FAIR-Tastic Food Competition

Date: Friday, June 14
Time: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location(s): Chevrolet Paddock Stage

the results are in!

The 2024 FAIR-TASTIC BEST OF SHOW is The Disco Pop Shake by TJ's Ice Cream!

This culinary creation beat out the competition in the "Theme-Sweet" category, which called for contestants to incorporate this year's San Diego County Fair theme, "Let's Go Retro." Our local celebrity judges then named the dessert the best of the six winners from all categories in the competition.

Here are the other five winners by category:

THEME — Savory: SPAM® Fries by Boba King.
NEW — Sweet: Cap’n Crunch® Berry Chicken Sandwich by Biggy’s.
NEW – Savory: Hot Honey Funnel Cake Chicken Sandwich, by Funnel Cakes by Chicken Charlie’s.
WOW – Sweet: Surfing USA Party Shake from Fruit Caboose.
WOW – Savory: Spicy Korean Corn Dog by West Coast Weenies.

...and the People's Choice, selected by our Taster's Panel was:

Candied Bacon-Wrapped Pork Belly Bites by Bacon A Fair

a competition to drool over

We have a delicious competition guaranteed to get your taste buds buzzing!

We've challenged our food concessionaires to enter culinary creations in three distinct categories, each with two classes: SWEET & SAVORY.

THEME: Let's Go Retro! What does that mean for food? Think of those nostalgic dishes of your youth — were they made with Velveeta, Funyuns or Jell-O? Maybe they were served in a casserole dish, crock pot or Pyrex bowl. Or maybe they include a retro candy, cereal or drink; such as Pop Rocks, Lucky Charms or Tang.

WOW: In the words of Bonnie Raitt, “Let’s give them something to talk about!” We’ve all drooled over some awe-inspiring menu item we’ve seen on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook, amiright? These foods are often colorful, creative, ethnically-inspired, or over-the top in some crazy way.

NEW: What's new? It's the #1 question we get asked before the Fair. (During the Fair, it's "Where's the bathroom?") Of course we love the traditional corn dogs, turkey legs and ice cream — who doesn't?! But let us introduce you to some first-time food at our Fair.

Meet the Judges

Our lead judge is award-winning food critic, Food Network judge, and owner of San Diego Magazine, Troy Johnson.

Shawn Styles—San Diego native, CBS 8 Meteorologist, and host of "Cooking with Styles" joins the Fair-tastic team this year.

Cohost of Univision television's "Despierta San Diego," will taste-test the Fair-tastic entries alongside Troy and Shawn.

Event is hosted by Rick Morton of nationally syndicated radio show “HEYMORTON”—heard in San Diego on Z90.3 FM every weekday morning from 5–10AM. Rick boasts, ”I haven’t missed the fair in over a decade married into a family of Fair Fanatics!” You can find him on Instagram @HeyMorton

ANNOUNCING OUR FAIR-TASTIC FINALISTS...

MONTE CRISTO SANDWICH
Theme — Savory

Cheesy Chef

This French creation gained popularity in the U.S. in the 1960s when Disneyland started serving it at the Blue Bayou restaurant. Delicious ham, Swiss, turkey and cheddar between 3 slices of bread deep-fried to perfection. Topped with powdered sugar and served with pancake syrup dipping sauce.

SPAM FRIES

Theme — Savory

Boba King

SPAM creatively sliced into fry-like shapes and deep fried, resulting in a delectable culinary creation. This unique dish is artfully presented within its original can, accompanied by a trio of mouth watering sauces, sweet Thai chili, spicy mayo, and teriyaki sauce.

CHICKEN ON A STICK
Theme — Savory

Chan's Chicken on a Stick

This family recipe goes back 40 years! A grill marinated 12-ounce chicken skewer, topped with family secret teriyaki sauce. The secret sauce has remained untouched for four decades...now that's RETRO!

STRAWBERRY DREAM
Theme — Sweet

Boba King

A nod to the '60s creation — Pop Tarts! Delectable strawberry fruit syrup, expertly blended with non-dairy creamer and ice, is poured over a bed of tantalizing strawberry bursting boba. All adorned with a delightful strawberry crunch topping and a sweet strawberry Pop-Tart!

DISCO POP SHAKE

Theme — Sweet

TJs Ice Cream

You'll get Disco Fever when classic grape soda and vanilla ice cream, swirled with whipped cream and dancing grape Pop Rocks hit your tongue! Rimmed with Pop Rocks and adorned with Disco ball swirly straw souvenir!

DREAMSICLE PUDDING TRIFLE
Theme — Sweet

Farmer in the Del

Layered house made vanilla cheesecake, local fresh orange mousse & salted graham cracker crust. Topped with sugared orange, whipped cream & dreamsicle ice cream pop.

THE CALI DOG

Wow — Savory

Pink's Hot Dogs

A 1/4 pound spicy sausage topped with french fries, guacamole, sour cream, and hot Cheeto crumbles.

