The Top Eats at the Dixon May Fair This Year

When I was told that Dixon Patch needed someone to do a food review for this year’s May Fair, I didn’t hesitate in taking the assignment – though I had just eaten a pretty big lunch – and took the story within it 30 seconds of it being offered to me.

I sped up to Dixon from Fairfield yesterday to get started on this promptly so that this weekend’s fairgoers who check out Dixon Patch Saturday morning will have the opportunity to see what are the good bites around the fair from my standpoint.

So I went with three “main dish” meals and two sweet treats to analyze and devour for an extended dinner, and I was not disappointed. Here’s my take on the grub I chomped down:

Bite No. 1 – Good ‘Ol Boy’s Rolled Taco’s

This was the first stand that caught my eye. Located somewhat close to the entrance, it had a line that curved and was substantially longer than most of the other booths in its proximity. It also had a tip jar that read “This is not for my kid’s college fund – IT’S FOR BEER!!!” That made me smile, because I’d probably have the same jar in my food stand if I had one. But the tacos weren’t a laughing matter at all.

They were great! I paid $4 for two tacos that were essentially seasoned ground beef wrapped with a large fire-roasted tortilla that was absolutely perfect when touched with a side of Tapatio hot sauce. It was a great way to start my evening of indulgence (when I passed the booth less than an hour later, the line had doubled).

Bite No. 2 – Monterey Bay Seafood

I felt the urge to taste some tasty deep fried crustaceans after the tacos. Went to this booth and ordered the “Del Mar,” which is a plate/tray of half calamari and half clams, and a side of fried zucchini. I was trying to keep it moderately healthy, but I’m now seeing that goal was a lost cause from the second I took the assignment.

The clams were outstanding, while the calamari was good but a tad bit on the chewy side, though that’s not the first time I’ve experienced calamari that way. Overall, for about $9, it was a tasty treat to snack through, but not something that will fill you up all the way. I needed to wash down the aftertaste however with a cold Budweiser, which for $4 tasted great. The beer left me in a mood for a good sandwich, which I found with ample ease.

Bite No. 3 – Big Bear BBQ

I couldn’t miss the big signs that said “wood-smoked tri-tip” across the top of this stand, or the smell of the grills that were slow-churning tri-tip over wood or the lines of people waiting for all sorts of barbecue.  I had my stomach set on some tri-tip, so that’s what I ended up paying $9 for.

The sandwich itself wasn’t massive, but when I chomped down, the tri-tip practically melted in my mouth when fused with the BBQ sauce I drizzled on top. A tad bit on the pricey side, but it’s so worth it. Moving on…

Bite No. 4 – Castle Mini Donuts

This tiny booth – away from the main food area and closer to the livestock area – seemed to be run by good people. I assume it was a husband and wife tandem from Santa Rosa, with the man in the booth saying they travel all across the state (to other fairs).

I ordered a dozen minis surrounded in caramel for $5. The donuts coupled with the sweet caramel will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth, though I must warn you that you could be feeling comatose once you finish them all, and you will want to finish the tray of 12.

Time out – On me

I took a short break after this because my stomach was telling me it needed a breather. As I wandered the fair, I happened to almost walk into two fist fights, with both ultimately fizzling out. With undercover
police inside the fairgrounds, I don’t advise anyone to come to blows here, because there will be no winners.

I wandered over to the Wave Broadband booth to catch the Lakers-Mavericks game. My appetite became fully restored after watching the Lake-show lose to fall behind 3-0 in their series with the Mavs, and the glum looks on Lakers fans as they walked away in disbelief.

Bite No. 5 – Crepes

I love crepes, and know what good ones taste like. I ordered one with chocolate and whip cream on top. Though a little hot to start, the evening’s strong wind cooled it down to the perfect temperature for
consumption.

Never-the-less, it was scrumptious. The crepe was easy to break apart with a fork and was a decent thickness. I prefer a thinner crepe, but this one was not bad by any means.

Overview

You can’t go wrong with any of the places that I went to review. They were all great examples of American Fair dining at its finest – deep fried, pan-fried and BBQ-grilled cuisine.