Just in case you haven't had a chance to go outside, we are in the middle of summer here in Southern California and nothing says summer quite like the OC Fair and one of the biggest attractions is, of course, the food. Many avid attendees are familiar with the selection of exciting and sometimes off-the-wall fare offered, but we thought we'd fill you in on some of the new options this year from the vendors.
Chicken Charlie's: Deep-Fried Dorritos and Deep Fried Chicken Skin (this is in addition to classics like Deep-Fried Oreos, Cookie Dough, Twinkies, etc.)
Bacon-A-Fair: Bacon-Wrapped Jack Daniel's (a G-rated churro-like snack) and Deep-Fried Bacon Wrapped Turkey Leg (pretty self-explanatory).
Biggy's Meat Market: Gluten-free options that include hamburger buns, fries, and The Big Rib.
Texas Donuts: New flavors for their Giant Donut including Cherry Pop Rocks, Banana Chocolate Cream, and Peanut Butter Cup, plus a deep-fried Gansito that introduces a little Latin spin.
If you're looking for something that travels on a bun you might like the Emeril Bam Dog (mustard, bacon, coleslaw, and jalapenos piled high on a 9-inch beef dog) or the Colonel Klink Dog (this one comes with mustard, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and pastrami). Other options include a Pastrami Ten-Pound Bun and Chile Relleno Burger that you can order with a side of Garlic Parmesean Tasti Shakers.
When you can't fit another bite in your mouth, there are food options for your eyes as well. The OC Fair is a great place to find culinary competitions involving local flavors.
The Chef Challenge: Cooking with the Elements is a series of live cooking challenges for local chefs to show off their skills with a weekly themed element every Friday starting at 7 pm in the OC Promenade and viewing is complimentary with your fair admission. Previous weeks were July 18 (Earth) with Chef Raya Belna of Wildcraft and Chef Danny Godinez of Anepalco's Café, July 25 (Water) with Chef Mike Doctulero of Scott's Restaurant and Chef Ben Wallenbeck of Ways & Means Oyster House. Upcoming challenges will be August 1 (Air) with Chef Grag Daniels of Haven Gastropub and Chef Alfonso Ramirez of Pinot Provence, August 8 (Fire) with Chef Noah Blom of ARC and Chef Debra Sims Maro Wood Grill. You can find contact info below.
Chef Raya Belna; Wildcraft Cuisine Catering
wildcraftelixirbar.com
based out of Costa Mesa, CA
Anepalco's Café
415 South Main St
Orange, CA 92868
714-771-2333
Scott's Retaurant
3300 Bristol St
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714-979-2400
Ways & Means Oyster House
513 East Chapman Ave
Orange, CA 92866
714-516-1800
Haven Gastropub
190 South Glassel St
Orange, CA 92866
714-221-0680
Pinot Provence
686 Anton Blvd
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
ARC
3321 Hyland Ave
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
949-500-5561
Maro Wood Grill
1915 S Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA92651
949-793-4044
If you're more of a weekend warrior you might like to check
out the Live Culinary Arts Contest every Saturday also held in the OC Promenade. A new theme of masterpieces will be on
display and live-judged each week. Themes will be:
Eating Smart Starts Here- July 19
Chili, Wings, or Salsa- July 26
OC Cupcake Classic- August 2
Fantastic Food- August 9
For more New-to-2014 check out the OC Fair's website.
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Airman Gill was born in Oakland, California. He joined the United States Air Force after graduating high school in 2000 and attended basic military training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. 
The holiday season is upon us, and the hustle and bustle is only beginning.