MAUI CHICKEN
Wow — Savory

Chicken Charlie's

Grilled terriaki chicken bites served over a mound of buttery sticky rice over fresh, sweet pineapple chunks—served up in a beautiful half-pineapple bowl.

SPICY KOREAN CORNDOG
Wow — Savory

West Coast Weenies

Your favorite classic crispy Korean corndog rolled in hot Cheeto crumbs and drizzled with spicy mayo.

50/50 BROWNIE PARFAIT
Wow — Sweet

Mom's Bakeshoppe

This brownie parfait features layers of Mom's 50/50 Brownie bites and Bavarian cream, topped with whip cream, chocolate chips and a fresh baked chocolate chip cookie sending the decadent dessert over the top!

MANGO MAYHEM
Wow — Sweet

Boba King

Creamy mango slushee with mango popping boba, topped with whip cream, gummy peach rings and a Mango Cherry Big Stick Popsicle.

SURFIN' USA PARTY SHAKE
Wow — Sweet

Fruit Caboose

Totally far-out frozen lemonade blended with sweet homemade vanilla soft-serve with a graham cracker rimmed souvenir mug and finished off with a cherry on top!

HOT HONEY FUNNEL CAKE CHICKEN SANDWICH
New — Savory

Chicken Charlie's

Our Fresh hand dipped chicken breast deep-fried with secret spices, nestled between two small funnel cakes and drizzled with hot honey.

CANDIED BACON-WRAPPED PORK BELLY BITES
New — Savory

Bacon A Fair

Slow-smoked, bite-sized portions of pork belly wrapped in thick cut bacon, then skillet fried and glazed with a delicious brown sugar crust. Each bite will elevate you to the ultimate in bacon satisfaction!

NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN TOTS
New — Savory

Biggy's

Buttery, garlicky crispy fried tots topped with Biggys famous Nashville Chicken. This fusion of fair foods raises the level of tots to gourmet! Finished with some extra crispy brined dill pickles to tame some of the Nashville heat, this garlicky and spicy combo will forever change how you love Tater Tots.

al pastor tacos
New — Savory

Flaco's Tacos

This infamous Al Pastor rotisserie has made it's way to San Diego County Fair! Wood-firing hundreds of pounds of Al Pastor daily, these street tacos smell almost as good as they taste!

LE CROOKIE

New — Sweet

Mom's Bakeshoppe

You read it right...CROOKIE! We take a flakey, buttery croissant, fill and top it off with our made-from-scratch cookie dough, then we bake it to ooey gooey chocolate perfection. Two great tastes that go great together!

CAP'N CRUNCH BERRY CHICKEN SANDWICH
New — Sweet

Biggy's

Double-battered extra-crispy fried chicken dipped in a honey raspberry glaze and topped with crushed Cap'n Crunch Berry cereal. Served on a toasted buttered brioche bun encrusted with extra Cap'n Crunch cereal.

freeze-dried fruit rollup
New — Sweet

Sugar Puff Candy

Sour Gummy Worms wrapped in a Fruit Rollup and stuffed with Cotton Candy.

DOLE PINEAPPLE PARADISE BUTTER CAKE SUNDAE

New — Sweet

Crutchee's Cream

A sunny blend of super sweet and tastefully tart! Delicious butter cake is topped with Dole Pineapple soft serve and vanilla soft serve swirl, surrounded by fresh-cut strawberries, Ghirardelli caramel, coconut, and of course — topped with whipped cream and a cherry on top! Aloha!

A FAIR-TASTIC THANK YOU TO OUR SEMI-FINALISTS!

CARAMEL APPLE CINNAMON ROLL SUNDAE

Wow — Sweet

Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls

A piping hot, fresh baked cinnamon roll, topped with a layer of carmelized Fuji apple's, hand scooped vanilla ice cream whipped cream, gourmet caramel sauce, and locally grown California walnuts.

CREAM PUFF
Wow — Sweet

Funnel Cake by Chicken Charlie

A new take on a classic favorite — fresh whipped cream sandwiched between two small funnel cakes.

CHICKEN POT PIE
Theme — Savory

In Your Face Pies

Comfort food at its finest, served just like Mom used to make. With a flakey, buttery crust and a creamy chicken core.

BLOOMING AWESOME
Wow — Savory

Fresh Fry

A giant blooming onion, mixed with fresh fries and topped with chili and cheese.

COOKIES AND CREAM FUNNEL CAKE
New — Sweet

Fried Food Factory

Our Delicious funnel cake drizzled with powdered sugar and topped with crushed OREO cookies and whipped cream. If you want to go BIG, get your Funnel Cake "a la mode"—topped with a scoop of Cookies and Cream ice cream!

CAVIAR FUNNEL CAKE
Wow — Savory

Funnel Cake by Chicken Charlie

Freshly fried funnel cake with house made whipped cream, topped with Caviar — bringing sweet and salty together like never before!

