HARRISBURG, Pa. — Getting food at the PA Farm Show requires patience, especially during peak hours, when lines can stack dozens deep, and wait times can be close to an hour.
The way to beat the rush? Get there early.
The 109th PA Farm Show continues through Saturday at the PA Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, 2300 N. Cameron St.
Billed as the largest indoor agricultural event in the world, it includes 24 acres of animals, as well as displays and educational booths. This year's theme is "Powering Pennsylvania," a nod to the Commonwealth's $132.5 billion agriculture industry.
New foods, found in the Food Court in the Expo and Main halls, are always popular. This year's new items include the Mushroom Farmers of Pennsylvania's original breaded mushrooms with a new hot honey drizzle.
The PA Dairymen's Association's new milkshake flavor for this year is mint, and the group also is offering a new pepper jack grilled cheese.
There are also samples of the farm show, like the PA Cooperative Potato Grower's potato donuts — available in cinnamon sugar, plain, and powdered sugar varieties.
Below, find food reviews for a selection of this year's new items at the PA Farm Show:
Pepper Jack Grilled Cheese
Price: $5
Wait time: Incredibly quick; no line
Presentation: Classic. Sandwich in a white paper wrapper.
Value: Value is good for cost.
Overall impressions: A classic grilled cheese with a pepper jack twist. This sandwich reminded us of grilled cheeses past, made with love and lots of butter. Served in a paper sleeve, the sandwich is portable, too.
Fried mushrooms with hot honey
Price: $7
Wait time: Quick; no line
Presentation: About half a dozen friend mushrooms in a white paper bowl, with the hot honey on the side. Pretty portable.
Taste: The mushrooms were delicious, and the hot honey added an extra kick. For those more sensitive to spices, start with a little and add more if needed.
Value: A good value for the cost.
Overall impressions: These mushrooms packed a punch! By themselves, the stuffed mushrooms weren't spicy at all, but adding that hot honey brought a kick. Served in a white paper cup with the sauce on the side, it's a tasty and portable snack for walking around at the PA Farm show. And, because the hot honey comes on the side, visitors can decide how much they want to include.
Mint Milkshakes
Price: $7
Wait time: Quick, no line
Presentation: A classic milkshake in a clear plastic cup.
Value: Good value for the cost.
Overall impressions: A PA Farm Show staple, no matter the flavor. Visitors were seen with a milkshake in each hand — many of this year's new flavor, mint, or a mix of mint and chocolate. A refreshing drink that isn't too think or too thin, but rather the perfect milkshake consistency.
Potato Donuts: Cinnamon sugar, plain and powered sugar
Cost: $4.50 for three / $1.50 per donut.
Wait time: Quick, no line
Presentation: Simple white bag.
Taste: Moist and sweet — not overly heavy, but a delicious treat.
Value: Great value for price.
Overall impressions: A deliciously portable PA Farm Show food that won't break the bank. None of the flavors tried had an overly starchy taste or texture. At $1.50 each, these donuts are cost-effective and a new experience — even if they didn't taste very strongly of potatoes.
