Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

We sure love, support and appreciate the Orange County Fair!  And this year, so far, we’ve had a lot of laughs at the OC Fair’s newest exhibit, My Fair Selfie.  For an extra $5, YOU can have your photo taken by OC Fair ‘My Fair Selfie’ attendants with your camera.  YOU hand them YOUR camera, choose your props, and then strike funny poses in front of 11 unique backgrounds.

As always, BIG thumbs up go to Chicken Charlie (above) and Dominic Palmieri (below), two long time, behind the scenes Chef Stars at the Orange County Fair.  We respect all the effort they put into making each Orange County Fair year a great one.  2018 is on track for greatness.

Thank you Charlie and Dominic, and so many others for your hard work and creativity.

HERE is the Orange County Fair’s link to some of the new, fun and crazy FOOD this year.

We’re glad to see many of the old favorites and especially like seeing the edgy, experimental food items, like those made with crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and Fruity Pebbles Cereal.

Each year it’s a surprise.

Deep Fried Shrimp Skewer with Chipotle Sauce and Fruity Pebbles (above) and Matt with a Unicorn Cotton Candy Rainbow Popcorn Dessert of sort (below).  I do not recall the exact specifications of each, but we enjoyed them.  The Unicorn-Thingamajig is made with liquid nitrogen and smokes like dry ice while you eat it, as shown in OC Fair movie link below.

OC Fair Movie — Max (30) second download to view short video of the Unicorn-Thingamajig.

Another My Fair Selfie vignette with giant Cotton Candy — How can you not have fun?!

How about a Pepsi Donut Bacon Dog?  You can get one at the Orange County Fair now through August 14, 2016.  It’s a Hot Dog that’s wrapped in Bacon and served on a Donut topped with a Pepsi Glaze.  We had the opportunity to try it and other new food options at this year’s OC Fair.

We attended a “Media VIP Food Party” to taste “Interesting & New Foods at the 2016 OC Fair.”

The Bacon Cheddar Brat Burger is pictured above and found at Tasti Burger on Livestock Lane.

Yes, there are healthy options at the OC Fair — My favorite is the Shrimp Pineapple Bowl found at Pineapple Express in the Main Mall area.  They also offer a Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Bowl.

And you’ve heard of Chicken Charlie right?  Of Chicken Charlie’s?  He’s pictured above and always serves something interesting — One of his menu items this year is a Chicken in a Waffle on a Stick.  It’s a Waffle with pieces of Fried Chicken cooked into it and it comes with Maple Syrup.

Pink’s Hot Dogs is a booth I frequent every OC Fair, but it’s because of their Chili Cheese Fries, another one of my favorites.  Aside from that, they’re offering a couple of new Hot Dogs this year, like The Lord of the Rings Dog, a Hot Dog served with Onion Rings wrapped around it.

Dominic (pictured above) of Biggy’s and Fair Fix & Fried A Fair, both located in the Main Carnival area, tops himself this year with the Bacon Wrapped Pork Belly Dog, Deep Fried Butter, Deep Fried Nutella and more.  Stop by and say “Hi.”  All the food vendors we met are friendly.

A drum roll for the Pickle Fries — I love Pickle Fries, especially since my name is Pickles Freis.  My husband nicknamed me Pickles and my last name is Freis.  Thus I’m Pickles Freis.  And these are good Pickles and the Batter is thin and crunchy too.  Pickles Freis very much likes these Pickle Fries.

Tasti Chips with Parmesan Cheese from Tasti Chips, located on Livestock Lane is pictured above. We had the Jalapeno Cheddar Tasti Chips after seeing The Offspring concert last week.

I love the Orange County Fair — There’s so much to do and see.

Though you can’t eat these flowers, I must post at least one, and Matt capturing them.

The baby pigs below were only 4 days old when they were photographed here.  They grow fast.

As always, I will be entering the culinary competitions happening at the end of July and in August. I’m working on a couple ideas and hope to claim the first place ribbon I have my head through below.  I tested one of my recipes and it turned out well, but I will report the judge’s results.

See you at the OC Fair — Too bad it’s not all year long.

The Orange County Fair is happening NOW through August 16, 2015 — We’ll soon be there to taste some of the new FOOD items they’re serving up this year.  The BIG LIST is here: List of New and Interesting Food at the 2015 OC Fair.  Pictured is the Samoa Donut, a jumbo Donut designed after the popular Girl Scout Cookie, the Samoa aka Caramel DeLite, my favorite, made with Chocolate, Caramel and Coconut shavings.  We may have to try it.  We LOVE the OC Fair!

Credit:  Thank you to the OC Fair Communication’s Department for the photo and list.

