Top 10 Food Picks You Won’t Want to Miss at L.A. County Fair #LACFNaturalHigh @LACountyFair

Posted on September 6, 2015 by Erin

Top 10 Food Picks You Won’t Want to Miss at the L.A. County Fair

By Erin

*I was invited to attend the L.A. County Fair’s Media Food Preview to facilitate this post. This is not a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

It’s every foodies favorite time of year again! It’s fair time, and you know what that means! All the tasty and delicious fair food is back, and it won’t disappoint! I grew up coming to the L.A. County Fair and I always love and adore coming back to enjoy all of the sights, sounds, and smells that the fair brings along with it. This year the Los Angeles County Fair is back here in Pomona and is here through September 27th. A few days ago, I went to check out some of the best food items that the fair has to offer at the fair food preview for media. Here’s a list of my top 10 picks!

10) Deep-Fried Peanut-Butter Pickle at Chicken Charlie’s

This one is a bit unusual, and probably something you’d never think of to combine together, (I know I wouldn’t have!) but Charlie does it again! By mixing a savory pickle with the creamy natural sweetness of peanut butter and chocolate sauce, Charlie comes up with another brilliant idea that works. It’s a BIG pickle, so it’s perfect for sharing; especially if you plan on sampling a lot of the fair food. 😉

9) Blooming Onion at the Fresh Frys Stand

You can’t go wrong with this old fair favorite! A crispy, battered and deep-fried onion with a cool ranch dip that is also great to share.

8) BBQ Beef Sundae at Chuckwagon

The BBQ Beef Sundae from Chuckwagon starts with mashed potatoes instead of ice cream, then layered with a generous portion of barbecued brisket slices, and is topped with a cherry — a cherry tomato, that is. This is probably one of the healthier food options this year, as at least it is not deep fried!

7) Chicken & Waffles in a Cone at Cornucopia Foods

A new twist on Chicken and Waffles! It’s served in a Waffle Cone, making it easy to carry around the fair. This tasty number is loaded up with chicken nuggets and mini waffles that are doused in maple syrup and is then topped with bacon bits and powdered sugar. Can you say YUM???? You will get super sticky after eating this one, so be prepared to get sticky. You might want to have some wipes on hand if you don’t want to be making an extra trip to the restroom to wash them off. Another one to share if you plan on trying everything at the fair.

6) Deep-Fried Corn at Chuckwagon

A much healthier item at the fair by far, and one of my personal fair favorites since I was a kid. It may be simple, but adding some toppings to it makes it an extra special treat.

5) Deep-Fried Bacon Wrapped Chicken & Waffles at Chicken Charlie’s

You can never have too many versions of chicken and waffles right? I am a total sucker for all things sweet and savory so I love this version of it from Chicken Charlie’s!

4) Deep-Fried Guacamole at Chicken-Charlie’s

I love all things made with avocado, so it is no surprise that this one is towards the top of my list of “must haves” at the fair this year! Take the crispy goodness of the deep-fried crust with the gooey inside of the soft guacamole and you get one delicious, tangy and flavorful treat. Dip it with just enough ranch dressing to make it the perfect fair snack.

3) Mango Michelagua at Ricco’s Michelaguas

This one is a super refreshing treat! I could seriously drink these all day at the fair and be perfectly happy and this isn’t even an alcoholic drink! You will want one (or two) of these to cool off with on a hot day at the fair. This one shown is Mango but there are other varieties like Pineapple-Spinach and Lemonade-Cucumber. Filled with fresh fruit and topped with cherimoya and chili around the rim, makes it the most refreshing treat to cool down with and quench your thirst.

2) Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Bowl at Pineapple Express/Chicken Charlie’s

This has to be my most favorite healthier option at the fair. Take some tender teriyaki chicken in Charlie’s secret sauce and put it over rice and pineapple chunks in a real pineapple bowl and you get one sweet and delicious tropical meal.

