From ooey-gooey, on-a-stick, barbecued and dipped-in-chocolate creations to world-class wines and healthy options grown right at Fairplex, the LA County Fair offers something for every palate
The 94th LA County Fair has done it again, expanding its reputation as one of the largest and most diverse county fairs in the world by tempting foodies in Southern California and beyond with a mouth-watering, mind-blowing assortment of more than 1,200 different menu items to satisfy their cravings for the next taste sensation, Sept. 2-25.
Sharing the spotlight with this year’s new rides, shows and attractions will be the world premiere of Deep-Fried Hot Sauce, a completely new signature food item created exclusively for the LA County Fair by fried-food phenom Charles “Chicken Charlie” Boghosian.
On the other end of the culinary extreme, vegan specialist Plant Food for People, an exclusive LA County Fair food partner, will debut Vegan Burritos, Tacos and Nachos, while first-timer Cathy’s Cookies will serve up an indescribable array of fresh-baked treats.
Meanwhile, a veritable smorgasbord of epicurean adventures will be available at the LA County Fair for the first time in 2016, including Deep Fried Butter; the self-explanatory Chicken and Waffle on a Stick, a hand-held new take on last year’s debut; French Toast Bacon Bombs; Truffle-Gouda Bacon Fries; Bacon-Wrapped Baked Potato and Porkabello Kabobs (baby portabella mushrooms stuffed with gouda and wrapped in bacon). Fairguests can also savor Deep-Fried Pizza, a Churro Shake and Cowboy Crunch Sundae for the first time at Fairplex, as well as the Affogato Ice Cream Sundae, featuring a double-shot of fresh-brewed espresso in a glass test tube placed upside-down on the ice cream so it gradually drains as you eat.
“Food is always a big attraction at the LA County Fair, and this year we’re debuting some amazing all-new items along with hundreds of returning favorites,” said LA County Fair’s Interim CEO Michael Ortiz, Interim CEO. “We love how our guests are always up for a dare when it comes to trying new foods. So we created something special just for LA by combining two tastes in a way that, surprisingly, has never been tried before -- Deep-Fried Hot Sauce! You could say it’s the continuation of a theme. Last year we introduced Deep-Fried Guacamole and it was such a hit, we brought it back and added an encore. Deep-Fried Hot Sauce will become another instant classic!”
Once again, more than 60 different food vendors will turn the LA County Fair into a 487-acre, end-of-summer gastronomical playground offering every possible deep-fried, on-a-stick, ooey-gooey, barbecued and dipped-in-chocolate creation plus a surprising assortment of vegetarian, organic and gluten-free options. One vendor, Pappas Artisanal, will even be serving farm-to-table items made with produce grown right at The Farm at Fairplex.
“With a footprint bigger than the Iowa and Texas State Fairs in one of the country’s most populated counties, the LA County Fair has a lot of palates to satisfy,” added Ortiz.
Menu items range from hundreds of kinds of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, sausages, sandwiches, tacos, pizzas and complete Mexican, Italian, Asian and Greek food combo meals to every conceivable form of candy, snack food and dessert.
Returning favorites for 2016 include last year’s hit Deep-Fried Guacamole, Kool-Aid Hot Wings, and the Bacon-Cheddar Brat Burger; Cajun Turkey Wrap (with Sweet Corn Salsa and Lord of The Rings); and Deep-Fried Nutella; and an incredible assortment of Funnel Cakes such as Nacho Funnel Cake, Mexican Funnel Cake, Reese's Funnel Cake, Nutella Funnel Cake and Oreo Funnel Cake. Ortiz is also quick to point out the myriad nutritious options. “Contrary to popular belief, all four of the food groups can be found at the LA County Fair,” he said. “Visitors will find hundreds of healthy options ranging from salads, wraps and smoothies to sushi, lean protein choices, produce and rice bowls, and the freshest fruit and vegetables, some of it grown right here on our farm.” Representing both sides of the dietary spectrum, vegetarians can find Vegan Burritos, Tacos and Nachos, while carnivores will enjoy Buffalo, Turkey, Venison and Wild Boar Jerky.
The LA County Fair also offers one of the most comprehensive offerings of wine, beer, spirits and even olive oil of any fair in the world, as well as an annual competition that is regarded internationally. Guests can pair their food choices with award winners from 2016 competitions.
About the 94th LA County Fair – Sept. 2-25, 2016 at Fairplex in Pomona.
The 94th anniversary of America’s largest county fair in fun and acreage includes all-new Jurassic Planet, featuring 35 life-size animatronic dinosaurs; a reimagined “Our Bodies” exhibit; the ultimate hands-on sports experience; a summer ice-skating, snow-sledding village; walk-through floral paintings; a 16-night End of Summer Concert Series, presented by Toyota; plus a carnival midway, farm, exotic animals (including a giraffe!), exclusive food, shopping and entertainment. Closed Mondays (except Labor Day) and Tuesdays.
Visit www.lacf.com for admission, hours and more information. General information: (909) 623-3111.