See what’s cooking at the OC Fair this year: Featuring 23 Days of Iconic Fair food, Celebrity Chefs, Craft Beer & Culinary Competitions and Exhibits — The 2014 OC Fair is cooking up a delicious summer for Fairgoers. From July 11 to August 10, 2014, the OC Fair is serving up summer fun, along with culinary events and new Fair food that are definitely worth the trip.

• Chicken Charlie is introducing the new-for-2014 Deep-Fried Doritos and Deep-Fried Chicken Skin in addition to his classic favorite fried treats of Oreos, cookie dough and Twinkies.
• Bacon A-Fair is introducing Bacon-Wrapped Jack Daniels, a unique churro concoction with a little whiskey kick at the end (non-alcoholic). Also, a deep-fried bacon-wrapped turkey leg!
• Biggy’s Meat Market is bringing gluten-free options this summer with GF hamburger buns, fries & a newly gluten-free The Big Rib.
• Texas Donuts is putting a twist on its popular giant donuts with new flavors like Cherry Pop Rocks, Banana Chocolate Cream and Peanut Butter Cup. Also new this year, a Latin twist with the new deep-fried Gansito.
• OC Fair Foodies, the OC Fair’s food-themed costumed characters, are back this summer. Join Olivia Orange, Cotton Candy Carl, Arturo Churro, Cornelius Corn and Ice Cream Scoop as they delight Fairgoers.
• $2 Taste of Fair Food, held every Friday from Noon-4 p.m., offers Fairgoers the chance to taste Fair food for $2 per item. Fun-sized samples include funnel cake, tri-tip, lemonade, cinnamon rolls, corn dogs, tacos, gelato, cotton candy and more.
• OC Brew Hee Haw, a craft beer roundup, is July 11-13 and will bring some of the best local craft beers to OC Fairgoers for five sessions of beer tastings, demonstrations and exhibits. Visit ocbrewheehaw.com for details and tickets.
• Celebrity Chefs will bring their colorful cooking skills to The Hangar stage on three Thursdays. Scheduled appearances, include Carla Hall, co-host ABC’s lifestyle series “The Chew” (July 17, 4 p.m.); Roy Choi, founder of the famous Korean taco truck, Kogi BBQ (July 24, 4 p.m.); and Kelsey Nixon, host of her own show, “Kelsey’s Essentials” on the Cooking Channel (July 31, 4p.m.) Free with Fair admission and autograph sessions will follow each appearance. Presented by Vons.
• Chef Challenge will put talented culinary professionals in competition against each other with a themed cook-off every Friday at 7 p.m.: July 18 (Earth), July 25 (Water), August 1 (Air) and August 8 (Fire). Free with Fair admission.
• Special Culinary Contests include Eating Smart Starts Here (July 19), Hot! Hot! Hot! Chili, Wings or Salsa (July 26), OC Cupcake Classic (August 2) and Fairtastic Food (August 9). Registration is the Wednesday before each contest. For a complete list, visit ocfair.com/competitions.
• Daily Culinary Demonstrations can be enjoyed for free in the OC Promenade throughout the run of Fair. The Bakeology exhibit will highlight the wondrous things a baker can create from just butter, flour, eggs and sugar with daily demonstrations by Blackmarket Bakery chefs. Chef Ray Duey will carve works of art out of fruits and vegetables. Master Food Preserver Ernest Miller will teach Fairgoers how to preserve fresh vegetables, sauces and more. Artist Shaile Socher will create delicate edible sugar art and Cake Decorator Greggy Soriano (July 11-27 only) will make cake go from bland to grand.
• Award-Winning Wines are available by the taste or glass in the Wine Courtyard throughout the Fair, and on weekends wine-lovers can learn more about the various varietals during the Orange County Wine Society’s Wine Seminars (most require an additional fee).
• Centennial Farm, the OC Fair & Event Center’s year-round, three-acre demonstration farm is complete with crops, livestock and the Millennium Barn. Fairgoers can check out educational exhibits, agricultural organizations and the fruit and vegetable competitions.

The 2014 OC Fair, themed Summer Starts Here, is July 11 – August 10 and will bring 23 days of food, rides, exhibits, animals, music, action sports and fun, as well as the Super Pass, Toyota Summer Concert Series at the Pacific Amphitheatre and events in The Hangar and Action Sports Arena. The Fair is open Wednesday-Sunday. Concert tickets, action sports reserved seats, single-day general admission and the popular Super Pass are available for purchase online at ocfair.com or from the on-site Box Office. Free parking and shuttle service are available on Saturdays and Sundays from the Experian parking structure located off the Bristol St. exit of the 405 freeway.   The OC Fair & Event Center is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. For more information, please visit ocfair.com.

