OC Fair food is crazier, more inventive than ever
COSTA MESA (June 15, 2018) – It’s a once-a-year experience, somet
hing that can only happen at the Fair – a food frenzy beyond compare. The midway magicians in mini kitchens are cooking up inventions like donut-shaped spaghetti, caramel-drizzled fries and floats made for mermaids.
Last year 51% of attendees surveyed said the only-at-the-Fair food was their favorite part of their visit and the chefs have been working to move the needle even higher. All this and more will be served up to fairgoers when the OC Fair opens July 13 and runs through Aug. 12.
A sampling of new food items for 2018
Peanut butter, jelly and Siracha funnel cake – Dutchmen’s Funnel Cakes
Deep-fried cheese curds, mac & cheese bites, shrimp & cheese jammers, and more – new stand: Who Fried the Cheese?
Deep-fried filet mignon on a stick – Chicken Charlie’s
Spaghetti donut formed with pasta and topped with pesto, alfredo, carbonara or marinara – Pignotti’s
The OC Crunch Cinnamon Roll featuring caramel, cinnamon crunch cereal and frosting – D&D Country Fair Cinnamon Buns
Lasagna nachos with pasta chips and pesto, veggies, cheese, marinara and meats – Pignotti’s
Pine and Swine sourdough bread with butter, garlic, cheddar and mozzarella cheese, pineapple and ham – Ten Pound Buns
Caramel Crack Fries featuring French fries tossed in butter and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar then drizzled with salted caramel sauce and topped with whipping cream and sprinkles – Biggy’s
Chili chamoy candy apple coated with sweet and spicy chili and tamarind flavors – Brander’s Candyland
Unicorn cotton candy donut with sparkling strawberry glitter glaze, rainbow candy, bubble gum cotton candy – Texas Donuts
Boba comes to the Fair and flavors include passion fruit, Thai, oolong, mango, jasmine and lychee – new stand: Holy Cao’s Boba Tea
Shrimp/chicken Ramen burritos, deep-fried pineapple on a stick – Chicken Charlie’s
Unicorn, Orange Dream and Mermaid Floats featuring cotton candy and rainbow toppings – Candy Factory
Big Skillet cookie, an oversize chocolate chip cookie topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate syrup – Totally Baked Cookie Joint
Toppings bar for cinnamon buns including cherry pie filling, Mini M & M’s, salted caramel and maple bacon frosting – JP’s Old West Cinnamon Rolls
Poke and sushi bowls, orange chicken burritos – Eddie’s Asian-Inspired Cuisine
Returning favorites
BBQ chicken, grilled corn, tri-tip, burgers, hot dogs, tacos, turkey legs, Hawaiian chicken bowls, grilled vegetables, corn dogs, ice cream, shaved ice, smoothies, shakes, fruit bowls, waffles, crepes, flavored lemonade and more.
Vendors include: Pink’s Hot Dogs, Biggy’s, Juicy’s, Noel’s Mexican, Corn Star, Apollo’s Greek, Carmelot, Pepe’s Mariscos, Crutchee’s Ice Cream, Enzo’s Pizza, Fresh Frys, Fried Affair, Hussong’s Cantina, Hot Dog on a Stick, Planet Popcorn, Mucho Crazy Nachos, Mustards Café, Old West Cinnamon Rolls, Texas Donuts, Vinny’s Pizza and more.
$3 Taste of Fair Food
Get a sampling of food and treats for only $3 each every Thursday from noon to 4 p.m. Fun-sized samples include funnel cake, tri-tip, lemonade, cinnamon rolls, tacos, gelato, cotton candy and more.
About the Fair
The 2018 OC Fair is July 13-Aug. 12 and offers 23 days and nights of entertainment, food, rides, shopping, exhibits and more. Hours are noon to midnight Wednesdays through Fridays, and 11 a.m. to midnight Saturdays and Sundays. OC Fair is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa.
Available on Flickr: 2018 OC Fair promotional photos
Media credential requests: ocfair.com/newsroom
OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa is home to the annual OC Fair and Imaginology. Year-round attractions include Centennial Farm, Table of Dignity, Heroes Hall and Pacific Amphitheatre. Throughout the year, events ranging from recreation shows to cultural festivals are held at the Fairgrounds.
Support of OC Fair & Event Center provides year-round educational opportunities and helps fund community give-back programs.