offthemenu

Looking for a frugal but festive fall? Restaurant Week has wheeled around again, with a couple of new developments: Since we were last treated to three-course meals at some of the city's hottest tables for just $30—back in January—the more-than-annual event, starting this Sunday, has added even more participating restaurants to its roster, which now comprises 80. Some have just opened (Washington Square, Farmicia) while others (such as Matyson) are choosing to take part for the first time. Some even went to great lengths to be included: Ava, the Italian restaurant at 518 S. Third St., was technically out of the geographic area that comprises Center City—but, according to organizers, Ava joined as a member of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau this year, so it would be eligible for this week's event.

Also new this year is the chance to make your reservations online. OpenTable.com—a San Francisco-based online restaurant-booking service—reached out to Restaurant Week and offers links from the official site (www.centercityphila.org/ restaurantweek2004), where you can nab your table early. All the menus are available to view in advance from the site too—but, even if you can't check what's on offer before you go, rest assured you're getting a steal of a deal. All menu plans must be vetted by a Restaurant Week panel, ensuring they offer good value and nothing less, before a restaurant is approved. Runs Sun., Sept. 26 through Fri., Oct. 1. Three courses for $30 (tax, alcohol and gratuity not included).

In Short:

The lure of ripe fruit on the vines will attract visitors to six of the region's main wineries and vineyards this week, as part of a huge event, the Brandywine Valley Harvest Festival. Folly Hill, Kreutz Creek, Paradocx and Va La vineyards, and Chaddsford and Twinbrook wineries will all offer traditional grape stomps, tastings, tours of the cellars and vineyards and lectures on wine production, plus live music and picnic space, as a way to enliven the public's interest in locally grown and bottled wines. Sat.-Sun., Sept. 25-26, noon-6 p.m. For more information and venue details, contact Chaddsford Winery at 610-388-6221, www.chaddsford.com.

Stock up on your Italian kitchen necessities—all while enjoying the weather—at the Mercer County Italian-American Festival. There'll be stands from more than 30 restaurants, a market and even cooking demonstrations in the Food Piazza. Fri.-Sun., Sept. 24-26, noon-10 p.m., free, rain or shine, Mercer County Park, West Windsor, N.J. Call 609-631-7544 for more information.

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