The Week In Eats

Get Out!

by Monica Weymouth

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Published: May 22, 2007

Impress your date — be a high (sushi) roller. Led by Morimoto darling and instructor Ben Shiau, these private classes cover everything from basic vinegared rice preparation and maki rolls to butchering and cutting fish for optimum flavor. Scarf down your work on premises, or pack it up and roll out. Morimoto, 723 Chestnut St., 215-413-9070.

Don't let the name fool you. Emphasizing fresh, sustainable, healthy ingredients, the slow food movement is designed to counter industrialized culinary practices — even the busiest foodies can get behind it. "If you had to cook slow or eat slow, I could not be part of it," says Hansjakob Werlen, founder of Slow Food Philadelphia. Horizons chef Rich Landau's three-course menu will show off the discipline, with chilled asparagus soup, pan-seared tofu and vegetable paella, and vanilla bean cheesecake topped with fresh persimmon. Reservations required. Horizons, 611 S. Seventh St., 215-923-6117, www.horizonsphiladelphia.com.

Between retiring, closing Deux Cheminées and prepping for his move to Thailand, chef Fritz Blank is keeping busy. But before he jets, he needs to liquidate the collection of books, kitchenware, furniture and collectibles he's amassed over 27 years at the restaurant. Though much of his famed culinary library will be immortalized in UPenn's Rare Book and Manuscript collection, French copper cookware, cookie jars, sugar bowls, his personal collection of cow and pig figurines and plenty of other goodies still need homes. Bon voyage, old friend. Deux Cheminées, 1221 Locust St., 215-790-0200, www.deuxchem.com.

The winner of this qualifier will earn a spot at the big table — the Nathan's Famous championship, held at Coney Island every Fourth of July. Come cheer on last year's winner, Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas, as well as Yellowcake, Wing Kong, Steakbellie and Philly's own "Humble" Bob Shoudt, who put away 28 in 2006. "It's the same thing as any contest — you need to find a rhythm," says Shoudt. "You can't listen to your body telling you to slow down." Hear that, aorta? Put a cork in it. Independence Visitor Center, 1 N. Independence Mall, 212-352-8651.

Put your snail trepidation aside and inch your way through this 10-course menu celebrating the pokey little delicacies. Wild mushroom consommé and marinated young snails, snail Bolognese and escargot en brioche showcase the versatile mollusks. It all ends with a mysterious "snails delight," so be sure you're wearing your adventurous French pants. Reservations required. Le Bec-Fin, 1523 Walnut St., 215-567-1000, www.lebecfin.com.

 

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