Credits:  Photos were taken during previous visits to the Orange County Fair and text is republished from the OC Fair & Event Center Communications Department.

Frog Legs — We finally tried them and don’t think they taste like Chicken.

Yes, they look like a pair of Frog Legs (below).  Not terribly appetizing, butt [if you know what I mean] we ate them — You could think you’re eating a Chicken Wing around some parts, but they really don’t ‘taste’ like Chicken, as told by people who have and haven’t tried them.

Frog’s Legs have more of an aquatic flavor and tough fish texture, with the look of an extended Chicken Wing — We would like them better if they had the texture of Chicken.  They’re not something we need to have again.  It’s officially checked off our crazy food list.

The flavor is hard to describe, perhaps Chicken is an easy way out — I get it now.

Until next year… Check out the stats released (below) by The OC Fair & Event Center Communications Department — The 2012 Orange County Fair was a success on many levels.

The 2012 OC Fair Rolls Up The Welcome Mat For Its More Than 1.3 Million Guests

The 2012 OC Fair wrapped up another successful Fair season by welcoming 1,357,355 Fairgoers for 23 days and nights of “Home Sweet Home” with food, fun and farm animals.

“In my first year as CEO, this Fair has exceeded all expectations. Every year, the Orange County Fair manages to deliver a high quality event and this one was no exception. Of course, we owe it all to our loyal guests, all 1.3 million of them, who make the OC Fair the success it is,” said Jerome Hoban, OC Fair & Event President & CEO.

Fairgoers came to the OC Fair for outstanding entertainment as the Pacific Amphitheatre saw a record-breaking year with its highest-grossing summer concert series yet that also featured 7 sold-out performances, including Young The Giant/The Steelwells, Steel Pulse/The Dirty Heads, Earth, Wind & Fire, Tears For Fears, Victoria Justice/Max Schneider, Heart, and Duran Duran. Music fans also came out in masses for rocking tribute and original bands booked in The Hangar, which broke records with its highest attended season since opening in 2010. Sellout shows included Journey Unauthorized – A Salute to the Music of Journey, “Led Zeppelin Live” Starring Heartbreaker, Purple Reign – THE Prince Tribute Show, Queen Nation – A Tribute to the Music of Queen, Wild Child – A Jim Morrison Celebration, The English Beat/The Originalites, Which One’s Pink? – The Best of Pink Floyd, Moonwalker – The Reflection of Michael Jackson, Dead Man’s Party – The Oingo Boingo Tribute, and Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez. And not to be left out, adrenaline junkies packed the Action Sports Arena for X-treme Freestyle Moto-X, Bull Riding (Saturday, July 21 show) and five nights of demolition derby which featured traditional derby cars and motorhomes as well as a special all-female derby that raised around $6,000 for the OC Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for The Cure.

Fairgoers arrived at the 2012 OC Fair hungry and left with bellies full of deep-fried concoctions, grilled wonders and bacon masterpieces. Chicken Charlie’s top “Totally Fried” item was the new Deep-Fried PB&J (9,000 sold) and at his new Pineapple Express, some 10,000 pineapples were used. Bacon A-Fair’s Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Legs flew off the grill 7,500 times while 100,000 pieces of Chocolate-Covered Bacon tantalized sweet tooths. The new Biggy’s Meat Market satisfied everyone’s inner caveman by selling approximately 3,900 17-inch Big Ribs, which amounted to more than 10,000 pounds of bone and grilled meat. Some 30 percent of Big Ribs sold were packed up and taken back to the mancave by Fairgoers with the largest to-go order at 20 massive ribs. Of the more traditional Fair food items, Juicy’s sold more than 60,000 turkey legs and enough corn dogs to stretch 3.5 miles end-to-end.

Fairgoers also looked to save on their trip to the Fair by taking advantage of the daily opportunities for free or discount admission. More than 382,298 Fairgoers took advantage of the free or discount admission promotions and of that number, 79,774 generous Fairgoers took advantage of free admission and a carnival ride offered with donations of canned food, children’s books, clothing and school supplies during the four We Care Wednesday drives. Plus, 13,899 Fairgoers in total scooped up a Super Pass (featuring 23 days of admission).

The annual Jr. Livestock Auction welcomed increased numbers of animals sold and money raised with 323 cattle, sheep, rabbits, swine, turkeys and goats selling for more than $310,000, which benefits the youth participants in local 4-H and FFA programs.