1) Deep-Fried Cinnamon Apple Rings at Chuckwagon

If you only try one thing at the fair this year, make sure it’s THIS! New to the L.A. County Fair, these Apple Rings have been deep-fried and lightly coated and sprinkled with cinnamon-sugar. Dip them into the whipped cream and you have the most sweet and delectable treat one can imagine. Now this may be one you DON’T want to share! 😉

So there you have it! My top 10 food picks for the fair. My advice: if you plan on attending this year’s fair, prepare yourself and pace yourself! Share everything with a buddy so you have more room to enjoy all of the deep-fried goodness that the fair has to offer. Wear comfortable pants that aren’t too tight. If your eyes are like mine, they are bigger than your stomach. So even if you don’t want to, SHARE. Otherwise, half-way in you will already be stuffed like a Thanksgiving Turkey! 😛 Trust.Me. On this! Also, this way, instead of gaining a gazillion pounds, it will probably be more like 2.

P.S. Don’t forget to check out the awesome lights at night at Luminasia! It is sadly in its final year at the fair so you won’t want to miss out on that. Don’t forget to say hello to all of the cute animals either, and to play some games and go on a ride or two once all of that food settles a bit…. and The Steam Punkers at Grinding Gears! They are returning again this year and they are pretty awesome. 🙂

Last night at the fair for @Jamiebeeman and #TheSteamPunkers #JamieBeeman #GrindingGears #LACF #DiscoverLACF #LACountyFair #singing #SundayFunday #fair #nightclub #nightphotography #nightlife

A photo posted by Erin Miller (@horsingaroundla) on Sep 29, 2014 at 1:05am PDT

What are you looking forward to pigging out on at the fair this year? 😉

LA County Fair 2015

Dates: Sept. 4 – Sept. 27, 2015

CLOSED Mondays (except for Monday 9/7) & Tuesdays

Fairplex Exposition Complex
1101 West McKinley Ave.
Pomona, CA

(909) 623-3111

www.lacountyfair.com

For special offers on admission at the fair click here.

LA County Fair: It’s Fair Time! Fair, Food, & Fun! + Ticket Giveaway

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Erin

LA County Fair: It’s Fair Time! Fair, Food, & Fun! + Ticket Giveaway

By: Erin

Disclosure: I was invited out to the Media Food Preview Night at the LA County Fair and I was provided with a 4 pack of tickets with a parking pass to the LA County Fair. All opinions are my own and I’ve been going to this fair for as long as I can remember. 😉

It’s that time of year again folks, and you know what that means! It’s time for the LA County Fair. All the rides, games, shows, concerts, new animal exhibits and of course one of the main attractions, the FOOD!! Every year, the food is a huge draw at the fair, and as usual will not disappoint . You will see the oh so familiar fried food fare from longtime fair favorites such as Chicken Charlie’s, but the fair does have some Gluten-Free options, one of my personal favorites; Terri’s Berries and then there is the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Marketplace. The Fair started last Friday, August 30th and will run through September 29th. This past Wednesday I was invited out to a food preview for a sneak peek of what’s in store for this year’s UN-LEASH Your Inner Fair at the LA County Fair!

This year the fair has been turned into “Calitopia,” where you can keep cool with underwater and animal adventures like those found in San Diego, animation workshops and Enterprise exhibits from Hollywood as well as wine tasting experiences straight from Napa Valley.

NOW! Onto the Food and Giveaway that you are probably here for. 😉 You can find these food vendors while out and about at the fair this year as well as many others.

The FOOD!!

1. Chicken Charlie’s

How about we start out with some deep fried fair food fun? Be the first to try out the new Krispy Kreme Hamburger ($9.95), the Krispy Kreme Sloppy Joes ($7.75), Totally Fried Bacon Wrapped Pickles ($6.75), Waffle Dogs, and if you want something on the lighter side, they do have chicken kabobs. Don’t forget dessert! They also have the Totally Fried Twinkie that you can get with either chocolate or strawberry sauce drizzled on top.

Chicken Charlie himself was there, so I just had to stop and get a picture taken with this famous fair icon. 🙂

My favorites would have to be the Krispy Kreme Sloppy Joe and the Bacon wrapped pickles! Yum!

