Friday, August 13, 2010

Carnie Food

I had an entirely different post planned for today, but having just gotten home from the Orange County Fair I feel it is my duty to unload all of the images living in my mind.  

*Translation:  I fell off the gluten wagon and bathed in a sea of deep fried food*

I've lived in Southern California for about 8 years and haven't stepped foot into LA or OC Fairs once.  I'm not a rides person (woozy = no can do for this free bird) and, even though I've often dreamed of eating all the food in one evening, it's just never happened.  So today when the Chef was zipping through my 'hood on the way to OC I decided to hop in with him and dive in feet first, blinders on - no wussing out. 

The truth is I'm deathly afraid of carnie crowds.  It's like going to the rodeo - you just never know what you're going to get.  People become unhinged at these events.  Case in point:  this evening we were strolling by an outdoor music venue that you could see into even if you didn't have tickets.  I recognized the voice so poked the Chef and was like, "dude that voice is familiar".  Sure enough it was Colin Hay (Men at Work) from back in the day (*cue Who Can It Beeeeeeeee Noooo-owwww!) Anyway, cut to scene and there's a 50 something woman clinging to the iron fence OUTSIDE the venue weaving back and forth in tears over Colin Hay - who she couldn't have loved that much since she didn't have tickets - while the husband rubbed her back as the train went off the tracks.

Seriously.

I just shook my head and was like, "dude - wheels off the bus at 12 o'clock" and without skipping a beat the Chef replied, "on it.  already identified".

And then we strolled off to continue our tour of heart attackville (I even saw Hooters girls working the UFC fights - I looked for Gretchen Rossi, but no can do). 

 Before tonight I had never eaten this.  Is it wrong that I want to go back now?
Sans Purell?
Breakfast, dinner and dessert all in one.  Drinks extra.  It's a bloody smorgasbord!
Oh you didn't want that?  How about 10000 ways to eat yam fries?  Here's 3.
 Now you want some "real food"? How about chicken fried steak in a bun?  
911!  Man down!
They even admit guilt?  And this guy STILL wanted it - all of it!
Oh yeah.  This is where it got ugly.  Deep fried Oreos?  I had heard of this mess...
The Chef, of course, knew all about it.
He forewarned me of the deep fried Snickers bars.
(actually he's been "reminding" me of the ones he used to get when he lived in NY - nice)
If I'm goin' off the tracks I'm goin' big O time.  Oreo, that is.
Oh Emm Gee is all I have to say about that.

The next thing you knew my stomach was churning, churning and I felt like I ate garbage (which I kind of did even though it was chocolatey good garbage), while the Chef started mumbling something about "Carnie folk smell like cabbage."  I took this as our signal to bolt for the car, but not before some bunch of crazies screamed in my ear "Ooooohhh my brown eyed girl!" while they made a mad rush for the stage of a faux Van Morrison band.  "My eyes are green ya morons!", I screamed wildly into the night strung out on all the gluten.  Okay maybe not that last part, but they did mow some folks over to get there.  Then I noticed their dad was in tow...and in on the screaming.  Picture that one!!

And with that I'm off ladies. Have a great weekend!...and be sure to stop by the Fair if you're peeling through OC.  There's nothing like a mob scene to get your weekend off to a great start. 

94 comments:

Diana Mieczan said...

Fairs are so cool...and the last time I went to one of those was ages ago...Sometimes is so good to eat all that stuff...I feel for your tummy today...but I bet those sweet donuts are amazing...:)

Happy Friday,sweetie....Btw: your advice helped so much yesterday...I felt to much better afterwaords:)

Hugs,sweetie

Anonymous said...

Never had deep fried Oreos.... but now I'm pretty sure I need to! Hope your stomach is holding up ok after falling off the GF diet :)

Joyti said...

LOL...I haven't been to a fair in ages, but I've heard rumors about the strange new food offerings.

ChinkyGirLMeL said...

Oh my gosh. I've always loved oreos, but ummm...deep fried oreos? That sounds intriguing. It's been so long since the last time I went to a fair but I remember that it was a lot of fun. =)
Oh and about your neighbor, poor guy, I can't believe he ate a yogurt that he dug up from the trash. poor guy. =( how sad

jemina said...