In celebration of the 2012 theme of “Home Sweet Home,” 12,177 active duty and veteran military were welcomed to the Fair for free through the Salute to Heroes daily promotion to enjoy the Fair and view the new Let Freedom Ring Exhibit and nightly Salute to Heroes presentation in The Hangar. (Press Release by OC Fair & Event Center and photos by me)

More interesting numbers from 23 days at the 2012 OC Fair:

• Centennial Farm welcomed 27 piglets, 1 Jersey calf and 3 kids (baby goats)
• Of the 4,597 competitors that submitted more than 12,900 hand-woven blankets, homemade cookies, stunning photography, exquisite woodworking and more creative entries in the various competitions and contests, the Fair awarded more than 2,940 people with award ribbons and more than $33,220 in cash awards
• The new Bacon A-Fair sold 20,000 pounds of bacon either beer-battered, dipped in chocolate or wrapped around turkey legs, hot dogs and stuffed jalapenos
• Fairgoers consumed 300 cans of Spam and 5,000 orders of Deep-Fried Cereal from Chicken Charlie’s and 600 Red Velvet Funnel Cakes from Toucan Funnel Cakes
• Potato-loving guests kept Tasti Chips busy cutting 35,000 pounds of potatoes; Biggy’s Meat Market with 20,000 pounds of potatoes and Juicy’s with 50,000 pounds of curly fries and 39,000 pounds of waffle fries
• 48,125 thrill-seekers took unlimited enjoyment of rides in the two carnivals on the Unlimited Ride Wristband days (Wednesdays and Thursdays)
• During We Care Wednesdays, Fairgoers donated 43.5 tons of canned food, 59,353 books, 113,310 items of clothing and thousands of school supplies
• The 45 showings of the new Salute to Heroes presentation, shown nightly in The Hangar, used 8,858 pyrotechnics to thank our country’s service men and women 

The 2012 OC Fair, themed Home Sweet Home featured 23 days of food, rides, exhibits, animals, music, action sports and fun, as well as the Super Pass, Toyota Summer Concert Series at the Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena. (Related posts are here)

The OC Fair & Event Center, home to the OC Fair, is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. For more information, please visit ocfair.com, become a fan at Facebook.com/OCFair, or follow them at twitter.com/ocfair.

We’re still not done eating at the Fair.  Madness, I call it Madness — Well listen buster you better start to move your feet to the rockinest rock steady beat of the Orange County Fair.

We appreciated the Foodie Tour and sampling of the indulgent and healthy OC Fair food.

The Pineapple Express by Chicken Charlie remarkably offers a few of the healthier options this year (in a Pineapple) — Naked Shrimp, Maui Chicken and a Shrimp Cocktail in a Pineapple.

Fried Pineapple with Chocolate and Coconut (above).

Associated with Juicy, the food concession stands with music, is Dogsville (above).

They serve up Ham and Cheese Corn Dogs, Jumbo Sausages and more.

Chicken Kabobs by Charlie is an OC Fair staple.

Fried Cornish Game Hen from Baja Blues — How about a Carne Asada Stuffed Avocado?

Tasti Chips is family owned and treats Potatoes with tender loving care, from earth to Chip.

Tasti Chips deserve respect and they’re most appetizing with the Jalapeno Cheese Sauce.

The Tasti Chips’ group also mans Grant Burgers — They’re not bad and have tasty Pickles.

And musn’t leave out Bacon-A-Fair, where everything comes with Bacon.

Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs.

A Pound of Bacon Wrapped around a Turkey Leg (below).

Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos Wrapped in Bacon.

Beer Battered Deep Fried Bacon (below).

Deep Fried Beer Battered Bacon Dogs.

Bacon Wrapped Turkey Leg ready to be had.

Salted Chocolate Covered Bacon popularly photographed by Local Food Bloggers.

And my favorite Beef Brisket Sandwich is from the Chuckwagon.

I love this Sandwich and look forward to it every year.

Corn on the Cob grills throughout.

There’s a large amount of Meat.

Smokin’ Meat — It makes it so good.

On Fridays, small tastes of most seen here and more are available for $2.

Mini and singular variations of Fair favorites are offered (examples above) — It’s a great deal.

Legendairy Gelato has almost every flavor, including Birthday Cake — It really tastes like one.

And we always visit the Wine Garden for friendly tastings poured by the OC Wine Society.

We value the livestock too — Sshhhhhh, don’t tell ’em about the food.

With Hercules shown below — Worth more than the Alligator, if you get what I’m sayin’.

View of the OC Fair from the Ferris Wheel at night.

I never want to come down, well, until it’s time to eat again.

See you at the OC Fair.

It’s a Deep Fried Avocado Stuffed with Carne Asada.  Have you heard of such a thing?  Does it even sound good?  Well… It’s now at Baja Blues near the Action Sports Arena at the Orange County Fair and a favorite of many, I’m told.  I recently got to try it during a Fair Foodie Tour.