LA County Fair Food Preview and Four Pack of Fair Tickets–Giveaway Ends 09/08!

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Erin

The LA County Fair officially started today at 3pm with rides, games, shows, concerts, new animal exhibits and of course, a huge variety of food. Every year, the food is a huge draw at the fair, and this year will not disappoint as they are more than prepared to appeal to every palette and appetite. You will see the usual fried fare from longtime fair favorites such as Chicken Charlie, but the fair does have some Gluten-Free options, one of my personal favorites; Terri’s Berries and then there is the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Marketplace. The Fair will run through September 30th. Fun events and concerts are planned throughout the entire month and are sure to thrill and wow us. This past Tuesday I was invited out to a food preview, and oh boy, make sure to wear comfortable clothing to the fair so that you can fully enjoy all the food the fair has to offer. I grew up going to this fair, and by the tastes of food and drink I’ve had the pleasure of indulging in, I am so excited to attend the fair again this year.

There was just a handful of vendors on hand, but nevertheless it was a FANTASTIC sampling of all things fair food, so without further ado, here are the much anticipated photos of the fair food we got to sample (Which is why you’re here I’m sure is for the fair food photos, not to hear me ramble on and on endlessly… 😉 You can find these food vendors while out and about at the fair this year.

1) Ten Pound Buns

Ten Pound Buns makes wonderful freshly made sourdough bread topped with all sorts of delicious toppings. They have a variety of options including BBQ chicken, the ultimate with everything on it, pepperoni, bacon Nutella, meat lovers, jalapeno and cheese, to just their original with cheese. They have 7 different varieties to choose from. I decided on the BBQ Chicken, it was absolute perfection. The sauce was not too sweet, not too smoky.

The BBQ Chicken

I also had a sample of Jamie’s Bacon Nutella (be sure to check out her blog post about the food preview for more mouth-watering pics. 🙂 I was hesitant to try this, but I was pleasantly surprised at how well the sweet and salty mixed together.

2) Skinny Girl Bar and Food

Next stop was, “Skinny Bar,” as I needed something to wash down that amazing BBQ Chicken creation. New to the fair this year, these fabulous and delicious cocktails are low-calorie, but still pleasantly flavorful. These drinks are especially designed for women and come in margaritas, lemonades, and cosmos. My favorite was the margarita. Very refreshing on such a WARM summer’s night!!!

3) Tasti Chips

Tasti Chips with Bacon Cheddar Cheese

For all of you Gluten-Free fans out there, make sure to make a stop at Tasti Chips!! These crispy “Tasti Chips” are made in peanut oil and are completely gluten-free! My advice to everyone out there is to ADD the Bacon Cheddar cheese to your order (NOTE TO SELF: the cheese isn’t gluten-free!) You can also get them topped with numerous other toppings if you so desire.

4) Big Kona Huna Shaved Ice

Big Kona Huna Shaved Ice

Hawaiian Shaved Ice has always been a favorite, and this night was no different. The Shaved Ice was a big hit and everyone loved their personal creations. What makes it “Hawaiian” you may be asking yourself? Well, they take Sweet and Condensed Milk and pour a very generous amount of it over your masterpiece of flavors for you.

One of the personal favorites of the evening ammong our group was their “Root Beer” Flavor. Here I tried their Bahama Mama and Pina Colada flavors. Very tropical and just want I wanted on such a WARM warm night!

5) Ice Cream and Funnel Cakes

Always a fair favorite, goodies abound of ice cream creations and funnel cakes that will be here for you to enjoy throughout the fair. You can never go wrong with a dipped cone or funnel cake with powdered sugar or a fruit topping!!

6) Monster Grill

Burgers, corn dogs, and fries, Oh my!! You can get your corn dog on a stick fix here as well as lots and lots of fries. Oh and did I mention you can get fries here? 😉

7) Harold & Belle’s to Geaux

Want to try something a little bit different from your typical fair food? Love some good old Louisiana Creole food straight from New Orleans? Then you need to stop by this booth. They had samples of fried catfish, Crawfish Etouffe and for a delicious dessert they were also dishing up some wonderful bread pudding. This booth was one of my favorites of the night. The Crawfish Etouffe and the bread pudding were both amazing and I will definitely be back for more of this exquisite yumminess!

