The 2011 San Diego County Fair-Part 3: Sensible Fair Food

Yes, this is mmm-yoso!!! the blog about food which is usually written by one of three people (and occasionally by some other friends).  Kirk is out somewhere in the world enjoying a vacation, ed (from Yuma) is also out enjoying this three day weekend and Cathy is catching up-on a post she thought about writing last July. 

Hi.  The title of this post is *not* a typo.  There are two posts written about the 2011 San Diego County Fair and a third post to tie up loose ends was intended to be written...and, well, it never seemed to be the right time. This long weekend, when people are home celebrating Memorial Day and maybe thinking about  the 2012 San Diego County Fair seems to be the right time to post. I wrote this because people asked me what I really eat when I go to the Fair.

Now, I have shown the decadent offerings at the Fair...

The truth is, The Mister and I try maybe one of the newer, decadent offerings, but don't make a day of eating all that stuff. For one, it would be expensive and second, I just don't deliberately stuff myself at any meal. 

There are smarter choices offered and you can still eat different foods than your usual snacks while enjoying the exhibits on the Fairgrounds. The exhibits and contests are the "heart" of the Fair- why the Fair exists.

Albertsons, one of the Sponsors of the Fair, has had this booth for several years now: 

The Albertson's Rejuvenation Station sells a variety of salads, fruits, nuts and more or less 'healthy' beverages. 

There are also many booths with grilled food available-

...sometimes next to or within booths offering fried choices...You have to read the smaller print on some of the booths-or just look around:

There are at least ten vendors selling grilled turkey legs at the Fair, and at least another ten selling grilled corn.

 Now, what do The Mister and I eat when we go to the County Fair? Well, we do try at least one of the "new" offerings each year, but when it is time for a meal,

The falafel burger and/or the artichoke sandwich from Roxy's is one purchase we make.  It's great. Very large, on a wheat bun, topped with fresh, crisp vegetables and...I am not sure what makes it different, but it is. I've never been disappointed with either sandwich. 

Also every year, we *must* stop here.

I can't make or buy a fresh cream puff like this- the shells are baked daily in the trailer.  When you order, then the shells are filled with fresh whipped cream.  Heaven.

One last view of the 2011 Fair- the view from the West.

The 2012 San Diego County Fair has had some exhibits judged and it's being set up...that's another post.  It opens June 8. This is a link to the new foods that will be available at the 2012 San Diego County Fair.

 

I hope everyone is enjoying this weekend and the reason we celebrate Memorial Day. Thank you to those who Serve and Served.

 






 

Comments

[Susan]

Hi, haven't been reading your blog for months so I spent a good afternoon and evening catching up. Love your travel posts and surprised at how much I missed. Of course enjoy your food posts especially anything Asian. Was sad to read about Nate's passing. I didn't know him personally but enjoyed reading his blog and postings on Okinawan food since I was born there. I still have more catching up to do. Tks for sharing!

[Cathy]

Hi Susan. I think you were writing more to Kirk than to me, but know that I'm glad you had time to catch up. Nate was a good guy and will be missed.

[Dennis]

Hi Cathy, wow I can't believe it's that time of year again. Time flies! The falafel burger sounds great.

[Su-Lin]

Artichoke sandwich! Is there a photo of this amazing sounding sandwich?

[Cathy]

Yes, judging for Preserved Foods was last week, Dennis. Cirque du Soleil is in the Fair parking lot, right at the entrance (look at last photo, the blue and yellow tent) so summer is almost here!

I can't find any photos of the artichoke sandwich, but did find one photo of the falafel sandwich, Su-Lin. It's about 1/3 the way down this post http://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2007/06/san-diego-count.html Under the photos of the chicken patties on a jelly donut, there is a photo of the booth and two photos of skewer of batter fried mushroom and artichoke and just under, to the left, a small photo. Click on it and you can see the falafel sandwich. I can't find any artichoke sandwich photos...but will be sure to have one in the 2012 Fair post.

[ed (from Yuma)]

Great post. The healthy stuff still makes good pics -- well and that cream puff!!

I also appreciated your closing words. Yuma has long been closely connected with America's armed forces - most people don't realize that Patton trained much of the army that invaded North Africa in WWII out here in our desert. Memorial Day is especially meaningful to Yuma because many young people have passed through here on their way to serving our country overseas. And sadly, some never returned.

[caninecologne]

hi cathy - great post on the fair...hopefully we will go this year and try your recommendations. i want to try that artichoke sandwich and that cream puff!

[Cathy]

Thanks, ed; I think the overcast days at the coast helped the photos, but think the point about the vendors having good food choices got across. Small towns played a big role in training our boys for that war; Dad trained in Ames, Iowa before going to sea.

Thanks, cc. I try not to recommend and just post observations, but every year, one of the sandwiches and a cream puff are automatic purchases.

[Carol]

Whoa, I missed the "2011" in the title and thought I was losing my mind that the fair had already started. hehe

[Cathy]

Everyone seems to do similar County Fair blog posts, so I thought I'd do my Fair posts a bit differently this year, Carol. But in any case, it will open in less than two weeks!