I’ve spent a number of time round rodeo arenas, but, I’ve by no means been to what’s arguably the largest common season rodeo in North America: Rodeo Houston.
That may have to vary sometime. Oddly sufficient, it was studying about one thing that’s bought at concession stands there that gave me but one more reason to need to go. And sure, it’s a hen dish.
The Doughnut Hen Sandwich
The meals merchandise I’m referencing is the Doughnut Hen Sandwich. In line with an Axios article, it sells for $16 at a number of concession stands. The sandwich made its debut in 2022, and evidently turned successful. 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 deal with with my naked palms. The hen grounded the entire thing, and I appreciated the mild kick from the seasonings.”
That made me need to attempt it proper there. However a TikTok video from @ryanrealestatehouston (Ryan Adams) supplied additional motivation to test it out. Adams tried the sandwich after which shared it with different individuals on the carnival on the Rodeo Houston grounds.
As Adams launched the sandwich, he initially identified how a lot glaze was on the doughnut. He visibly loved it, however introduced consideration to the gooiness of the entrée. He used three napkins after taking his first chunk. Then he took his second chunk, saying the second chunk was higher than the primary. He rated it as an 8.1 out of 10.
The primary particular person he shared it with virtually agreed, however he rated it a 8.09, evidently as a result of he didn’t assume he appreciated it in addition to his good friend did.
One other sampler stated: “That’s good. That’s on level.” His ranking fell a little bit in need of “good,” however was nonetheless a powerful 9.5. The subsequent sampler gave it a fair 9.
However there was the critic, unimpressed with the untidiness and sweetness of the sandwich, saying “It tastes like diabetes,” and ranking it a 6. Nonetheless, that’s above common.
Adams wrapped up his video saying: “You want about 42 extra napkins than you had, bit it’s an amazing steadiness of candy and protein. You’ve obtained to do the Doughnut Hen Sandwich on the Houston rodeo.”
Hen at a rodeo?
In all my years, I can by no means recall consuming hen at a rodeo. I imply, it’s a sport that developed round cattle manufacturing, and so there is justifiably a little bit of meat snobbery there, with beef being the popular protein.
Then there’s the truth that rodeo contestants are a superstitious bunch. Except for not placing your hat on the mattress, essentially the most shared superstition is to not eat hen on the day of competitors. The rationale, in response to what I as soon as learn one cowboy as saying, “you’re what you eat.”
Cute, however should you have a look at it rationally, I’ve by no means seen a hamburger rope and tie a calf in 7 seconds flat, both.
However I do assume that Rodeo Houston is an applicable venue for hen. With the carnival proven on the TikTok video, and concert events on the venue by top-selling music acts like Jelly Roll, Luke Bryan, Nickleback and Jonas Brothers, it will get all kinds of individuals in attendance.
Most Rodeo Houston attendees aren’t rodeo traditionalists and doubtless don’t know Zeke Thurston from Thurston Howell III. And there’s nothing mistaken with that. They’re simply out to have an excellent time and create recollections, so why not afford them the chance to attempt some new meals?
And if the protein snobs see somebody having fun with a Doughnut Hen Sandwich, they could understand simply how a lot they’re lacking out.
In different hen foodservice information:
Restaurant chain Panera Bread not too long ago introduced what it referred to as its “greatest menu transformation in model historical past,” with new menu gadgets together with the Hen Bacon Rancher, Mediterranean Hen Greens with Grains, Southwest Hen Ranch and Balsamic Hen Greens with Grains.
Comfort retailer chain Casey’s is including three sandwiches, two of that are the Crispy Hen and Spicy Hen sandwiches.
