The day following National French Fry Day, a lively event unfolded in Griffith Park, where the California Post declared the top fries in L.A. during the first-ever Los Angeles French Fry Festival. Enthusiasts of this beloved side dish gathered in droves to indulge in some spud-filled fun.
Fries from ten standout vendors were sampled, chosen carefully by organizers from Street Food Cinema and Bucketlisters.
Heather Hope Allison, an event producer from Street Food Cinema, mentioned that the vendors were selected based on “great taste, great reviews, and massive fan support.” She emphasized their goal to showcase a variety of fry creators who truly excel.
Each batch of fries underwent a thorough evaluation, with Steve Nevils, a self-proclaimed fry enthusiast and California Post producer, stepping in as the official taste tester. His mission? To determine which vendor would earn the coveted title of L.A.’s Fry King.
“I consider myself a fry connoisseur,” Nevils remarked, recalling that fries were his first solid food. “Some are just starting to realize they can be a main course, but for me, that’s been a truth throughout my life.” He’s tasted fries from countless locations, always on the lookout for exciting new takes from local vendors.
In his assessment, Chick Trucks served the best fries overall, featuring perfectly textured waffle fries topped with crispy buffalo chicken and blue cheese crumbles. The tantalizing aroma captivated him right away.
Everyday is Fryday came in as the runner-up, delighting Nevils with their mango and habanero fries, a surprisingly flavorful combo with a pleasant kick.
Moreover, Frylicious stood out for their classic fries, delivering a great balance: crispy on the outside but fluffy on the inside, just right in thickness. These were ideal companions for the various dipping sauces available at the festival.
The trend of gourmet fries has been taking California by storm, with chefs experimenting in remarkable ways. The French Fry Festival highlighted how fries have advanced from being mere side dishes to becoming the main event on many plates.
“Fries truly are so versatile,” Hope Allison pointed out. “They’re perfect for sharing, and you can experiment with countless sauces. It feels like it’s time for fries to finally get the appreciation they deserve.”