HA HA HA HA HA what a fun post, you must take me to Cornie next, right after Michael Buble's concert :)), and OMG indeed, that deep fried oreos look delish..... this is food heaven really, yum!!!
Wishing you the loveliest weekend and I hope you're feeling better soon

LOVE LOVE LOVE
J, xoxo

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

Oh, the fair. . Great people watching. Food you only need/want one day a year!

Lisa - respect the shoes said...

I love going to carnie fairs partly because they always have that slight shadiness to them. Now I ain't gonna spend extended time there because it is shady and I have the mentality that everyone is there to rip you off, which is kind of true. I do partake in the food but I'm usually careful about what I order - some of that stuff just makes no dang sense! And stuff of that stuff is just plain yuck.

Unknown said...

Holy transfats Batman! I want some deep friend OREOS!!!

Jen said...

I think I just gained 10 lbs by reading your post!! Don't you just love fair/carnival food??

Happy Friday Dearie!

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

How hysterical was this post?! I SO know the scene. I've been hitting the fairs more frequently since having children of the appropriate wide-eyed age. You are dead on when describing the crowds and are fair game to such descriptions! I'm guilty, I visit heart attackville more often than I should :0 Still laughing :)

MerciBlahBlah said...

You had me at marshmallow covered yammies.

Love. This.
Mwah!
Merci,
Shan

Laura said...

Man I haven't been to a fair in years! Deep fried oreos sound interesting!! We have battered Mars Bars here, which just make you feel like you've eaten a whole chuck load of FAT!

L x

Half Dressed

OneCraftyFox said...

I usually love the idea of those little carni donuts, until I've had a handful. lol.

Hope you have a fantastic weekend!!

OneCraftyFox said...

PS I gave you a shout out on my blog this morning... I stole your phrase and it would not have been fair to give due credit. I think you will be pleased with the context in which it was used. lol!

Cool Gal said...

Yep, I hear your pain. Our state fair is just around the corner and we go every year. For the food (always feel sick afterwards) and the people watching. Now, that's really a "hoot." Scary, actually!

Deep fried yams, we don't have those. Just everything else under the sun. Including deep fried bacon. Can you imaging how good that is for the arteries.

Have a good one, my friend! :)

Jordan Cole said...

I absolutely love deep fried Oreos, actually I love deep fried anything almost. That's bad! The snickers are yummy! Fairs are the best, they are so magical.

Mallory said...

Um, I'm probably one of those weirdos!! Just kidding, because I totally live in Virginia, but seriously, i love the fair. The food is amazing, and you see the craziest stuff! Love it!

Closet Fashionista said...

Mmmm sooo tasty!!!! :D
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

DUDE. WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME. I just gnawed off my left pinkie finger.

Sara said...

I love carnie food...funnel cakes with powdered sugar are my favorite! Those oreos look insane!

xo,
Sara

Corey said...

This took me back to our lone trip to the puyallup to see Jewel .... And now I'm hungry! Maybe I'll make some deep fried butter for breakfast!

Nikki said...

Hahaha Carrie you are so funny!

Those deep fried ories look heavenly! But I know how you feel, I've done the same "sampling" at fairs and it hurts!


Have a great weekend!


xx
Nikki

Signe said...

oh my god, those deep fried Oreos looks sooooo good! and a fun post it is :)

Shop T.O. Live said...

Haha. Your carnie story is hilarious - I can so picture it!

I definitely want to try the oreos (minus the stomach aches!).

ShopTOLive.ca

LyddieGal said...

My sister had a deep fried Oreo yesterday and when I asked her how they fried it, she replied, "in a ball of pizza dough"

And I acted repulsed. Your picture does clear some things up for me though.

Don't feel too guilty, one bad night isn't going to undo a life time of abstinence

Discovery Street said...

"i'm deathly afraid of carnie crowds"

lmao!! great post!