HOT PEACH CRISPY CHICKEN SANDWICH
New — Savory

Farmer in the Del

Golden fried chicken, hot honey drizzle, juicy local peaches, bleu cheese slaw, candied pecans on a buttered brioche bun!

SECRET SAUCE BRISKET & NACHO CHEESE

New — Savory

Australian Battered Potatoes

The Down-Under's favorite potato cakes topped with nacho cheese sauce, brisket, and secret sauce!

FRIED GREEN TOMATO BURGER
New — Savory

Blue & White All American Classics

Battered and deep-fried tomato on a 1/4 pound hamburger with chipotle sauce, lettuce and cheese.

BEIGNETS
New — Sweet

Breads of the World

A warm, golden pillow of dough, delicately fried to a crispy perfection on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy inside. Each bite releases a burst of sweetness, as the powdered sugar dusting melts on your tongue, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate, transporting you to the charming streets of New Orleans with every delicious bite!

MONDO BEEF BIRRIA CHEESEBURGER

New — Savory

Tasti Burgers

A soft brioche bun with chipotle mayo, pico de gallo, and cabbage slaw, 1/3 pound fresh beef patty, shredded beef Birria, consommé, Hatch green chili cheese sauce, and pickled red onions. Inspired fresh ingredients meet a Tasti tradition of quality fresh beef.

WOOD-FIRED MARGARITA FLATBREAD

New — Savory

Breads of the World

A thin, crispy crust crafted from the finest dough and kissed by the flames of a wood-fired oven. The irresistible aroma of charred crust mingling with fragrant basil and melted mozzarella makes each slice a masterpiece of flavor, with tangy tomato sauce adding a burst of freshness that perfectly complements the creamy richness of the cheese.

MAPLE BACON SMOOTHIE
Wow — Sweet

Bacon A Fair

Frozen yogurt smoothie blended with bacon, maple syrup, whipped cream, a little bit of milk and topped with crumbled bacon. Finished off with crispy bacon garnish and served ice cold to satisfy both your sweet and savory taste buds!

LOADED CHEESE STICK

Wow — Savory

Ricky's California Corn Dog

Battered and melted cheese on a stick, sliced open and stuffed with chili, shredded cheese, diced onions, cheese curds and topped with a jalapno popper.

fUNNEL CAKE DOG
New — Savory

Funnel Cake by Chicken Charlie's

A giant Hot Dog, surrounded by light, crisp Funnel Cake and topped with Maple syrup and powder sugar.

THE ENDLESS SUMMER SPLIT
Theme — Sweet

Crutchee's Cream

Today's version of an old-fashioned banana split! A banana boat loaded with 1.) vanilla soft serve, topped with ooey-gooey hot fudge and OREO crumbles, plus a chocolate-dipped OREO on the side, 2.) Dole Pineapple soft serve topped with coconut with a colorful umbrella on top, and 3.) vanilla soft serve with fresh-cut strawberries and a chocolate-dipped

strawberry on the side!

THE BARBALICIOUS FLOAT

Wow — Sweet

Candy Factory

Think PINK! This Bubble Gum Soda Float is topped with whip cream, sprinkles and strawberry cotton candy, then garnished with a pink and white lolly pop. For the Ken fans we make this in BLUE as well with a Craft Blue Ocean Water Craft Soda and a blue lolly pop!

CHOCOLATE-DIPPED STRAWBERRY WAFFLE BOWL SUNDAE

Wow — Sweet

Crutchee's Cream

Tastes of summer in a waffle bowl! A delicious waffle bowl filled with vanilla soft serve ice cream and surrounded by fresh-cut strawberries and topped with hot fudge! Garnished with a chocolate-dipped strawberry on the side and finished off with whipped cream, chocolate sauce and a cherry on top!

FRENCH TOAST STICK SUNDAE
Theme — Sweet

Old Tyme Ice Cream

A playful twist on a classic and a whimsical nod to retro diners. Golden, crispy French toast sticks serve as the perfect vessel for a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, drizzled with warm maple syrup and whipped cream. It's a delightful fusion of breakfast and dessert that will transport you back to the nostalgic charm of the 1950s diner era.

MEXICAN STREET CORN PIZZA
Wow — Savory

Pat's Pizza

Fresh dough topped with a homemade white sauce, sprinkled with a blend of mozzarella and queso fresco, topped with fire roasted corn, a generous dusting of chili lime seasoning, a dash of cilantro and then baked to perfection. Served with a fresh lime wedge and a drizzle of Mexican Crema to give it a nice zing before you take your first bite!

VINTAGE VELVET SODA
Theme — Sweet

The Greek

Step into a sip of nostalgia with the Vintage Velvet Soda, where the classic kick of Dr. Pepper meets the lavish swirl of blackberry syrup, the tropical embrace of coconut cream, and the creamy dreaminess of half-and-half. It's a retro revival in a glass, blending timeless tastes with a hint of exotic luxury, for a flavor journey that's simply unforgettable.