Top Spots in Orange County for Fair-Inspired Food

OLEA

Both the OC Fair and the county fair setting in the classic 1995 film “Babe” provide the inspirations for Inge Tantisalidchai’s elaborate County Fair cocktail. The mixologist complements the vanilla and lemongrass notes of Papa’s Pilar Blonde Rum with crème de pêche, limoncello, orange juice, and egg white. The fresh summer flavor of peach with lemon and orange plays nicely with the rum. The candied popcorn garnish and the glass rimmed with dry-rub barbecue seasoning earn it a blue ribbon from us. Newport Beach, 949-287-6807

LIDO HOUSE

The nautically themed boutique hotel’s Topside Roof Deck and Mayor’s Table dining room both offer elevated riffs on fair faves. At Topside, fried avocado inspires crispy California avocados atop baby gem lettuce with watermelon radish, ancho soy emulsion, and Calabrian tofu aioli. You’ll also find a churro funnel cake with dulce de leche, gooseberry jam, and vanilla bean ice cream. The fair’s behemoth turkey legs a bit much? Consider the Bucket O’ Chicken at Mayor’s Table: fries topped with succulent “spicy umami-rubbed” and masa fried Jidori drumsticks. Newport Beach, 949-524-8500

CRYSTAL COVE SHAKE SHACK

Operating atop its coastal bluff for half a century, the landmark yellow stand launches a fair-style Hot Cheetos burger as well as an elaborate caramel, coffee, and waffle flavored shake for summer. Two slices of melted American make the burger cheesier still; choose a side of crispy fries, with upcharge for Cajun or chili fries, or cole slaw. Enjoy all of the above on the wood clad patio overlooking the Crystal Cove State Park historic district’s cottages; views up the coast of the beach and of passing pods of dolphins alone justify the lineup of cars onto Coast Highway. Newport Beach, 949-464-0100

MERCADO GONZÁLES

Northgate Market’s guacamole stand has been a perennial favorite at the OC Fair. With the debut of Northgate’s spectacular new Mercado Gonzáles, devotees can now enjoy several versions of the delectable avocado dips— spicy jalapeno, hotter habanero, and nonspicy no chili—mere minutes from the fairgrounds year-round. Find them, and five mole sauces, at a puesto near the produce; weekends often bring free samples. Bags of chips for dipping come in several sizes throughout the store—or use the tortilleria’s fresh-masa chips to make your own at home. Costa Mesa, 949-283-6470