Photo courtesy of Chick’n Cone
While Musikfest prides itself on its eclectic array of “Musik,” the food trips in between acts are just as important as the acts themselves. The perfect meal to complement the perfect act is something we all strive for. You can visit the usual Dippin’ Dots for a cold snack on a heinously hot day, or snag a burger from Heaven on a Bun, but the common treats can get old after a few trips (or years, since everyone in the Valley goes more than once every year, let’s be honest with ourselves). When you’re tired of the deep fried anything in existence, you can try these off-the-wall food options this year.
Chick’n Cone: Chick’n Cone provides Musikfest goers with fried chicken in a waffle cone. While the name gives it away, do not hesitate walking up and getting in touch with your southern side. To top your cone, choose one of four sauces that include the mainstays, Kickin’ Ranch and Yella BBQ, as well as the more interesting ones, Cinna-Maple and the thrill of the unknown ‘Seasonal Sauce.’ You can even throw some Clucked Up Fries on the side and pick a drink for a full meal for under $10. Available at the Volksplatz.
Photo courtesy of Donovan Roberts Witmer
‘Aw Shucks’ Roasted Corn: We know what you’re thinking, “everyone knows ‘Aw Shucks!’” While you are beyond correct, we thought we should add it as an honorable mention in case a very unfortunate soul out there has not. ‘Aw Shucks’ is a Valley and a Musikfest staple and has been for a while now; Its unreal blend of spices on top of an ear of corn seems so simple, and yet, it will have you questioning what really is good in life. Trust us on this. Available at the Martin Guitar Handwerkplatz, the FLYLVIA Plaza Tropical, and the Air Products Americaplatz.
Photo courtesy of Crabby Clams Shrimp Co.
Crabby Clams Shrimp Co.: When you venture out to a festival, you normally wouldn’t think you’d be having steamed clams and shrimp. At least we wouldn’t. At Musikfest, you can make this happen at Crabby Clams Shrimp Co. Head over to the Volksplatz to satisfy the seafood kick with the aforementioned clams and shrimp along with delicious crab cakes and crab fries. Because where else can you get seafood (that isn’t deep fried) at a festival?
Photo courtesy of Island Noodles
Festival Island Noodles: While noodles themselves aren’t very interesting, Yaki-Soba buckwheat, Hawaiian noodles very clearly are. Get these interesting noodles stirred with a blend of garlic and ginger and 21, yes 21, different vegetables. Like any other establishment, they too have their own secret island sauce, which adds even more character to the already unique dish. This is a prime place for different eaters, as the dish uses no dairy, nuts, or meat products. If you do wish to add teriyaki chicken, however, you may do so to your heart’s desire. Throw in some island slaw and you have an uncommon festival meal with a ton of personality. Available at the Air Products Americaplatz at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks and the Martin Guitar Handwerkplatz.
Photo courtesy of Musikfest
Island Expressions: Continuing with the island theme, Island Expressions has three different stands at Musikfest and has something interesting and different in each one. At the Wells Fargo Festplatz, try a smoothie in a pineapple for a refreshing drink or some frozen cheesecake, because why wouldn’t frozen cheesecake be good? At the FLYLVIA Plaza Tropical, throw in some coconut shrimp or mango shrimp to a meal for an unfamiliar flavor, or maybe some Caribbean jerk chicken. Finally, at the Sands Steel Stage, snag some broccoli cheese bites and some eggplant fries. Clearly, even when Island Expressions has three different areas, they have the unique thing down.
Photo courtesy of Lauren Trumbull
More honorable mentions: At Foodstuff at the Wells Fargo Festplatz, you can try some typical German eats including potato pancakes, bierocks, halupki, and haluski. At D&J Concessions at the FLYLVIA Plaza Tropical, you can get your hands on the deep-fried option of the summer: deep fried cheesecake. Finally, at Pickles Steakhouse at the Martin Guitar Handwerkplatz, you can add a pickle on a stick to your meal.
If none of these tickle your fancy, there are others. You just have to look and have an open mind. There’s plenty of food (and beer) to go around, just go out and try some stuff!