Jessica said...

oh my GOD is all I can say! haha the deep fried oreos look soo good! I saw an episode of Jay Leno where he and Kim Kardashian made them and I've been wanting to try some ever since! Did you go into a food coma?! I know I would have!!

Alicia Lund said...

I'm right with you - I'm not a huge fair / carnival person. They just seem dirty and I don't do the rides! BUT, I can be persuaded to go for the food ;) and those deep fried oreos sound killer (literally!)

JMB said...

OH. M. GEE is right!! Chocolate covered bacon? GAG me....I think the only thing that remotely looked good was what you had! I LOOOVE oreos! In fact you just made me crave them! Thank you Carrie! haha

Oh, My Darling said...

Mm, fried oreos are so delicious! I'm still more of a funnel cake enthusiast, though.

Leia said...

Haha, my stomach is aching just LOOKING at that food! Deep fried butter?! Chocolate covered bacon? (my vegetarian soul is crying! haaha)

Well, it sounds like An Experience - even if it was slightly wild and scary, I'm sure it was still fun... and the yummy food made up for the wacky events of the day (?!) I'm kind of shocked that The Chef didn't mind eating all that crazy food!

Leia

Marcie said...

Awesome post, Carrie! I am laughing at your comment on carnie crowds. The carnies themselves creep me out. Your pictures look so great and I love that dessert! The thing I love about carnivals, is how long they've been around. I like to think back 50 years ago and how much fun they were back then. Aside from the freakshow, there is something nostalgic about carnivals.

xo M

Kara Endres said...

OMG, this post is hilarious!!! "all strung out on gluten"... I had to call my sister over to show her the fried oreos. I've heard of them but never actually saw them. As for carnivals, I loved the idea of them back in the day of the real freak show type stuff, but now its kinda scary. But i love the rides!!

http://sprinklesinsprings.blogspot.com/

Abby said...

Deep fried oreos? And have I ever told you that I love your sense of humor?

Marie a la Mode said...

I am so hungry now! Did you have mini doughnuts? Those are the best! A heart attack in a ball but theytastesogood!

Nadia said...

Oh my goodness. How I love your stories so <3

Nadia xo

Sunshine and Summertime said...

Hahaha! You are too funny! I have never heard of chocolate bacon....That sounds strange and delicious at the same time. Also never had the deep-fried oreos but they look freaking delicious. mmm fair food.

Natalie @ Blossoming Visions said...

Seriously?? It has been ages since I have been to the fair and it was the LA county fair that I went to. I do not remember these types of treats. I don't know whether to plan a trip or just stay away! Yikes!

Ms. Emmy N said...

Haha, what an experience! I was cracking up at the Colin Hay story ... people watching at it's best. I am not one for fairs or carny food, but I am completely intriguied by the fried oreo... yum!

PS...Thanks so much for your sweet comment on my insanity post.. and good luck with Jillian Michaels!! I haven't tried any of her dvds yet, so you'll have to share how you like it!

Valerie said...

There were a lot of first for me, just reading your post. I've never heard of chocolate covered bacon and never seen a deep fried oreo. Needless to say, I've never been to the LA or OC fair. I'm the same way about Carni people, they scare me. That's where all the crazies are. Looks like you really went big with the gluten, but in a really good way. Hope you're feeling okay today! Now you have me dreaming about fried oreos. Have a great weekend!

xo
Valerie

Annie said...

hahaha Carrie, you crack me up! I feel like I was there with you. Hope you're feeling good today and ready for the weekend! :) xo

Josie said...

Haha, carnival crowds make me a little nervous as well. The Minnesota State Fair is basically my life; unfortunately, I go back to school before the fair starts! The food is of course greasy but just soooo good!
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I always eat too much at fairs and feel sick afterwards! Gotta admit, they do have interesting stuff there... chocolate-covered bacon? deep-fried oreos? hmmmmm.

Claire Kiefer said...

Hilarious!! I have only been to a fair once since high school, but I have to admit I kind of loved it. I rode all the rides (the only one I hated with passion is the free fall one that just straight-up DROPS you--no thanks!!!), laughed with my friends, delighted in all the bright colors, and cliche as it may be, felt like a kid. I gotta say, though, that I think carnie food sounds like a much better idea than it really is. I ate a churro and subsequently felt like I was gonna be sick (crisis averted, but it was a close call). God only knows what's in the grease that they fry those suckers in.