Crawfish Etouffe

Bread Pudding

8) Chicken Charlie

A long time fair favorite for many who love deep-fried foods. With deep-fried cookie dough, deep-fried cereal, deep-fried kool aid ( I STILL want to try this), deep-fried Oreos, deep-fried avocados and for the more adventurous– deep-fried frog legs can you really go wrong? They even had deep-fried Dodger Dogs! I truly enjoyed the deep-fried cereal! I WILL be back to try the deep-fried Kool Aide as this was not available to sample that night.

Deep Fried Cookie Dough

Deep Fried Cinnamon Toast Crunch

This year they will also be having a “Pineapple Express” location where they will only be serving their “Naked Pineapple Bowl.” As I have been trying to eat healthier lately, this was one of my genuine favorites of the entire night. This delectable bowl comes with rice, pineapple, and eight pieces of shrimp. I love anything with pineapple in it and shrimp, so you can’t go wrong with this one.

Naked Pineapple Bowl

9) Fresh Frys

Fresh Frys is a two-time winner of the O.C. Fair’s Outstanding Fair Food award and serves freshly baked French Fries for your enjoyment. They are also well known for their famous Blooming Onions. However, one thing I was told upon entering the food preview was that I just HAD to try these marshmallow yammies! Sweet potato fries with fluffy, gooey, marshmallow cream goodness drizzled all over them. The sweet was just what I needed after having the saltier Tasti Chips. Here is a pic of their marshmallow yammies. YUM or should I say YAM?? 😉

10) Pink’s Hot Dogs

The oh so famous Pink’s Hot Dogs are back at the fair for another year. Home of the world’s best chili dog, among other favorites doused in ketchup, mustard, onions and relish. That evening they were sampling their Matt Kenseth hot dog with jalapenos, onions, guacamole, spicy mustard and ketchup.

11) C’est La Vie/Flavors of France

Last, but certainly not least, for the first time at the LA County Fair is “Flavors of France” from C’est La Vie. These amazing artisans have some great restaurants right here in our own backyard in SoCal; as they are located in Laguna Beach and are here at the fair to bring Paris to us. Their booth is all about delectable combinations like strawberries and Nutella swirled together into a freshly made crepe and other tasty french pastries, they have some spectacular talent with the endless creations they came up with. Admittedly, being the sweet tooth that I am, this was the first vendor I stopped at and I just had to have a piece of their cheesecake before having anything else. It did not disappoint, and I am pretty picky about my cheesecake! 😉 Chocolate Mousse, Fruit Tarts, Napoleons, Cheesecakes, and many more dazzling options await you from these fine folks. You must make it one of your stops at the fair, I know I will. You will not be disappointed. Shown below is the Chocolate Bomb, Fruit Tart, and Chocolate Mousse. Above are their fruit tarts and Napoleons.

A beautiful sunset at the LA County Fair.

The Fair is here just in time for the long Labor Day weekend, at the Fairplex in Pomona, 1101 W. McKinley Avenue, and runs through Sept. 30. This is the earliest opening date ever for the fair, now going on its 90th year.

NOW, what you have ALL been waiting for!!! ONE lucky reader has a chance to win a 4 Pack of Tickets to the LA County Fair!

Retail Value: Max retail value $68 Dollars

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment letting me know what fair food item has your mouth watering and eager to try!

Optional Entries: Leave an additional comment for each entry you’ve done below.

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No purchase necessary, void where prohibited. Must be a California Resident and be 18 years of age or older. Winner will be chosen through the use of random.org and will be notified via email. Giveaway ends at 9pm PST on 09/08/2012. All other rules can be found here.

Disclosure: I was invited out to the Media Food Preview Night at the LA County Fair. All food and drinks were provided to me for free, and I was provided with a 4 pack of tickets and a parking pass to the LA County Fair. All opinions stated above are my own.

Stay tuned for more Fair Fun!! 😉