By Gina Yarbrough
Del Mar, CA–The San Diego County Fair’s highly anticipated FAIR-Tastic Foods Competition, a showcase of culinary creativity and community spirit, returns for the second year.
The competition draws food enthusiasts and chefs from across the region, all vying for top honors in a variety of categories. The concessionaires submitted 48 dishes in three categories: ‘WOW’ and ‘NEW.’
The first category pays homage to the Fair’s theme, “Let’s Go Retro,” showcasing nostalgic concoctions. The WOW category highlights foods designed to dazzle on social media with their vibrant, creative, and over-the-top appearance and flavor. The third category features NEW foods, making their debut at the San Diego County Fair.
Known for its eclectic mix of traditional and innovative dishes, the competition will feature an array of categories, including savory, sweet, and everything in between. Participants will present their culinary masterpieces to a panel of esteemed judges, with awards given for taste, presentation, and originality.
Fairgoers can look forward to sampling an assortment of delectable treats, from classic fair favorites to inventive new creations. The event not only highlights the rich culinary talent in the area but also fosters a sense of community and friendly rivalry among participants.
The influencer Instagram handles that participated in the semi-finalist judging on Wednesday: SDFoodies, Sandiegofoodiefan, Eatconomics, Foodthoughtsforall, Sandiegoeats, and tijuanaeats.
Rick Morton, the host of the nationally syndicated radio show “HeyMorton” on San Diego’s Z90.3 FM, will be the master of ceremonies for Friday’s event.
“I haven’t missed the Fair in over a decade, and I married into a family of Fair Fanatics!” stated Morton, a self-proclaimed fair aficionado.
Troy Johnson, an on-air Food Network judge, food critic, and owner of San Diego Magazine, will be joined by CBS 8 meteorologist Shawn Styles, who hosts “Cooking with Styles,” and Rudy Acosta, co-host of Univision’s “Despierta San Diego.”
Here are the semi-finalist entries:
New – Savory:
Secret Sauce Brisket & Nacho Cheese Sauce by Australian Battered Potatoes.
Nashville Hot Chicken Tots from last year’s “Best of Show” winner, Biggy’s.
Hot Peach Crispy Chicken Sandwich, by Farmer in the Del.
Woodfired Margarita Flatbread from NEW concessionaire, by Breads of the World.
Candied Bacon-Wrapped Pork Belly Bites, by Bacon-A-Fair.
Funnel Cake Dog from NEW Concept Stand, Funnel Cakes by Chicken Charlie’s.
Hot Honey Funnel Cake Chicken Sandwich, by Funnel Cakes by Chicken Charlie’s.
Fried Green Tomato Burger, from Blue & White All-American Classics.
Mondo Beef Birria Cheeseburger, by Tasti Burger.
Al Pastor Street Tacos, by Flaco’s Tacos.
New – Sweet:
Cap’n Crunch Berry Chicken Sandwich by Biggy’s.
Cookies and Cream Funnel Cake by Fried Food Factory.
Beignets by Breads of the World.
Le Crookie by Mom’s Bakeshoppe.
Freeze-Dried Fruit Rollup by Sugar Puff Candy.
Dole Pineapple Paradise Butter Cake Sundae from Crutchee’s Cream.
WOW – Savory:
Loaded Cheese Stick from Ricky’s California Corn Dog.
Caviar Funnel Cake from Funnel Cakes by Chicken Charlie’s.
Maui Chicken from Chicken Charlie’s.
Blooming Awesome by Fresh Fry.
The Cali Dog by Pink’s Hot Dogs.
Spicy Korean Corn Dog by West Coast Weenies.
Mexican Street Corn Pizza by Pat’s Pizza.
WOW – Sweet:
Mango Mayhem from Boba King.
The Barbalicious Float from Candy Factory.
Maple Bacon Smoothie by Bacon A Fair.
50 / 50 Brownie Parfait from Mom’s Bakeshoppe.
Cream Puff by Funnel Cakes by Chicken Charlie’s.
Surfing USA Party Shake from Fruit Caboose.
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Sundae by Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Waffle Bowl Sundae by Crutchee’s Cream.
Theme – Savory:
Chicken-on-A-Stick by Chan’s Chicken on a Stick.
Chicken Pot Pie by In Your Face Pies.
SPAM® Fries by Boba King.
Monte Cristo Sandwich by Cheesy Chef.
Theme – Sweet:
Disco Pop Shake from TJ’s Ice Cream.
Strawberry Dream from Boba King.
Dreamsicle Pudding Trifle from Farmer in the Del.
Vintage Velvet Soda by Apollo’s Greek.
The Endless Summer Split by Crutchee’s Cream.
French Toast Stick Sundae from Olde Tyme Ice Cream.
The winners will earn bragging rights and a large trophy, which will remain a cherished part of the Fair experience for years to come.
The San Diego County Fair’s theme, “Let’s Go Retro,” is a nostalgic voyage from the ’50s through the start of the new millennium. The 20-day Fair season will run from June 12 through July 7, with closures on Mondays and Tuesdays. For more information, visit sdfair.com.
