by Michael P. Coleman
There are literally hundreds of reasons to visit this year’s California State Fair – tens of thousands if you include the people watching opportunities. Rides, attractions, livestock, concerts, shopping – and don’t get me wrong, those are all EXCELLENT. But let’s be clear: for some, there’s no better reason to visit the fair than the opportunity to gorge on fair food.
In the spirit of true investigative journalism, I decided to take advantage of this week’s cooler temps and do an eating tour of the California State Fair. I took one for the team!
First up was the fried catfish and zucchini at the Monterey Bay stand. Superb. Just down the way, I grabbed one of the world’s finest Funnel Cakes (get the apple). Then some Roasted Corn. Frozen Bananas. Smoked Turkey Legs. A Tri Tip Sandwich at Big Bear BBQ that will have you raising your hands to heaven.
But baby, I can sum up the need to go to this year’s California State Fair in two short words: Chocolate Bacon.
You heard me. Chocolate Bacon.
Go early or there’s sure to be a line. Bacon IS a breakfast food, right? Also, if you go early, you can go back for seconds before you head home. Dismiss everything you’ve previously thought about both bacon and chocolate, and think “salty and sweet”. If kettle corn excites you, you are in for the treat of your life with this porcine masterpiece. While you’re there, try the Beer Battered Bacon, the Bacon Cheddar Fries, The Bacon Wrapped Chicken On A Stick, or any one of a number of devilishly delicious concoctions.
You can thank me later. If you see me at the fair, I won’t turn down an order of Chocolate Bacon, given in gratitude to a starving writer.
The California State Fair runs through July 27th at Cal Expo in Sacramento. For more information, go to www.castatefair.org.
Michael P. Coleman is a freelance writer, based in Sacramento. When he‘s not eating, he‘s at michaelpcoleman.com, mikelsmindseye@me.com, or on Twitter: @ColemanMichaelP
