Tres Leches Cinnamon Roll Wins Top Prize At Fair-Tastic Foods Competition

DEL MAR, CA — A new twist on an old favorite won the top prize in the San Diego County Fair's Fair-Tastic Foods Competition.

The Tres Leches Cinnamon Roll from longtime vendor Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls received Best of Show in the third annual competition.

This year's competition, which featured a record number of entries, was divided into three categories — WOW, Theme, and "So San Diego" — with classes for sweet and savory items.

Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls entered its newest dessert treat in the "So San Diego" sweet category. The entry consists of one of their classic warm cinnamon rolls, made with their proprietary flour blend, and topped with tres leches milks, whipped cream, caramel, piloncillo and cinnamon sugar.

"I'm absolutely overwhelmed with joy," said Willie Madaus, owner of Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls. "It's so fulfilling to have this recognition after 48 years of being on these fairgrounds. And to be recognized at one of the most premier fairs in the United States is such an honor."

Local celebrity foodie judges Troy Johnson of San Diego Magazine and the Food Network, Claudia Sandoval of Claudia's Cucina and Master Chef, and Rudy Acosta of Univision TV selected the winners from among the competition's 18 finalist entries Friday at the fair. Radio personality Rick Morton of Z90.3 served as host.

Sandoval said she does not usually enjoy tres leches.

"But with the crunchy edges of this cinnamon roll and the smooth consistency of the delicious tres leches frosting, this is a winner," she said.

In addition to the celebrity judges, a 24-seat tasting panel selected a "People's Choice" champion. This year's winner was the Super Volcano Fries by Farmer in the Del.

Fairgoers can now be the judge with the new "Foodie Fridays" promotion. Fairgoers can enjoy any and all of the 18 finalist entries for 50% off from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays in June.

So San Diego — Savory

• Winner: SPAM Wonton Tacos by Boba King
• Finalists:
  • Loaded Plantains by Rafikiz Foodz
  • Mexican "La Jolla" Noodles by Ricos Manjares

So San Diego — Sweet

• Winner: Tres Leches Cinnamon Roll by Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls
• Finalists:
  • Bacon Churro Fries by Bacon Nation
  • Tajin Me Up Dole by Candy Me Up

WOW — Savory

• Winner: Super Volcano Fries by Farmer in the Del
• Finalists:
  • Bò Né by Chan's Chicken on a Stick
  • Pork Belly Bao Buns by Between the Buns

WOW — Sweet

• Winner: Cherry Blossom Dubai Chocolate Strawberries by Ricky's Sweet Paradise
• Finalists:
  • Biscoff Milk Tea by Boba King
  • Hot Honey Ice Cream Chicken Bowl by Chicken Charlie's

THEME — Savory

• Winner: Cajun Honey Dog by West Coast Weenies
• Finalists:
  • Hot Honey Goat Cheese Pistachio Pizza by Pat's Pizza
  • The D-O-Double-G Mac by Maggs Mac Shack

THEME — Sweet

• Winner: Carnival Fish by Candyland
• Finalists:
  • Kit Cat Crunch Sundae by Crutchee's Cream
  • Purrfect Gourmet Apple by Sugar Bear