Sunday, August 3, 2008

Tales of Summer Over-Indulgence

Ever heard of the Orange County fair? Well if you're a native, not only have you heard of it, you've probably made numerous pilgrimages during the summer. It's a staple to American culture and the culinary offerings never fail to delight, shock, or put into cardiac arrest. Name anything deep fried and I betcha, you'll find it here, along with deep fried poptarts, cupcakes, and frog legs. I'm surprised people still live to talk about it!




Highlights of my visit to the fair this year were the kettle cooked chips and the Mexican funnel cake. Chips... ehh you say? Well that's what I thought I would be saying, who the heck buys chips at a world-renowned deep fried food fair? ME, from now on, every year! There's something about these chips that are absolutely magical and completely addicting. 

The fresh grilled corn is also a part my yearly ritual menu. A vegetable to balance out all of that trans fat goodness. But I guess smothering it in mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, and hot sauce doesn't really help does it? 

Then an epiphany came to me in the form of a Mexican funnel cake. OH MY GOSHHH! Let me say again, many, many times over: oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh. It was like a ginormous churro in the form of a funnel cake served with freshly whipped cream that should have basically been called ice cream, it was SO thick and creamy. But take my advice, share this beast with 3+ people (especially if you plan on trying other fair delights). We were so bloated I almost wanted to vomit. But my heart told me otherwise and its love for this funnel cake was undying and enduring... and that ladies and gentleman, was the day I almost died from a food coma.

In the same booth they sold "apple fries," and all I can say is that I shouldn't have wasted my precious stomach space on this. Next year, I'll definitely pass.