Ep 4. Portland Rose Festival & Got to be NC Fair

Carnival Eats is a television series that explores the delicious and outrageous foods found at carnivals, festivals, and fairs across North America. In season 1 episode 4, viewers are brought to two unique events: the Portland Rose Festival in Portland, Oregon, and the Got to be NC Fair in Raleigh, North Carolina.

At the Portland Rose Festival, host Noah Cappe discovers some of the most inventive and mouth-watering dishes found at any carnival. In one booth, he tries a dish called "The Whole Farm" that features a beef slider, pulled pork, and bacon jam all piled high on top of an artisanal bun. Another booth offers an Asian-inspired dish called "The Double Dragon" which consists of two different kinds of dumplings: one with chicken and vegetables, and the other with pork and mushrooms. Noah also samples a unique twist on a classic dessert with a deep-fried strawberry shortcake.

Aside from the food, the Portland Rose Festival offers plenty of fun and excitement for the whole family. Noah takes a ride on a classic carnival ride called the Zipper and visits a booth where contestants compete to make the most creative bouquet of flowers. He even gets a behind-the-scenes look at how the famous Rose Parade floats are created and learns about the history of the festival, which dates back over a century.

In the second half of the episode, Noah travels to the Got to be NC Fair in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he discovers the state's rich agricultural heritage. At one booth, he tries a North Carolina classic: pulled pork barbecue with a tangy vinegar-based sauce. He also samples some lighter fare with a pimento cheese fritter and an heirloom tomato sandwich made from locally-sourced ingredients.

The Got to be NC Fair also offers its own unique experiences. Noah checks out the tractor pull competition where drivers try to pull a sled full of weight as far as possible. He also learns about the history of tobacco in North Carolina and gets a chance to milk a cow at a petting zoo. Finally, he tries a dessert that's a nod to North Carolina's famous sweet potato dishes: a deep-fried sweet potato pie with a caramel glaze.

Throughout the episode, Noah meets the vendors and carnival-goers who make these events special. He talks with chefs who have brought their unique dishes to the fair, and learns about the history and culture behind the foods he's trying. With his infectious enthusiasm and cheerful personality, Noah brings viewers along for the ride as he tries some of the most interesting and delicious foods found in North America's carnival scene.

Overall, season 1 episode 4 of Carnival Eats is a fun and exciting exploration of the Portland Rose Festival and the Got to be NC Fair. Viewers will love seeing the unique dishes and experiences that each event has to offer, and will be left with a hunger to try some of these carnival eats for themselves.