It’s not bad, but I discovered other preferences on the tour — Report posted on 07/28/12.

It’s almost time for the Orange County Fair again and there will be much NEW to report — Until then, you may learn about the food related happenings here from the OC Fair & Event Center Press Release (below), combined with snapshots of past OC Fair visits.  What’s cooking…

Hungry? Get a Taste of “Home Sweet Home” at the 2012 OC Fair — Enjoy Deep-Fried Classics, New Creations and Food Exhibits, Cooking Demonstrations and Contests

The theme of the 2012 OC Fair (July 13-August 12) is “Home Sweet Home” and this year the Fair is not skimping on the “sweet.” Whether Fairgoers want to learn about food, watch the pros prepare it or just want to enjoy some tasty treats, the OC Fair delivers something for everyone. Here is a mouthwatering preview of what the 2012 OC Fair is cooking up this year:

• Chicken Charlie: If you like your food deep-fried, battered and on a stick, the 2012 Fair is the place for you. This year, Fair-favorite Chicken Charlie is taking fried food to the next level by deep frying cereal, peanut butter and jelly, spam, pineapple and more.
• Need a Bacon Fix?: At the new Bacon A-Fair, choose from bacon-wrapped turkey legs, deep-fried beer-battered bacon-wrapped hot dogs or the Smokey Porkabello, a bacon-wrapped mushroom with smoked Gouda.
• Take a Ride on the Pineapple Express: Not into the deep-fried thing? Then float on over to the new Pineapple Express (courtesy of Chicken Charlie) which features cored out pineapples filled with shrimp cocktail, fruit and grilled shrimp or chicken and more.
• The Big Rib: Calling all carnivores! Looking to feed your wild side? Come to Biggy’s Meat Market for The Big Rib, a two-pound beef rib on a 17-inch bone, with your choice of homemade sauce. Can’t finish it all? Not to worry! Biggy’s provides an 18-inch Big Rib Doggy Bone bag—once the meat is devoured, take the bone home to your pooch.
• $2 Taste of Fair Food: Every Friday from Noon-4 p.m., Fairgoers can sample the best the Fair has to offer for only $2 each. Fun-sized samples include funnel cake, BBQ tri-tip, lemonade, cinnamon rolls, corn dogs, tacos, gelato, cotton candy and more.
• Celebrity Chefs: The 2012 OC Fair presents two shows in The Hangar featuring dynamic celebrity chefs demonstrating their culinary talents. Scheduled appearances include the Food Network’s Robert Irvine (July 26, 1 p.m.) and Bravo’s “Top Chef” fan-favorite Fabio Viviani (August 2, 1 p.m.). Free with Fair admission.
• Food Truck Fare at the OC Fair: Find gourmet fare within the Fair as the popular Food Truck Fare continues inside Fair gates, offering food truck cuisine every Thursday from Noon-10 p.m. Access is free with Fair admission and prices vary per truck.
• OC Fair Chowdown: Watch the best of the best face-off for culinary glory in a series of live cooking challenges. On July 19 and 28, see food truck chefs go head-to-head in competition as they put their delicacies to the test. On August 2 and 9, see Orange County amateur home cooks test their skills against professional chefs. Winners will receive bragging rights and an award to commemorate their culinary victory. Viewing is free with Fair admission.
• Contests and Competitions: Whether you’re good at cooking or eating, the OC Fair is just the place to bring out your competitive side. Daily, free eating contests are held for children in the Fun Zone Tent at 6:30 p.m. (Registration is 30 minutes before each contest) and Knott’s Berry Farm hosts a pie-eating contest for all-ages at 7 p.m. in the Exhibit Promenade (Registration starts at 6:30 p.m.) Each Saturday, Fairgoers have the chance to compete in the Culinary Arts Special Contests, which are judged live at the Fair for the best cookies, cupcakes, chili and hometown dish (Online entry registration is the Wednesday before each contest. Visit ocfair.com/competitions for information and to register).
• Chocolate Unwrapped: This new exhibit in the Exhibit Promenade puts the “sweet” in “Home Sweet Home.” Come learn how chocolate is made, from the bean to the bar. Complete with demonstrations by Xan Confections.
• Centennial Farm: Come learn where food comes from on this year-round, four-acre demonstration farm featuring educational exhibits, agricultural organizations, growing crops, livestock and the fruit & vegetable competitive entries with the biggest lemons, most unusually shaped vegetables and best home-grown pumpkins Orange County has to offer.

