offthemenu

The James Beard Foundation has no need of introduction to most foodies. Set up to commemorate the life and work of the man referred to by some as the Dean of Cuisine, the foundation is known for its continued support of chefs through regular invitations to the Beard House in New York. This week, the tradition will continue, right here in Philadelphia, as the Beard Foundation launches a tour of the U.S., bringing high-profile chefs on the road.

From Florida comes Oliver Saucy, chef and co-owner of Café Maxx and East City Grill; he'll be joined by Bill Videtto Jr., the executive chef of the Pyramid Club, where the tour will touch down. They plan to present a menu around the premise "that fresher is better," featuring lamb osso buco and soy-lacquered scallops with maple-wood bacon.

A private business club run by ClubCorp at the top of the Mellon Bank Center, The Pyramid Club opens its doors with this Saturday's event; the proceeds will go to fund the work of the James Beard Foundation, promoting and preserving aspects of cuisine. The Celebrity Chef Tour will continue with stops in L.A., Seattle and Boston, continuing into next year. Sat., June 19, cocktails 7 p.m., dinner 8 p.m.,tickets cost $150 per person. The Pyramid Club, 1735 Market St., 215-567-6510. Call for reservations.

Seems that more kids than ever are learning from a parent in the kitchen — even if that kitchen is in the heart of the Adam's Mark Hotel, and the lesson gets competitive, as part of Real Men Cook for Charity. This year, as for the past four years, Real Men Cook asks the bravest (or most delusional) of our local guys to step up and present their proudest home-style recipe to the assembled judges. And yes, many of this year's competitors will bring a son or buddy on board as an assistant. Hundreds of visitors and ad-hoc amateur judges get to sample their dishes and pick a winner, while raising funds for the Philadelphia chapter of the National Black MBA Association, a community venture associated with boxing venue Blue Horizon and national Real Men Cook charities. Expect Keith Ruffin, host of Urban X-Pressions, making hip-hop sundaes; Ronald Stone and Gary Pringle, representing Blue Horizon; James Bacchues, executive chef at Penn's ZBT fraternity, preparing slammin' spinach; plus other local entrepreneurs, chefs and regular dudes making dishes with names as exotic as love pasta and unity sauce. Sun., June 20, 3-6 p.m., Adam's Mark Hotel, City Ave. and Monument Rd., $20-$25. Call 215-924-6263 or visit www.realmencook.com for information about tickets and volunteering.

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