Community Corner

Cardinali's 'Spaghetti Ice Cream' Named Grand Champion of County Fair Food Competition

Competition was fierce at the first annual 'SNACKDOWN' contest.

By AUTUMN JOHNSON

Food concessionaires at the Alameda County fair challenged with creating the best new fair food concepts for 2014 vied for the coveted top spot at the inaugural food "SNACKDOWN" competition on Tuesday afternoon.

Eight vendors competing for the titles of “Best Taste”, “Most Creative” and “Best Theme” entered their most impressive dishes to be judged by local foodies.

The 90 minute competition, held at the fairgrounds’ Festival Square Stage and hosted by KCBS Foodie Chap Liam Mayclem, featured nine new fair food creations ranging from sweet to savory to spicy-beyond-belief ... World's Hottest Ice Cream, anyone?

Related article: Alameda County Fair Takes Fair Food to Next Level with First Annual 'SNACKDOWN' Competition

Cardinali's spaghetti ice cream garnered not only the "Best Taste" award but also "SNACKDOWN Grand Champion" after their impressive demonstration using an ice cream extruder designed by owner Tony Cardinali to create ice cream "spaghetti noodles." The sundae, which looked like a plate of spaghetti with marinara, was made of faux "noodles" of vanilla gelato, topped with strawberry sauce, grated white chocolate with a garnish of mint as the basil.

"Most Creative" went to Get Pickled for their Pickled Dog. Pizza by the Slice's Red, White & Blue Pizza took home the "Best Theme" award.

2014 SNACKDOWN competitors:

  • Cardinali's Ice Cream: World’s Hottest Ice Cream & Spaghetti Ice Cream
  • Get Pickled: Pickle Dog & Drunken Pickle Poppers 
  • The Monster Dog: Deep Fried Grilled Cheese
  • Pepe’s Mariscos: California Burrito
  • Pizza by the Slice: Red, White & Blue Pizza
  • Sharky’s Fish Fry: Lobster Fries
  • Stuffy’s Char Broiler: Macaroni & Cheese Stuffed Bacon Burger
Angel Moore, Alameda County Fair Marketing Manager, says they plan to bring back the competition next year. 

Hoping to try these mouth-watering fair food creations? Find them at the Alameda County fair through July 6.

2014 Alameda County Fair articles on Patch:


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