The 2012 OC Fair, themed Home Sweet Home, is July 13 – August 12 and will bring 23 days of food, rides, exhibits, animals, music, action sports and fun, as well as the Super Pass, Toyota Summer Concert Series at the Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena. The Fair is open Wednesday-Sunday. Concert tickets, action sports reserved seats, single-day general admission and the popular Super Pass are available for purchase online at ticketmaster.com or from the on-site Box Office. [Photo: Replica of Table Setting Competition]

The OC Fair & Event Center is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. For more information, please visit ocfair.com, become a fan at Facebook.com/OCFair or follow us at twitter.com/ocfair. Also, look for the free OC Fair iPhone and Android apps this summer. Get excited for the 2012 Fair! Watch our new commercial on YouTube.

See you there — Nibbles of Tidbits and Kids in the Kitchen love the OC Fair!

At publishing time, there are 43 days, 23 hours, 52 minutes and 32 seconds until 2012.

And it’s time for another Block Party, though it seems last year’s was only yesterday.

We were impressed with the inaugural OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party in 2010/2011 and look forward to reporting about its 2011/2012 festivities starting at 7:30PM, December 31st.  Check back somewhere along the countdown as we may be giving away tickets.

Posted photos are from the 2010/2011 event — Between the Gourmet Food Trucks, Tribute Bands, Dancing, Rides, Comedy Shows, Dueling Pianos, Casino, Fireworks and more.  There’s plenty to do, see, eat and participate in before and after midnight.  Last year the crowd was fun, friendly, respectable, and varied in age.  The complementary Adult Chocolate Milk and food in the VIP Lounge was nice and the girls were sweet too.  Can you guess which is me?

I now hope to see The Cure and David Bowie Tribute Bands with a Slider and Champagne.

Visit the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party website to learn more — Hope to see you there.

Fun choices on the final day of the year — A grand way to start the first day of the next one.

Our last day at the OC Fair included Cupcakes.

More Chili Cheese Fries.

And everything FOOD related.

Champagne in the Wine Garden with Cheese and Grapes.

Another Sky Ride — Love the view, but it still scares me.

We will miss all there is/was to do at the Orange County Fair.

See you next year.

Aerial view of the Orange County Fair happening now.

Pie Eating Contest (above) — Ever seen a Rib Eating Contest?

Beef Brisket Sundae from the Chuck Wagon.

Pork Ribs.

Chicken.

Pink’s Chili Cheese Fries — Love ’em.

Cakes entered in the Culinary Arts Competition.

Chuck Wagon Waffle Fries next to The Best Beef Brisket Sandwich at the Fair.

Unwrapped perfection from the Chuck Wagon.

Photography Competition photos on display.

The Pig Race Track.

Daily Cooking Demonstrations.

Wine Tasting in The Wine Garden.

Let’s Eat! (again) — Floral Design Competition results on display.

And much more at the OC Fair until August 14, 2011.

It started with our favorite Beef Brisket Sandwich at the Chuck Wagon — We love it!

Admission and parking was FREE from Noon – 1PM.

It was the busiest opening day we’ve seen.

The results of the Culinary Arts Competition (1st Show) are in and my Blondies won a First Place Ribbon.  Cool!  It made up for non-placement of my Fancy White Chocolate Flags.

$2 Samplings are available every Friday between Noon – 4PM.

We had a sampling of the Australian Battered Potatoes — One was plenty good.

Waiting for Ribs.

Centennial Farm.

Tomato varieties for future reference.

The above table was entered in the Amateur Table Setting Competition.  We found it a crack up.  While most try to create something fancy or beautiful, this individual produced something (probably) more realistic and definitely comical with a Cat Food can vase and leftover Subway Sandwich napkins for to-go Pizza and basic Beer.  Brilliant but no ribbon.

Faces at the OC Fair — Cows, Goats, Pigs, Chickens and ours.  Chef Niece Bailee of Kids in the Kitchen also won a First Place Ribbon for her painting pointed out by my lovely Mom, Pamela.

We had such a great time at the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party.  There was much to do, see and eat and the VIP Lounge started it off just right.  The set up was cozy and warm with several couches and heat lamps arranged throughout.  I’d go back next year for the same.  They did a great job — It was relaxed, manageable, stimulating, hospitable and filling.

Certain Food Truck Appetizers were served in the VIP Lounge during the first hour — From The Greasy Weiner we had the above which was good, but we really wanted the Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog that seemed to elude us.  We didn’t get the few that were served during the limited time.  Bummer.  Oh well, on to other food.

Our favorites offered in the VIP Lounge were the “Gumbolaya” and Chicken & Sausage Gumbo served by Ragin Cajun Cafe on Wheels.  Their servings were generous, spicy and tasty.

Piaggio Gourmet on Wheels was serving Empanadas.

Adult Chocolate Milk and Monster Energy Drinks were a couple of the sponsors.

