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The Week In Eats

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Published: Apr 10, 2007

The Basic Art of Italian Cooking

Fri., April 13, 6 p.m., $62.50

International supermodel-turned-Italian-chef Maria Liberati and her itsy-bitsy waist have some explainin' to do, but you can't argue with the woman's risotto parmigiano. Made with Arborio rice, butter and olive oil, this simple dish illustrates the idea behind her new book, The Basic Art of Italian Cooking (Art of Living): Inspired by the Abruzzo region of central Italy and Sunday family dinners, her recipes require minimal prep work and only a few fresh ingredients. A dinner prepared by Philadelphia Museum of Art Museum Restaurant executive chef J.C. NuÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â±ez and starring Liberati's recipes will include her lentil soup with crostini, braciole Toscana (juicy, pan-fired beef) and chocolate almond tart. Reservations required. Museum Restaurant at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street and Ben Franklin Parkway, 215-235-7469.

Let Them Eat Cake

Tue., April 17, 6 p.m., $25-$30

Say it again, Mlle. Antoinette. For the third year, City of Hope is bringing together Philadelphia's sassiest pastry professionals for a wedding cake showdown and benefit. Competing fiercely for awards such as Best in Show, Best Tasting and Most Artistic, this is some serious cake couture. "They're out for blood — they're out to win," says Harry Giordano, senior director of development at City of Hope. Making the deal even sweeter: You get to sample each entry between sips of Bailey's Mint Chocolate Caramel martinis and an open Korbel bar. The Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue, 200 S. Broad St., 800-344-8169.

Eat Your Way Through the Italian Market

Sat., April 21 or Sat., April 28, 8:15 a.m., $50

The Italian Market can be overwhelming: live chickens curbside, mysterious seafood, cheeses you can't pronounce, etc. Albertson's Cooking School's guided tour wants to make it all less intimidating. Led by assistant director Ann-Michelle Albertson, the day starts off with a bread-making demonstration and seeded rolls at Sarcone's Bakery. At Di Bruno Bros., guests will learn the history of the company while sampling Alouette (ah-loo-WET), Gouda (GOO-duh) and Abbruzze (good luck) cheeses. The day concludes with fresh-off-the-press pizzelles and cake decorating at Termini Bakery. Reservations required. Italian Market, Ninth Street and Washington Avenue, 610-649-9290.

Spice: Flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean

Thu., April 19, 5:30-9:45 p.m., $55

Ana Sortun is concerned that you don't know your annatto from your cumin. "A lot of people understand Thai or Indian spices, but not the philosophy of Mediterranean spices," says Sortun, author of Spice: Flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean (Regan Books). In her book, Sortun provides storing tips, preparation instructions and recipes for everything from cumin to sumac. Along with Marigold Kitchen's Michael Solomonov, she will prepare a family-style meal featuring favorites such as fried mussels with Turkish tarator sauce, falafel with tahini and pickled ramps, and spoon lamb wrapped in Lebanese crepes. Reservations required, BYOB. Marigold Kitchen, 501 S. 45th St., 215-222-3699.