The Week In Eats

Oil & Vinegar, Michael Jackson, Maria Liberati, Teahouse Fire Reading, Red Ball

by Elisabeth Holm

Why should Diane Lane be the only one who enjoys treats from under the Tuscan sun? Jim Zebert and Robyn Vacallaro, the married chefs behind Sagra Cooking, would probably ask the same question. They're holding a tasting that includes olive oil varieties from Italy, Morocco, Spain, Portugal and France; the balsamics range in age from six to 50 years. Pours will examine color, consistency, scent and taste. Vacallaro is Sicilian herself, so the couple has learned directly from many of the olive grove owners whose products will be featured. Registration required. Sagra Cooking, 305 Village at Stones Crossing, Easton, 610-438-4838.

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We could take the easy way out and say "No, not that Michael Jackson," or maybe crack a "Billie Jean is not my lager" joke. But that's not our schtick; we pride ourselves on making serious recommendations for events that'll expand local foodies' horizonal palates. That's why we insist you head to Monk's for renowned beer expert/author Jackson's discussion and sampling of little-known Belgian farmhouse ales. (No Saisons and Biere de Gardes here, no sir.) Don't stop till you get enough. Sorry, we had to. Reservations required. Monk's Cafe, 16th and Spruce sts., 215-545-7005, www.monkscafe.com.

Beautiful Italian women can be trumped by only one kind of female: a beautiful Italian woman who can cook. Enter Maria Liberati, a model turned chef and author of The Basic Art of Italian Cooking (Art of Living, PrimaMedia Inc.). She'll be signing copies and demonstrating basic Italian cooking. She'll make bruschetta, risotto parmigiano and pollo alla Lauretana, a recipe from her next book featuring garlic, rosemary, hot pepper and dry white wine seasonings. Each dish will be served with complimentary Winebow wines. Reservations required. Di Bruno Bros., 1730 Chestnut St., 215-665-1659.

Chado/Chanoyu, the Japanese "rite of tea," is a highly disciplined art. Ellis Avery, author of The Teahouse Fire (Riverhead), explains the intricate cleansing ritual as "polishing the mirror of yourself." A 12-step tea cloth folding process may sound excessive, but according to Avery, it's a bit "wax on, wax off." Avery will read from her novel, demonstrate the basic choreography of the temae (tea-making procedure), and share some Japanese sweets. Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, 215-884-1870, www.bigbluemarblebooks.com.

The annual Red Ball raises money for West Philly's Red Cross House, a home for local families seeking shelter after fires, collapsed buildings and floods. There'll be plenty of food to spill all over that ritzy gown: Offerings include Oceanaire's raw bar, American Harvest Artisan Bread's chocolate fountain and Pizza Rustica's mini gourmet pies. Townsend Wentz of Twenty 21, Kiel Lombardo of Roy's, David Boyle of Davio's and Thien Ngo of Fork are other biggies to watch for. Once your zipper tells you it's time to quit, take home chefs' secrets via Red's free recipe book. Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., 215-299-5491.