The Moo Girls were handing out Adult Chocolate Milk and Chocolates flavored the same — It tastes like a White Russian, which I like.  And the girls were really sweet too.  Can you tell which one is me? 😉

The guy being interviewed below is a Blasphemous Rumours band member/singer for the Depeche Mode tribute band scheduled to play later on the 80’s stage.  Their couch happened to be next to mine.

Wine Garden VIP Bar.

Hover over all photos to learn more.

The Burnt Truck offerings — A smiling face and juicy Sliders.

I want these Sliders again.

I didn’t have a Tornado Potato, but they looked pretty good.

More Tornado Potatoes swirling in the new year.

Dead Man’s Party, the Oingo Boingo tribute band playing on the 80’s stage.

Comedy Hypnotist Show.

Do you recognize these characters from the OC Fair?

The New Year’s Eve Bash Demolition Derby.

I think the objective is to bash into each other until you can’t start your car anymore.

It was a little hard to tell what was going on officially, but it looked cool.

There were several trophies being handed out and one big winner (below right), I think.

And Karaoke at Baja Blues — This guy wasn’t too bad.

Peeking in on Crepes Bonaparte, who had the longest line we saw this night.

And below is the Rajin Cajun Cafe on Wheels, who also participated in The Great Food Truck Race on the Food Network.  They were eliminated in week two.

We liked The Flip Truck menu and meant to mosey on back to try ’em, but forgot.

Perhaps another time for The Flip Truck — Pondering.

Jumping Jack Flash, The Rolling Stones tribute band playing on the 60’s stage — They interestingly had the largest crowd approaching midnight.  I loved their look! 

Also in the VIP Lounge was a complimentary Photo Booth to take as many photos as you like.  What fun!  I took the one below with a couple cool new friends.  Thank you and Happy New Year — So many nice people out this 2010/2011 evening.

Near the Main Mall at midnight, in the right place at the right time — A good way to start 2011.

FREE Ferris Wheel and Super Shot Free Fall Rides were happening all night long.

God Bless America.

Mark your calendar — If local, you’ve got to check out the New Year’s Eve Block Party Preview Event.  It’s scheduled for Thursday, December 16, 2010, from 6 – 9pm at the OC Fair & Event Center, near the Pacific Amphitheatre Box Office.  It’s FREE to get in (and park).  The special preview event will feature music, karaoke and a sampling of gourmet food trucks participating in the New Year’s Eve Block Party event on December 31, 2010.  Food and beverage tastings will be offered for a small fee, varied by truck.  You just need to show up, park, walk up, then decide what to try first and bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the special toy drive to receive $5 off a ticket to the New Year’s Eve Block Party.

Pictured here is a sampling from just one of the 50+ food trucks to be present at the New Year’s Eve Block Party.  The colorful French Toast (above) and Beef, Lamb & Chicken Skewers (below) will be served by Chomp Chomp Nation, one of the newer trucks on the road that’s operated by a proud husband and wife team.

You’ll be able to enjoy the pictured items (and so much more) at the OC Fairgrounds on New Year’s Eve and stop by the Preview Event happening Thursday, December 16th to check out other gourmet food truck options.  You’re sure to find something you’ll love!

And if you like what you see at the FREE Preview Event, why not ring in the new year at the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party?!  There will be a lot going on.  Bring the family, friends, or come alone, as there will be plenty to do, EAT and see.  In addition to the 50+ gourmet food trucks, tribute bands will be playing throughout the evening (Pearl Jam, U2, Oingo Boingo, Led Zeppelin, The Smiths, The Rolling Stones, just to name a few), and there will be dancing, a demolition derby, a comedy hypnotist and a pyrotechnic laser show at midnight, and possibly a few rides — It’s almost the Orange County Fair in December.

PLEASE NOTE — The OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party will be different than past NYE events held at the venue, in that it’ll be hosted by the OC Fair & Event Center, not a private promoter seeking all hoochies.  It strives to be family friendly and fun, like a real block party.  Tickets are on sale now.

ATTENTION — If local, the above tickets can be yours.  We’re giving them away on December 20th.  Just leave a comment here or send a direct message to FoodBlog on Twitter NOW and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win them.  And if you reeeeeeaallllllly want them, you may leave a comment or send a direct Twitter message once daily to improve your odds of winning.  Good luck all!

12/20/10 Update:  Congratulations goes to John Lombardo of Huntington Beach — His name was drawn from about (33) who entered to win tickets to the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party by leaving a comment here, sending a Direct Message through Twitter and/or Facebook.  Thanks to all who entered.  I hope to see you at the event.

