Best Foods From the 2017 San Diego County Fair

Some people go to the fair because it’s a time honored tradition, others go to check out the exhibits or the concerts. But if we’re being honest, all of us go for the food. The San Diego County Fair is a great excuse to eat crazy, deliciously deep-fried food. This year at the fair is no different; a preview has already been released and our mouths are already watering. Here’s what’s in store for us this year:

A winner on the Food Network show “Cake Wars,” Ninja Pizza Cupcakes will be showcased this year. These cupcakes are the best of both worlds: pizza and dessert. They are made with tomato spice cake, caramel marscapone buttercream, and candied pepperoni, and they are a perfect snack to munch on while you explore the fair.

Fair food is all about wacky combinations. Chicken Charlie’s will be serving up donut sandwiches filled with vanilla ice cream, fried chicken, and fruity pebbles. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner all on one plate. Sign me up! They’ve also got the jalepeno popper and bacon grilled cheese. If bacon is your vice, there will be plenty of bacon-wrapped everything at almost every corner, so you’re in for a treat. Are you a peanut butter lover? If so, you might want to try out Chicken Charlie’s peanut butter meatballs.

Looking for an adventure? Stop by the edible insects booth. Show off your bravery and get some protein at the same time.

To keep with the “How the West was Fun” theme of the fair this year, Grantburgers will be serving their Maui Cowboy Burger. This burger is an Asian-Hawaiian mashup of Spam, Angus beef, ghost pepper cheese, pickled vegetables (carrots, cilantro, red peppers, green onions, jalapeño), cilantro, lettuce and chipotle mayo on a ciabatta roll.

Other strange offerings include deep fried octopus, nitro pop popcorn, and bacon wrapped cactus. Wander the fair and find even more delectable delights.

If all that food made you thirsty, try the craft beer brewed in partnership with Mike Hess Brewing, just for the fair. The brew is called Into the Sunset and it’s a a special blood orange IPA brewed with two-row, Vienna and wheat malts and a combination of centennial, citra, nugget and simcoe hops.

The Rooty Tooty is the fair’s signature cocktail of 2017, which blends sarsaparilla and Captain Morgan Spiced Rum.

We hope to see you at the fair. Come hungry!