Chipped Beef

Sat., Jan. 14, 1 p.m., free with museum admission

If you find yourself craving a salty snack while exploring Gunther von Hagens' "Body Worlds" exhibit, Herr's will have free samples of its new "healthy" potato chip on hand. A health expert will interrupt your crunching with tips for smart eating. Dammit—do those gym freaks have to ruin everything? "Body Worlds" Herr's Health Lecture , Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St., 215-448-1200.

Sat., Jan. 14, 7:30 p.m. free

Are you vegetarian? Gay? Maybe one and curious about the other? The William Way Center says "come on over" for a veg-friendly social. The benefits of eating right will be discussed, followed by a screening of Morgan Spurlock's documentary Super Size Me. All attendees should bring a vegetarian dish to share. Veggie Social, William Way Center, 1315 Spruce St., 215-732-2220, register the day before.

Mon., Jan. 16

Ben Franklin was a man of fine taste. Agree over lunch at Pennsylvania Hospital, founded by the birthday boy himself, where you can experience the colonial fare that Ben washed down with a glass of ale. Not an early bird? Forget the worm and wait until Jan. 17, when birthday cake will be on the menu. Lunchtime Colonial Fare, Pennsylvania Hospital, 800 Spruce St., 215-829-7352.

Wed., Jan. 18, 6-9 p.m., $95

Combine one part local charity and 50 parts local chef and you've got the foodie's charity event of the season. More than 50 restaurants are lending their talent to the sixth annual Philly Cooks!competition to benefit MANNA. Each restaurant will be judged in a blind taste test in the categories of appetizer, entree and dessert, with a grand prize going to the 2006 Dish of the Year. This year's lineup includes Red Sky Restaurant, Le Castagne, Twenty21, Alma de Cuba and Yang Ming, among others. Attendees can check out the contestants, schmooze with a glass of wine and enjoy the live music and silent auction. Philly Cooks!, Philadelphia Cruise Ship Terminal, 5100 S. Broad St., 215-4781-7346.

Thu., Jan. 19, 6:30 p.m., $135

It must be cool being the chairman of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. You frustrate high schoolers while simultaneously hosting fancy wine parties. Jonathan Newman, the current chair, will be doing just that at the Prime Rib over a three-course dinner. Each dish comes with its own wine, such as a 2001 Arrowwood Syrah Saralee with your pick of prime rib, strip steak, filet mignon, crab cakes or swordfish. Chairman's Select Wine Dinner, Prime Rib, 1701 Locust St., 215-772-1701.