What's Cooking

by Gwen Tuxbury

Who says hippies don't know how to have fun? The Mt. Airy Village Fair will be packed with environmentally friendly games, contests and exhibits. The event, which promotes sustainability, community and environmentalism, will also host the "World's First Organic Pie Eating Contest," booths for making your own ice cream, finger puppet portraitists, henna body art, an acupuncture demo and origami. You can even watch bees make honey, or enjoy free barbecued organic tofu while watching local sixth graders perform Shakespearan soliloquies. Fair trade burlap satchel not required. Mt. Airy Village Fair, corner of Greene Street and Carpenter Lane, 215-842-1040.

Duane Eubanks, Larry McKenna and happy livers— need we say more? In partnership with the Jenkintown Jazz Fest, the suburb's second annual BrewFest will offer tastings of some of the best handcrafted beers in the tri-state area. Participants include Harpoon, Stoudt's, Yards, Troegs, Rock Bottom, Crabby Larry's, Moretti, Paulaner, Magic Hat and more. Proceeds go toward the Jenkintown Community Alliance, dedicated to promoting locally owned businesses. Second Annual Jenkintown BrewFest, Greenwood Avenue between Leedom Street and Old York Road, Jenkintown, Pa., www.jenkintown.net/brewfest.

If it were a sip of the Schuylkill, we'd politely decline. But they do things a little classier along the Delaware. The annual Taste of the Waterfront gives curious diners a chance to sample a variety of offerings from riverfront restaurants. Participants include Dave & Buster's, Spirit of Philadelphia and host Cavanaugh River Deck. Expect an evening full of martinis, wine, beer and sake, and enough grub to sink the outdoor patio. Once bellies are full and noses are pink, partygoers can dance and participate in a silent auction. RSVP by Sept. 11. 2006 Taste of the Waterfront, Cavanaugh's River Deck, Pier 25 North, 417 N. Columbus Blvd., 215-931-0388.

Remember all those stories your mom used to tell you about ugly ducklings growing up to be beautiful swans? She lied. And now, you're in therapy. Too bad Positano Coast wasn't offering this class back then. "Scary to Succulent" teaches adventurous chefs how to turn the most grotesque sea creatures into tasty dinners. Chef Pippo Lamberti will begin the class at the Quality Seafood & Grocery fish market on 10th Street, where he'll help you pick out the most unfortunate-looking fish. Then the class heads back to the kitchen, where Lamberti will instruct everyone on how to properly clean, prepare and cook the hideous buggers. Space is limited, so register early. Scary to Succulent cooking class, Positano Coast, 212 Walnut St., 215-238-0499.