I made my annual trek to Country Thunder on Saturday. Not that I was expecting much out of the food scene at the four-day country music extravaganza near Florence. Having attended for several years, I remembered it offers the typical festival fare: barbecue turkey legs, Indian frybread and, of course, plenty of beer.
There were a few surprises, though. Hale Lake (pictured above), a Hawaiian native whose Island Noodles booth has been a fixture at Valley festivals and spring-training stadiums this year, made his first trip to Country Thunder. I enjoyed a carton packed with wok-fired soba noodles, carrots, brocolli and other vegetables.
Food and beverage tickets were being sold eight for $5. The soba noodles cost 12 tickets, $7.50 if my math is right, which seemed to be the standard price at most food booths.
An onion blossom ($7.50, pictured at left), nearly as greasy-good as Outback Steakhouse’s version, was a popular dish, judging by the number of passers-by I saw with a heaping paper plate. I split one with my Tribune co-workers Chris Orf, Martin Cizmar and Frances Marlow.
Several barbecue booths were hawking everything from turkey legs — another popular choice — to sandwiches to barbecue “sundaes.” I chose Valley-based Big Belly BBQ, simply because it was closest to the side stage where Gilbert country singer Nathan Dean was performing. The barbecue beef sandwich ($7.50) wasn’t bad.
And while tater tots, cheese fries and quesadillas were adundantly available, there also were booths offering more healthy options, such as fruit smoothies and roasted corn.
The nice thing was all the food I tried was cooked right at the vendor booths — unlike, say, last week’s disappointing Scottsdale Culinary Festival (read my review) — leaving the scent of exotic spices, barbecued meats and roasted vegetables mingling in the air.
By the time Kellie Pickler yielded the main stage to evening headliner Dierks Bentley, I was full. But I’ll be back next year to feast again.
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As the guy “hawking” BBQ turkey legs, I gotta tell you - Island Noodles is outstanding. Hale, Mike and the flaming wok definitely add something new to traditional carnival fare.
Only thing I can say is: wish I’d of thought of his idea!
Great times, good food and of course the music…
Thanks East Valley Tribune, see ya next year!
So, can anyone tell us why the Country Thunder concert in Texas has been cancelled?!? This is the second year in a row. Last year it was a rain out because it was terribly muddy and the place it was being held wasn’t set up like they were doing this year. We did get a partial refund plus VIP for Thursday, but now we have just found out it cancelled and they will not say why!
I never got a refund.I wonder if my so called free tickets for this years Country Thunder Texas will be refunded since it rained last year during a rain or shine event.They called it a act of god last year when it was really just bad infrastructure.I guess they skated out with my money.I’ll find out if they (Country Thunder USA) a just a bunch of cons or will I get my money back.They have refused in the past.
Can anyone assist me please!
Im from England & amad Country music fan but country music isn’t very popular here. Approx 12 yrs back I went to a country music “concert” or festival at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida & thought the day was fantastic. I really fancy going somewhere for something similar (perhaps in august 2008) or I will wait until next year. Where can I obtain a list of “Country Thunder” or regular info on country music festivals. I like all the mainstream artists: Sugarland, Tim McGar, REBA WOW!),Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood etc. Sorry that its such a long question, but Im desperate for info as Im getting no younger!!
Thanks to anyone that takes the trouble in responding. Geoff