By Gina Yarbrough
Del Mar, CA–The San Diego County Fair announced the Tres Leches Cinnamon Roll as the “Best of Show” winner in this year’s Fair-Tastic Foods Competition, delighting both judges and attendees with its decadent take on a fairground classic.
Created by longtime vendor Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls, the award-winning treat is a warm, house-made cinnamon roll topped with tres leches milk, whipped cream, caramel, piloncillo, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar. The dessert was entered in the “So San Diego” sweet category, which celebrates unique, locally inspired flavors.
“This is overwhelming,” said Willie Madaus, owner of Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls. “After 48 years at this fair, being recognized in this way — at one of the premier fairs in the country — is an incredible honor.”
The third annual competition featured a record number of entries divided into three categories: WOW, Theme, and “So San Diego,” each with sweet and savory classes. Eighteen finalists were judged Friday at the Del Mar Fairgrounds by a celebrity panel that included Troy Johnson of San Diego Magazine and Food Network, MasterChef winner Claudia Sandoval, and Univision TV’s Rudy Acosta. Radio personality Rick Morton of Z90.3 hosted the event.
Sandoval, initially skeptical due to her dislike of traditional tres leches desserts, was won over. “With the crunchy edges of this cinnamon roll and the smooth consistency of the delicious tres leches frosting, this is a winner,” she said.
In addition to the judges’ picks, a 24-seat tasting panel made up of media partners, content creators, and members of the 22nd District Agricultural Association board, including President Frederick Schenk, Board Member Phil Blair, and CEO Carlene Moore, selected the “People’s Choice” winner: the Super Volcano Fries by Farmer in the Del.
Fairgoers eager to try the top entries themselves can take advantage of “Foodie Fridays,” a new promotion offering all 18 finalist dishes at 50% off from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Friday in June.
The San Diego County Fair continues its 20-day summer run at the Del Mar Fairgrounds through early July.
The full list of finalists can be found at SDFair.com/food.