Happy weekend Carrie!!

Jess said...

Haha this is hilarious. The food looks so bad yet so good at the same time! Hope you have a good weekend!

Karena said...

Too funny..... I don't think they serve anything healthy at county fairs and carnivals!!

Come and enter my Latest Giveaway!!
xoxo

Karena
Art by Karena

em.me.ma said...

mmmm carnival!! looks like lots of fun :P

Kristen said...

Carrie, you are hilarious. "Wheels off the bus @ 12oclock" I'm so steeling that line. I can't deal with those deep fried oreos. I need to try!

Also - thank you SO MUCH for your insight on my dress. I was hoping, praying that I would receive your advice (ha i probably would have just asked you!) but you beat me to it. You are such a fashionista so I really appreciate it!!

xoxo,
Daisy

Flotsam Friends said...

Sometimes you've just got to ride with it... And you did. What a great experience... Looks like super fun. Pruxxx

Anonymous said...

Marshmellow Yammys. We dont get those here. :(
I used to be a local carnie. When I was a poor single mom I would work at the State Fair during my vacation. Sad huh? I worked in the concession of the rodeo barn and I sold "Gooney Bird" puppets.

this free bird said...

Ms. Givens you were already pretty high in my book but you just went up, like, a MILLION POINTS GIRLFRIEND!!! Wise women do what they have to do and I'm just glad you didn't have to work the chocolate bacon stand b/c a depressing day could have claimed your life!!! You go girl!!

LOVE,
Carrie

Gorgeous Glam said...

I love funnel cake!!!!!!!!
seriously I need a fair to go to! ;) Hope you have a great weekend dear!

Gorgeous Glam said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Gorgeous Glam said...

I meant to say, and deep fried twinkies!

STYLE'N said...

OMG chocolate covered bacon and deep friend snickers bars? crazy....
and I can relate to you eating a ton and then regretting and feeling sick after. did you do a detox today? :)
naina

Cafe Fashionista said...

And this is precisely why I try to avoid Fairs at all costs - seriously, the amount of food is enough to make you gain like a billion pounds. Nevertheless...ohmigosh give me funnel cake!! :)

this free bird said...

oh hells no naina - i went into that thing eyes wide open!! no detox here. go big or go home!! hahahahaha

cf - oh yeah. funnel cake for president!!

Daniela said...

oh man. i don't know if I could handle that.

love jenny xoxo said...

fair food is disgusting and delicious all at the same time :) I'm vegan so I can't eat most of it anymore, and what I can eat isn't so bad but boy do cheese curds still smell yummy! Why did you go gluten free? Are you allergic or just think it's better not to eat the stuff?

Taylor said...

What ARE those Oreo things!? Wowwww, I need to try one. Deeeelish. And I thought a chocolate-covered Oreo was fancy.

Funnel cake reminds me of childhood and summers down the shore!

Have a fun weekend, Carrie!

Anna Walker said...

I went to the California Mid State fair this year, and idk, it was fun, but I don't do the rides, and there wern't many people around...plus it was country music dancing night! I have a question, why are you gluten free? Have a great weekend! :)

Unknown said...

Deep fried Oreos? I thought they were an urban myth!

http://www.stylestance.com/

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Kinda wish I had one of those oreos right about now!

erica said...

yum!!!! looks like fun and very delish!!!

xo

Poppies and Sunshine said...

You are quite brave to step into this setting! Chocolate covered bacon? Oh my, that does sound like a heart-attack waiting to happen. haha
The oreos you got do sound very good though! I've always wanted to try one...or two...

I hope you have a great weekend!

Mimi said...

omg, that looks like such a fun food trip! it's been years since i last went to a fair like that. they seriously have yummy food, eventhough yes, they are really bad for us. haha. ;)

<3, Mimi
http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/

J. said...

It is now 12:30 AM and I'm totally craving anything deep friend and coated in sugar haha. I think I need a food trip like this ASAP!!

http://jammer10am.blogspot.com/

Nasan Faris Naufal said...

yummy

stylenuggets said...

