Our friends at the Fair packed so much action in this year's edition, it's almost meatier than La Super Costilla! We can't possibly cover everything….or can we? Whether you're the competitive type or more of a spectator, food-related activities are going on all around. And after all the blood, sweat and tears, you can still leave with a few bucks in your pocket if it's a Friday. This is the post you want to bookmark for future reference.
Calling all Cookie Monsters! If you've got a winning chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, sugar or other classic recipe (no pre-made or boxed mixes allowed), your time is now. There are multiple categories for youth, but only one for adults. Judges want your fantastic four plated with an ingredient list at the Blue Gate Main Entrance between 11 a.m. and noon this Saturday. Of course, applications were due earlier in the week, so good luck to those that made it in time.
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Also on deck, the first of four Chowdowns kicked off this week! We began with Paul of The Burnt Truck going head-to-head with seasoned chef Pascal Olhats. We've caught the A-game of TBT at Sunday Night Chef Fights, and considered them a worthy opponent. However, Pascal is class act; we expected nothing but the best from him. In Food Network Chopped fashion, mystery ingredients were their greatest asset and worst adversary in creating something us judges approved of. I represented the Forkers for this chowdown, appetite and camera phone on the ready. However, you should be looking forward to our very own Dave “Das Ubergeek” Lieberman on August 9, as he battles it out with Jason “Burn In Hell” Quinn of The Playground. Dave, did you get inspiration from your recent vacation? We can't wait to see what you create!
Lastly, what can you get for two dollars? A whole lotta everything every Friday, according to this handy dandy reference. The list changes weekly, but fortunately the pdf file has a complete listing for each one. Remember that these prices are only good between the hours of noon and 4 p.m., so plan wisely.
Don't forget the other $2 Friday deals: Seniors 60 and older get in for two bucks off the normal entry ($6 instead of $8) and ride the Ferris wheel and merry-go-round as much as they want. Everybody else has access to rides and games for the same amount until 4 p.m.
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A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.