The Deep Fried Butter at the Orange County Fair is kinda like the giant horse you pay $5.75 to see, but viewing the horse is more satisfying.  It’s at the Heart Attack Cafe, the Butter, not the horse (yet) — Who knows, maybe next year.  We weren’t gonna bother with the Deep Fried Butter, but someone in the group had to have it.  They found another sucka, haha.

The deal is this… It’s basically a Churro that’s injected with Butter in the center, then plugged at both ends and frozen.  It’s then re-fried to order and one big yuck!  Why would anyone want a Butter-stuffed, frozen then refried Churro?  They serve them sweet with Cinnamon, Sugar and Whipped Cream, or savory with Garlic Salt, Parmesan and Marinara Sauce.  Either way it’s ridiculous, but surprisingly the Chips underneath were okay with the Marinara. 

Note:  The Marinara Sauce was so unexpectedly yummy that we asked the brand.  We learned it’s San Benito and will be looking for it in stores.  It appears something good came out of the Heart Attack Cafe afterall — Check out other crazy OC Fair food options here.

We’re fine tuning recipes to enter into the Orange County Fair Culinary Arts Competition this year.  Entries are due by May 26, 2010.  You can ENTER HERE.  Other than the photos, we’re not tellin’ more about what we’re working on.  And no, they’re not Lemon Bars above.  It is a competition afterall.

To read about past Culinary Arts Competitions and more, click HERE.

 

The Orange County Fair closes at midnight tonight, then it’s on to Los Angeles.  You’d better hurry back NOW, if you’ve got to have that certain food item one more time.  We may have tried it all, but will be going back for the final concert, Three Dog Night, and will certainly round up our options and final enjoyments this year.  Until then, we’ve posted previously unpublished OC Fair food photos here.

Each year the Orange County Fair serves up a new weird food item (E.g., Fried Twinkies, Fried White Castle Burgers, etc.), and this year it’s Chocolate Covered Bacon.   We’ve tried ’em all, thus had to sample the Bacon.  As you can see (above), it’s covered in thick Chocolate — And it’s kinda difficult to bite into, since it’s served from the freezer or fridge.

Overall, the flavor isn’t bad and is reminiscent of Chocolate Dipped Pretzels.  The Bacon has a salty flavor and crunchy texture that goes well with Chocolate.  The OC Fair’s Chocolate Covered Bacon is okay, but we would have preferred full strips instead of broken chunks.

It’s served in Chinese take out boxes with a packet of Salt on top, which seems odd, but whatever — We were done after a few bites, though think it’s better than some of the other crazy food items we’ve tried at the Fair.

More posts about Orange County Fair FOOD

Today we tried the “Cheesey Potato Melt” from Original Bratwurst.  It’s Mashed Potatoes with Cheese with optional Bratwurst on top.  It sounded interesting, but only tasted okay — More flavor/spice is needed.  The Orange County Fair’s Daily Events Calendar has a coupon for a FREE one with the purchase of any Sandwich.

And it was fun to see Pinks at the Fair — I’d been to the Pinks in Hollywood, but it’s more convenient to have their Chili Cheese Dog in Orange County.

We found the Chocolate Dipped Bacon and will be trying it this Saturday.  This visit we opted to simply enjoy its producer in the All Alaskan Pig Races.  They’re so cute — The Races run at 3, 5, 7 and 9PM every OC Fair day, and at 1PM on weekends.

And it was Beef Ribs for the road — YUM.  It’s just another day of food and fun things to see and do at the Orange County Fair.

Related Links:

http://www.ocfair.com/2009/

http://www.pinkshollywood.com/

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2009/07/12/food-preview-at-the-orange-county-fair/

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2009/07/10/the-orange-county-fair-opened-today-yeah/

It’s Orange County Fair time again.  We’ll be heading back to try all the new crazy stuff that’s being offered this year.  It’s been rumored that Chocolate Dipped Bacon is being served, but we haven’t seen it yet.  If it’s at the OC Fair, we’re ready for a bite or more. 

The Ribs are always good at the OC Fair and we might try a Grilled Chili Pepper stuffed with Cheese next time — Until then we’re on the hunt for the craziest food items this year.  Check back to see what they are.  Ciao.

Orange County Fair INFO

The Orange County Fair opened today — It’s time for our favorite Sandwich. Every year we look forward to the BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwich at the Texas Style BBQ Stand.  So far we haven’t found one we like better.  Look for this sign near the Fair entrance, if you want one too.  Is the cow appropriate for this post?  Either way, it’s all at the OC Fair with a whole lot more.  Have FUN and enjoy the FOOD.

Last year’s Sandwich (up close) is linked here — The stand looks a little different this year, if we’ve got it correct.  We’ll check back to confirm.