MusikFEAST 2024
powered by PNC
By: Jon Lunger
Director of Content Marketing & Engagement, ArtsQuest
Working behind the scenes at Musikfest affords me the somewhat-unique perspective of getting to eat all my meals at the ‘fest for 11-days straight. It’s admittedly one of my favorite things in life, so you can imagine I was thrilled that our friends at PNC Bank green-lit another season of “MusikFEAST,” the blog and video series in which I eat my way across the festival.
Check back to this page throughout the ‘fest for my reviews of ‘fest foods, so you can plan accordingly, to maximize every. single. calorie.
Eat well,
– Jon
Sunday, August 11
It’s the final day of ‘fest which means calories don’t count! I hope you’re eating your way across the whole festival and that our suggestions have helped to make your ‘fest the tastiest ‘fest yet!
I had a killer Brisket Sandwich from Nick’s BBQ at Guardian Zinzenplatz, an ear of Aw Shucks and, one of my new ‘fest favs, the 10/10 Pork Belly Buns from Randevoo:
Saturday, August 10
It’s been a big day of eating so far, and while our daily video is coming later, I wanted to recap the feasting adventures of the afternoon for y’all who are heading down tonight and tomorrow for the final two days!
Aqui Es at Guardian Zinzenplatz is always on my list. Today I wolfed down a Steak Taco and I couldn’t be happier about it. Huge portion, mad flavorful. It’s a 10 out of 10 everytime.
I also went back for another round of Pork Belly Buns from Randevoo on Provident Main Street, bought a couple of containers of Aw Shucks seasoning (yes you can buy the seasoning at their Plaza Tropical booth and yes, it is in fact good on everything), and I also had a chance to grab a sample of tonight’s menu in the Steel Terrace for the Ludacris show! I gotta tell ya, if you’re in there for the show tonight, you’re gonna have a very happy belly!
Another special shoutout to the Quesadillas that Uno Taqueria inside the Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza. dangggggggg they’re great!
My ‘formal’ dinner today was an incredible (as always) smash burger from Why Not? Burgerz on 1st Street at SteelStacks.
Friday, August 9
Today is a poutine day, for sure. Our friends at The Flying V are serving up one of the most delicious and filling meals at the ‘fest. You quite literally cannot go wrong with any of their options!
Thursday, August 8
I’m posting this first update before the ‘fest even kicks off today, because I realized I’ve had 4 Alligator Sausage on a Sticks from Bourbon Street Eats/Big Wil & the Warden already, and I feel like that’s important for you to know. Damn, I love those things (and you will too)!. Available at both Plaza Tropical AND Air Products Americaplatz at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks.
Next up, I absolutely devoured the Mediterranean Flatbread from the Town Square Marketplace at SteelStacks.
Dinner had me enjoying the Veggie Dog from Van Pelt Hot Dogs, available on 1st Street at SteelStacks as well as at PNC Stadtplatz. Long time MusikFeast-ers know that this puppy is a delightful, savory treat! It’s the sprouts, crunchy veg, and the red wine vinaigrette that join forces to create a delicious (and yes vegan) must-eat!
Wednesday, August 7
I had a truly SPECTACULAR lunch at Randevoo on Provident Bank Main Street. I started with their Pork Belly Buns which are always out of this world. I highly recommend. But I NEED to tell you about their Corn Fritters as they very well be in my all-time top five ‘fest foods. Topped with a brown butter and maple syrup glaze, the little nuggets of joy exist in the space between savory and sweet, crunchy and soft, an entree and a dessert. Great portion too. They are an ABSOLUTE must try!
Next up, another darn-near perfect selection – “gourmac & cheese (with brisket)” from The Tastesmokers at Plaza Tropical. It’s a 10/10!!!
Tuesday, August 6
May I interrupt your ‘festing with an all time, absolutely perfect, ‘fest classic?
Monday, August 5
I’ve got three big time recommendations for you today, each of which was an absolute treat! We start off incredibly strong with an amazing vegan option – the Mushroom Banh Mi from the Town Square Marketplace at SteelStacks. THIS THING RULES!
Also on the menu today was a classic Lamb Gyro from Greek Street at Air Products Americaplatz. It’s a classic for a reason. The gyro is a perfect sandwich and theirs is no exception. Super-flavorful, really great, fresh veg. YUM!
And don’t sleep on the Cajun Chicken Bourbon Street Tacos from Bourbon Street Eats/Big Wil & the Warden, exclusively at their Plaza Tropical location. You heard me rave about the shrimp tacos and the chicken was also a gosh-darn delight! For me, I give the shrimp the edge, but by the slimmest of margins. I adore all things shrimp though, so I’m definitely biased. Both are truly fabulous!
Sunday, August 4
It’s a big eatin’ day for me today and we’re starting off strong at Historic Hotel Bethlehem for their famous (and rightfully so) Clam Bake!!!
SPOILER ALERT: I also had one of what will be many Krainerwursts from Karl Ehmer’s at Service Electric Festplatz. Krainerwurst is a garlicy, smoked bratwurst. Keep an eye out for that video soon.
AND I absolutely destroyed a couple of Barbacoa Beef Tacos from Grumpy’s BBQ “Worldly Que” on the Air Products Town Square at SteelStacks. These bad boys are perfect for a hot day, not too heavy, just the right amount of peppery kick. My only regret? I didn’t get more!
I closed out the night with what might be one of my new all time favorites – a ton of folks recommended the Italian Roast Pork Sandwich from the Fud Truck on 1st St. at SteelStacks and let me tell you what. UNBELIEVABLY DELICIOUS! The pork is sliced super thin and is so tender and juicy. The roasted red peppers and sautéed onions, the melted cheese… Bury me with one of these sandwiches!!!!
Saturday, August 3
Y’all. We need to talk about Bourbon Street Eats/Big Wil & the Warden. First I had the Alligator Sausage on a Stick and my life was forever changed. Then, they said ‘hold my mug’ and one-upped themselves with their Bourbon Street Shrimp Tacos. OBSESSED!
I also feasted on some Island Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken, because let’s be honest, if you don’t, did you really go to Musikfest?
Friday, August 2
Today we’re feasting at a first time food vendor – Hungry Jawn, at Air Products Americaplatz
With a number of different types of street corn, Husky Jawn is bringing the flavor to the ‘fest… AND IT’S ON A STICK!
For a quick snack, I grabbed one of my personal ‘fest favroites, Alligator Sausage on a Stick from Bourbon Street Eats/Big Wil & the Warden. They’re bringing the authentic New Orleans flavor to Bethlehem at Plaza Tropical and at SteelStacks as well!
Thursday, August 1 – Preview Night
Our first feature of the ‘fest was filmed before the ‘fest even kicked off and, like any true lover of food knows, we start with dessert!
The Walking Churro is an absolute must for those with a sweet tooth! Get it at the Mack Truck Stop at Air Products Americaplatz (Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks).
Another important culinary development… THE BROWN & WHITE SANDWICH IS BACK AT THE FUD TRUCK (on 1st Street at SteelStacks)!!!
Long time watchers of MusikFEAST powered by PNC know that I believe this to be a truly perfect sandwich. It was on hiatus last year, but it’s back in all it’s savory glory! Roast Beef smothered in cheese and a garlic aioli of a soft bun. Decent chance I eat one of them a day this year.
Check out our past seasons-eatings on YouTube:
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