Fair Food Favorites from Fair Insiders

Every year on the first day of fair, I try to create a meal plan so that I don't completely over-indulge. 

This year, I came up with the idea to ask the entire staff about their "must have" food items during our 17 day fair. Some of the answers surprised me and others escaped my memory, but I was so happy for the reminder. 

Corndogs, funnel cakes, ribs and turkey legs are some of the "must haves" I heard over and over again, but I wanted things that I hadn't necessarily already eaten!  The list below is the "must have" from the fair insiders.

Colossal Gelato (located near the Green Gate) is all-natural gelato made fresh daily from local ingredients. A plethora of flavors include watermelon, applie pie, bread pudding and peach champagne.

Greek Salad from The Sleek Greek (located near the Heritage House and the new Alameda County Monument) mentioned multiple times from staff members as the "must have" item. Described as a HUGE salad garnished with warm pita triangles to help push as much lettuce, tomatoes, onions, Greek olives, beef, lamb and Greek dressing onto your fork as possible. This is a fair staff favorite and the first time I have had it in my six years at the fair. I must say it didn't disappoint. 

Monterey Chicken Sandwich from the Palm Pavilion (located near the grandstands,  a beautiful restaurant with a full bar) was described as the best grilled chicken with green chilis, monterey jack cheese and a side of chipotle sauce served with homemade potato chips. 

When this was described my mouth was watering, but all I could think was why have I never had this and why hasn't anyone ever told me about this before today. 

4H Cake Booth (located in Building A) - homemade cakes and cookies are baked in Building A daily — a large variety and a great price!  All proceeds from the 4H Cake Booth benefit Alameda County 4H clubs. 

Tortilla Town (located near the green gate) a "must have" are the nachos and tacos. But a unexpected tip is a staff member who has to be on a gluten-free diet visits almost daily for the Buritto Bowl. Add either green or red salsa, onions and cilantro — those things put this right over the top. I love that they offer whole pinto beans opposed to refried. This is Tortilla Town's first year at the Alameda County Fair and they have immediately become a staff favorite. 

The Fair ends this Sunday, July 10.  I say run, jump, walk, bike, skate or drive over to indulge in one of the Insider's "must have" items.