Collier’s Weekly: Food Worth Skipping the Potato Patch for at Kennywood’s Bites & Pints
There’s enough fresh and festive fare at Kennywood that you might do the unthinkable and skip the fries.
Wisely taking a page from the globally renowned Food & Wine Festival at Disney World’s EPCOT Center, Kennywood has some food to offer you.
In the third year of the annual Bites & Pints festival, which runs every Friday-Sunday in June, the park has beefed up the serving size — they call ’em bites, but they’re more like dishes — and spread the love across eight country-themed stations. Is it enough to forego traditional Kennywood treats such as Potato Patch fries or a tempting funnel cake?
Your mileage may vary on that one. For many people, the idea of going to Kennywood without lathering cheese and gravy over a helping of fries is sacrilege. We’ll say this, though: Recent trips to the Potato Patch have indicated that serving sizes of the starch have dipped, while the Bites & Pints offerings are more hardy than in years past.
You can buy the items a la carte or opt for an 8- or 12-bite pass starting at $54.99. (Buying online nets you a significant discount, and annual passholders can get a supersized 15-bite pass.) There are many more treats in store than you’ll be able to afford — or, likely, consume — so here’s a pick for each country represented.
Related: Kennywood Caters to Thrill-Seeking Foodies with New Rides and Restaurants
Italy — Panini Alla Mortadella
Start strong with half a sandwich on delicious focaccia. The pistachio pesto is pleasantly tangy. You can pair your sandwich with a pair of Italian beers here, but be forewarned: You get half as much beer with your bite card as you do buying a la carte.
Greece — Gyro
Who doesn’t love a good gyro? This version is overflowing with lettuce and tomato, and it’s a full sandwich. It makes for a fine main course, particularly if you only have the 8-bite card (or are going a la carte) and want to get more bang for your buck.
Mexico — Elote
One of the hits of the festival (expect to wait in line), this generous helping of street corn delivers a full cob’s worth topped with a perfect lime creme sauce and cojita cheese. It’ll take you back to backyard-grilled corn on the cob but with infinitely more flavor.
Ireland — Corned Beef Slider
“Slider” is the wrong word. This is a full half-sandwich on rye, with a distinctly homemade taste — only you won’t be likely to find corned beef this good in the deli case, and the Guinness reduction pulls it all together. Speaking of Guinness, don’t be afraid of the dark stuff; even on a hot day, it refreshes.
Jamaica — Doubles
This remarkably fresh-tasting creation brings a chickpea curry together with mango chutney and a coriander cucumber dressing. It’s one of the best options for vegetarians or vegans looking for a solid main course. Wing fans will likely be pleased with the generous helping of jerk chicken available here.
Brazil — Picanha Steak
The delicious steak is a beautiful cut of meat, freshly carved when you order. You’re also getting serious value with this order, as it’s one of the rare Bites & Pints options that comes with a side in the form of a flavorful artichoke and white-bean salad. If you are going a la carte, it’s a must for a relatively cheap $7.99.
South Korea — Yaki Mandu
These tender pork dumplings (a generous portion) arrive swimming in chili oil to make a satisfying dish. You could make a great meal at South Korea, with chicken bao and Samgyupsal (pork belly) also available — and crisp, refreshing Asahi Extra Dry beer to wash it down.
Poland — Nalesniki
My personal favorite of every dish I tried, this delectable dessert stuffs melt-in-your-mouth pancakes with sweet cheese then buries them beneath whipped cream and raspberries. Along with the elote, it’s an absolute must — whatever you choose for the rest of your Bites & Pints journey, cap off the meal with Nalesniki.