I'd heard about fried Snickers and Mars bars but never seen them. Wow-I guess anything can be fried if you have a stomach and heart strong to take it

Erica Hoyt said...

fried oreos? i did even know there was such a thing..

Unknown said...

wow i havent been to a fair in years!

Missy
Designer sunglasses giveaway!!
http://thefashionfusion.blogspot.com

Becca. said...

lovely photos the food looks so yummy!

XOXO, BECCA
www.fashion-train.co.uk
&
http://fashion-train-fix.blogspot.com

Jessica said...

Fairs are true, deep-fried Americana. Unfortunately.

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

My tummy hurt just reading about all this food.

Amanda said...

Oh my word. Now I need an elephant ear like whoa.

Ms. Emmy N said...

Already commented on the delicious carny food... ha, but I wanted to say thanks so much for the sweet, encouraging post about moving! Its so nice to know other's can relate to this crazy situation, and I really appreciate the support! Have a great weekend!

heather said...

Hope you are having a lovely weekend! I once wrote an "article" on deep fried carnie food. Oh what they do, even Twinkies! Can you believe that? But I have to say that pic of the oreos actually looked good. But I have to say no thank you to the choco-covered bacon!

SabinePsynopsis said...

I abhore fairs, but if I had made it there I don't think I could have said no to a deep fried Oreo. They look truly mouth-watering. No good for the stomach though, it seems.

Becca [Free Honey] said...

Oh god, I'm a total sucker for funnel cakes and caramel apples. I also can't imagine I'd be opposed to fried oreos were I to come across them in real life!

little luxury list said...

What, chocolate covered bacon? That is insane. I've heard of deep fried oreos. They look awesome and artery clogging delicious!

glee said...

haha! i love all those scary rides. I get rapid heart beats and I scream my heart out. But I always love to try them. you must had so much fun :)

Join our giveaway to win a fabulous dress. :)

k said...

you make me laugh too much, oh to go a day in your head!
one time i ate 5 churros to myself and it was heavenly. i heard angels

Lisa Lisa Lisa said...

You are so cute! I love good fair food now and again. I love funnel cake and elephant ears. SO good. And lemon shakeups. =)

Hope you survived the gluten over load!!!!

Mary Ann said...

oh my! the photos just made me hungry! have a great sunday.. verbena cottage

Lindsay With An "A" said...

You crack me up! :) I had fried Oreos in Vegas and did NOT like them even thought I have a huge sweeth tooth! At least you tried them! xx

http://lindsaylovesitall.blogspot.com

Morning Cloak said...

your personality is hilarious!! really enjoyed reading this

Victoria said...

ha ha ha sounds like an interesting night xxx

Sarah J said...

OH YUM.
this is utterly magnificent.
And i thought maccas cheeseburgers dipped in swqeet and sour sauce was an unhealthy craving!

heather said...

Dear you, Not related to your post. Just to say thank you so much for the warm congratulations! I am feeling so much better these days, thank goodness!

Hope the sun is shining where you are!

hearts and hugs,
heather

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

Haha gotta love the fair! I never go to the OC or LA County Fairs, I think I am the only person who doesn't get into it. The few times I have went, I was all about the food too! Not only do I feel bad about the junk I consume, I also get annoyed that it costs so much haha!

molly said...

omg fried stuff YES

Martha said...

The fair comes to Miami every year in April and I absolutely love going to eat all the greasy, deep fried food! I rather walk around and enjoy the food instead of the rides, im not really into the rides.

xo

the red bungalow said...

I'm so sad I totally missed the OC Fair this year! I've lived here for 4 years and have never gone. :( Next year for sure.

Bre @ http://theredbungalow.blogspot.com

ari said...

this is sooo funny! I went to the LA fair last year and came home surprised at the wide range of fried food they offer. I was shocked by the deep fried avocados, twinkies and what nots! OMG! heart attack waiting to happen!
lol

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