Farm & Food shows loca-love to Philly

Sunday’s Farm & Food Fest offers Philly a family-friendly day of browsing, tasting, and of course, purchasing at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

As food shows go, the Farm & Food Fest is one of my favorites.

Yes, it will likely be packed.

Yes, you should come away with at least one new pickled condiment, small batch honey, or cookbook. (If not, you’re doing it wrong.)

And yes, you should bring the kids because Little Lost Creek is bringing the alpacas and rabbits, and Hummer Haven Farm has chickens, piglets and a goat.

In past years I’ve been inspired by the connection each vendor has to the ingredients. It’s difficult not to admire the tables lined as far as the convention center will hold, staffed by farmers, cheese makers, and small batch purveyors who are so in-tuned with their product.

I met a woman who lives the lifestyle so many adventurous eaters idealize: She not only sells the cheese on her table, but she owns the farm and milks the cows herself.

Interestingly enough, that cheese — many cheeses, in fact, and all of their various makers — take center stage this year with an all day “Curd Convention,” hosted by Aimee Olexy of Talula’s Garden. Of course, Philly cheese royalty, Emilio Mignucci of Di Bruno Bros., and Tenaya “Madame Fromage” Darlington will be in house, as well as an afternoon lineup of cheese-inspired lessons and tastings, beginning on the half-hour and the hour throughout the afternoon.

Even though I’m lactose intolerant, cheese like this is generally irresistible to me — well worth the risk.

Look for the Common Market, where experts from Zahav, Kensington Quarters, Russett and Wyebrook Farms will give butchering tips, tricks, and recipes.

Or the CSA pop-up where you can learn about and sign up for the upcoming 2016-2017 produce season.

There’s even a homesteading workshop which sounds really promising.

And while your local farmer’s market might keep you currently satisfied, an event of this magnitude is sure to bring some new vendors into your shopping fold.

Tickets are available online for $20, or at the door for $25; kids under 12 are free. And all ticket buyers will be entered for a chance at a dinner at Talula’s Table valued at $500.