Raincheck those resolutions because it’s Farm Show Week!
The 104th Pennsylvania Farm Show returns this weekend — and with it, the best things to eat.
Say what you will, but this week is for us Pennsylvania nerd die-hards. I love seeing all of the animals, learning about Pennsylvania agriculture, the Culinary Connection (hello Food Network stars!). And whether it’s the Farm Show shakes or the baked potatoes, we all know the Food Court is a highlight (or maybe sole purpose) of any visit.
If you fall into the latter category, you’ll want to swing by TODAY, Friday, Jan. 3 when the Food Court opens at noon ahead of the main show, which starts Saturday, Jan. 4 and runs through Sunday, Jan. 11.
Hot tip: Parking is FREE today only!
OK, so what to eat this year? I previewed the Food Court just yesterday and can report on the following:
The Excellent Chicken
Bell & Evans brought their A-game once again with a slew of outstanding chicken products.
NEW for 2019 — Parmesan Breaded Chicken & Mozzarella Meatballs!
These meatballs of chicken, mozz, garlic, Italian seasoning, and parmesan bread crumbs are going to be a hit. You can order these as a snack or as a full meal on a sub covered with marinara sauce.
If you can’t get enough of these, you’re in luck! While they are making their Farm Show debut, these are readily available at Giant Food Stores and Whole Foods.
Additional Bell & Evans offerings
- Breaded Chicken Thigh or Breast Sandwich
- Chicken Tenders – 3-piece or 12-piece Family Pack (NEW!)
- Organic Roasted Chicken – Sandwich or Dinner Plate
- Organic Chicken Cheesesteak
Pork Picks
At the PennAg booth, you can expect to find the delicious Pulled Pork on Martin’s Potato Rolls, as always.
Visit the Pennsylvania Livestock Association for the NEW Flying Porker sandwich, or try the Sausage of the Day on a roll. Gluten-free diet but gotta have some meatballs? Try the Gluten-Free Meatballs — on their own or on a roll (not gluten-free).
What’s new for 2020
In addition to the stand-bys, new dishes and items get added to the menu, and this year is no different.
Chiques Creek Hemp Tea – From Manheim, this refreshing tea is infused with natural hemp seed oil and is available in three flavors — Passionfruit Mint was my favorite.
Grilled Cheese Stix – These dunkable delights feature mozzarella between two slices of Martin’s Potato Bread with a side of marinara sauce.
Philly Port Sandwich – A plant-based alternative! This sandwich has 100 percent chopped and seasoned Pa. portabella mushrooms — with or without cheese — on a Liscio’s roll. The Lieutenant Governor tried this yesterday (I somehow missed it, so it’s on my find-it list) and couldn’t believe it wasn’t a real cheesesteak.
The can’t-miss faves
These are the ones we go back to over and over again each year.
- Farm Show Milkshakes – Did you even go to the Farm Show if you didn’t have a milkshake?
- Fried Mushrooms – Intern Jimi’s favorite that he at least gets two helpings of a year. (Ed. note – legit pick)
- Potato Donuts – Grab a half-dozen so you can snack while you wait in another food line and take the rest home for the week
Food Court hours
- Noon to 9 p.m., Friday, Jan. 3 (FREE parking!)
- 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 4
- 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 5
- 8 a.m to 9 p.m., Monday-Friday, Jan. 6-10
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11
Plus, don’t miss how you can sample Pa. beer, wine, and cider at this year’s Farm Show.
Parking is $15 during normal Farm Show hours, but if you just want to get there for lunch, you can beat the fee by taking the PSECU free shuttle during the week!
