My Epic Day Indulging in Fried Delights at the L.A. County Fair Preview
That magical time of year is here—the L.A. County Fair has kicked off at the Pomona Fairplex, running through May 26! What better way to test both my palate and digestive fortitude than to dive headfirst into the spectacular selection of fried foods? Earlier this week, I had the unique opportunity to attend the media food preview, and let me tell you, it was an experience worth savoring!
The Atmosphere: A Foodie’s Paradise
As I arrived at the fairgrounds, I was greeted by a whirlwind of bold colors and tantalizing aromas, mingling with the infectious energy of fellow food lovers—many of whom I recognized from Instagram and TikTok. Standing there, unashamedly surrounded by culinary enthusiasts who seemed to be in their most opulent element, I contemplated the beauty of my job.
Meet Thummer: The Fair’s Iconic Pig
Upon check-in, I received a delightful goodie bag featuring an array of L.A. County Fair apparel, predominantly showcasing the timeless mascot, Thummer the cartoon pig. Since 1948, Thummer has encapsulated the fair’s spirit, and let me tell you—he looks phenomenal for his age! Along with Thummer-themed swag, my bag contained a nifty bucket hat that I would later have personalized by an airbrush artist.
Culinary Adventure Begins!
With my bucket hat safely dropped off for its makeover, I strategized my culinary conquests. It was time to dive into the fried treasures waiting for me at the fair.
Meatball Mozzarella Corn Dog: A Missed Opportunity
First up: the Meatball Mozzarella Corn Dog. Expecting a great combination of juicy meatball and gooey cheese, I instead encountered a somewhat lukewarm mozzarella encased in overly thick batter. Desperate for flavor, I disassembled it, searching for the elusive meatball only to find it lacked seasoning. A disappointing start to my adventure!
Rating: 1 out of 5.
Anaheim Chile Poppers: A Touch of Heat
Next, I tried the Anaheim Chile Poppers, and oh, what a delightful surprise! Grilled Anaheim chiles, lovingly bathed in a creamy cheese sauce and topped with crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, made an unexpected dream team. The combination of spice, creaminess, and crunch left me surprisingly pleased.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Jerk Lobster Mac and Cheese: Spice Meets Comfort
Following the chiles, I proudly moved on to the Jerk Lobster Mac and Cheese. This dish felt like it was conjured from a serving menu crafted by a food wizard. It expertly combined salty lobster with a captivating spice level that kept me coming back for more.
Rating: 3 out of 5.
Pickle Lemonade: A Refreshing Twist
Needing a refreshment, I found myself at Hot Dog on a Stick, renowned for its unique pickle lemonade. The combination of tangy, sweet lemonade and zesty pickle brine was a hit; however, a few sips in, I realized the saltiness only made me thirstier!
Rating: 4 out of 5.
A Break for Pig Races
After treating my taste buds, I made my way to the pig races, where the adorable little racers dashed towards their goal amidst upbeat EDM music. Fellow influencers and I reveled in the moment, capturing the hilarity and joy on our devices.
Sweet Farewell: A Dessert with a Twist
As the day came to a close, I found myself circling back for dessert—Korean-style corn dogs coated in condensed milk and topped with the childhood classic: Fruity Pebbles. This sweet indulgence brought back fond memories, and I excitedly took a hearty bite. However, the sugary overload was more than my stomach could handle!
Rating: 1 out of 5.
Reflections: The Highs and Lows of a Fried Feast
At this point, my taste adventures had thoroughly overwhelmed my senses, and it was time to call it a day. The L.A. County Fair, with its sheer overload of creativity and flavor, had left me feeling satisfied yet introspective about my annual indulgence.
As I walked away wearing my personalized yet unfortunately misspelled bucket hat, I couldn’t help but smile at the reality that this delightful chaos only happens once a year. Here’s to next year’s culinary adventure!
Join the Fair Fun! And if you’re in the Pomona area, don’t miss out on the food extravaganza that is the L.A. County Fair! Check their website for more details and continue your culinary exploration.
For more delicious updates, be sure to subscribe to our daily newsletter, The LA Report, for the latest happenings right in your inbox!
