The Week In Eats

Wine & Chocolate Master Class; Calvin Trillin Book Discussion; 2007 Salon Dinner Series; Legacy Beer Tasting Dinner

by Amy Strauss

Sichuan peppercorn, single-malt scotch, lavender and Balinese long pepper—just a few examples of chocolatier Chris Curtin's heavenly truffles. Eclat Chocolate, his Euro-style cocoa boutique in West Chester, seeks out the finest fresh butter, cream and Grand Cru chocolate. Curtin, along with Chaddsford's Eric Miller, will host an educational evening where such wines as Miller Estate's Chardonnay, Merican (a Bordeaux/Cabernet blend) and Pinot Noir are tasted alongside white chocolate champagne, cinnamon and dark chocolate truffles. Space is limited; register in advance. Tastings continue throughout February. Chaddsford Winery, 632 Baltimore Pike, Chaddsford, 610-388-6221, www.chaddsford.com.

His adventurous travels made The New Yorker's Calvin Trillin the Walt Whitman of American food writing. His Tummy Trilogy—American Fried, Alice, Let's Eat and Third Helpings—helped transform chicken-fried steak and barbecued ribs into national delicacies. Trillin's wife Alice, his frequent culinary co-conspirator, passed away in 2001. In his latest novel, About Alice, he celebrates their straightforward approach to marriage, a topic on which he'll speak about at this reading and book signing. Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., 215-686-5322, www.library.phila.gov.

She's served Bill Clinton, Norman Mailer and Julia Child. Now, Lynn Buono of NoLibs' Feast Your Eyes Catering is donating her time to raise funds for several local causes. In partnership with InLiquid, the 2007 Salon Dinner Series will feature an evening of gourmet eats, local artists' exhibits and live music. January's Sicilian-themed event, in support of Kyle's Tree House, will capture Mediterranean influences through dishes like fennel and orange salad, saffron sea urchins and swordfish roulades. February will host Miss Amelia's pit-smoked pleasures to raise money for The Fair Food Project; and in March, a Bollywood fest will highlight Indian cuisine and help out InLiquid. In lieu of tips, guests are asked to arrive with a $20 check to donate to the night's beneficiary Reservations required. Feast Your Eyes Catering, 914 N. Second St., 215-923-9449, www.fyecatering.com.

Reading's Legacy Brewery's fruity and complex flavors, superb white-flower hops and high-quality yeast are a testament to Belgian beermaking traditions. Mastered by the team of Scott Baver, Dave Gemmell, Mark Hoover and Kriss Berger, Legacy's malts shine: Standouts include Midnight Wit, a smooth white ale produced with Euro-Pilsner malt, and Hedonism Ale, a wicked red made with West Coast hops. Bridget Foy's will honor Legacy with a four-course tasting spread. The menu includes a spicy cioppino (a combo of mussels, shrimp and scallops), garlic- and ginger-stuffed pork, braised ribs and poached pears. Bridget Foy's, 200 South St., 215-922-1813, www.bridgetfoys.com.