Welcome to Sriracha nation where rooster lovers come together to celebrate hot chili sauce!
Huy Fong Food's open house was like one, big, red hair net convention in the city of Irwindale.
HFF only opens their factory to the public in September during their chili grinding season, which only lasts about four months out of the year. We were lucky to get called back after being wait listed.
I always love a good Dragon dance. What a cordial way to greet us!
It's massive in here.
The star of the show: red jalapenos peppers.
Chili waterfall. "Ooooohh-Aaahhh," said everyone in unison.
Salt and preservatives. Yum.
Hide-and-seek.
BEARD NETS are a REAL thing. Thanks to this whole man-beard-hipster-craze for offering food service workers a stylish vibe.
All their bottles and silk screen labels are made right on location.
Do you remember Shotz Brewery? I wonder if anyone else was thinking about Laverne and Shirley during the filling and bottle capping line.
Sriracha flavored chips and popcorn samples cooled down with vanilla/chocolate swirl cones waiting for us at the end the tour was a delectable touch.
We came home with free souvenirs. Truman thinks we could make money if we sell our goodie bags on eBay.
Enough Sriracha to get us through the next natural disaster.
Celebratory t-shirts.
And coordinating hair nets for the whole family. I'll never look at them the same.
Helpful tips: Sign up in June for early registration. If you don't have 1 hungry husband and 3 hungry kids wait in line for The Rooster Room, the gift shop.
Lastly, take advantage of HFF's open-air shuttle service. Good for tired, lazy, little legs.