but one more reason to need to move. And sure, it’s a hen dish.
The Doughnut Hen Sandwich
The meals merchandise I’m referencing is the Doughnut Hen Sandwich. In step with an Axios article, it sells for $16 at more than one concession stands. The sandwich made its debut in 2022, and it appears that evidently was a success. Axios reporter Jay R. Jordan wrote: “From my first chunk, I used to be hooked. The doughnuts had been completely glazed, nonetheless heat from being made however cool sufficient to maintain with my naked fingers. The hen grounded the entire thing, and I favored the delicate kick from the seasonings.”
That made me need to check out it proper there. However a TikTok video from @ryanrealestatehouston (Ryan Adams) presented additional motivation to test it out. Adams attempted the sandwich after which shared it with folks on the carnival at the Rodeo Houston grounds.
As Adams offered the sandwich, he to start with identified how a lot glaze used to be at the doughnut. He visibly loved it, however introduced consideration to the gooiness of the entrée. He used 3 napkins after taking his first chunk. Then he took his 2nd chunk, pronouncing the second one chunk used to be higher than the primary. He rated it as an 8.1 out of 10.
The primary individual he shared it with almost agreed, however he rated it a 8.09, it appears that evidently as a result of he didn’t suppose he favored it in addition to his pal did.
Some other sampler mentioned: “That’s highest. That’s on level.” His score fell a bit wanting “highest,” however used to be nonetheless an outstanding 9.5. The following sampler gave it a good 9.
However there used to be the critic, unimpressed with the untidiness and sweetness of the sandwich, pronouncing “It tastes like diabetes,” and score it a 6. Nonetheless, that’s above reasonable.
Adams wrapped up his video pronouncing: “You wish to have about 42 extra napkins than you had, bit it’s an excellent steadiness of candy and protein. You’ve were given to do the Doughnut Hen Sandwich on the Houston rodeo.”
Hen at a rodeo?
In all my years, I will by no means recall consuming hen at a rodeo. I imply, it’s a game that developed round livestock manufacturing, and so there is justifiably slightly of meat snobbery there, with pork being the most well liked protein.
Then there’s the truth that rodeo contestants are a superstitious bunch. With the exception of no longer hanging your hat at the mattress, probably the most shared superstition isn’t to devour hen at the day of pageant. The rationale, consistent with what I as soon as learn one cowboy as pronouncing, “you’re what you devour.”
Adorable, however if you happen to have a look at it rationally, I’ve by no means observed a hamburger rope and tie a calf in 7 seconds flat, both.
However I do suppose that Rodeo Houston is an acceptable venue for hen. With the carnival proven at the TikTok video, and concert events on the venue by way of top-selling tune acts like Jelly Roll, Luke Bryan, Nickleback and Jonas Brothers, it will get all kinds of folks in attendance.
Maximum Rodeo Houston attendees aren’t rodeo traditionalists and almost certainly don’t know Zeke Thurston from Thurston Howell III. And there’s not anything incorrect with that. They’re simply out to have a great time and create reminiscences, so why no longer find the money for them the chance to check out some new meals?
And if the protein snobs see any person playing a Doughnut Hen Sandwich, they may notice simply how a lot they’re lacking out.
In different hen foodservice information:
Eating place chain Panera Bread just lately introduced what it referred to as its “largest menu transformation in logo historical past,” with new menu pieces together with the Hen Sir Francis Bacon Rancher, Mediterranean Hen Vegetables with Grains, Southwest Hen Ranch and Balsamic Hen Vegetables with Grains.
Comfort retailer chain Casey’s is including 3 sandwiches, two of which can be the Crispy Hen and Highly spiced Hen sandwiches.