The Week In Eats

Get Out!

by Ciana Hardwick

This heat has been making everyone a little delusional lately, so why not run with it and pretend you're basking in the Spanish sun? Learn how to make a basic paella and sangría from Amada chef Jose Garces (pictured). Class happens at the chef's counter in Amada's open kitchen, so you'll cook right in the middle of all the action. Reservations required. Amada, 217 Chestnut St, 215-625-2450, www.amadarestaurant.com.

Free wine tasting all weekend! That should be reason enough to head to Twin Brook Winery, but if you need more convincing, enjoy a roasted pig cook-off (vote for your favorite). After a day of tasting, you should be ready to pick out a bottle (Twin Brook's varietals include an oaky pinot gris and a mid-bodied cabernet franc) to enjoy during evening performances by Little Big Band (Friday) or Hake and Jarema (Saturday). Come back Sunday afternoon for a vintage car show, more music and more sippin'. Twin Brook Winery, 5697 Strasburg Road, Gap, 717-442-4915, www.twinbrookwinery.com.

Date night doesn't always have to mean going out to eat — bring romance to your own cooking as you learn to prepare a Japanese meal with your main squeeze. The class is limited to five couples, who will each prepare a dish. Dishes like yakitori will likely be on the menu, but if it's raining, expect miso soup: Instructor Elise Henry likes to peer out the window before she cooks. "I look at the weather and pick out the menu for what feels good that day," she says. Reservations required. Kitchen Kapers, Eastgate Square Shopping Center, 1341 Nixon Dr., Moorestown, N.J., 856-778-7705.

At this event, City Tavern's Walter Staib will go over the techniques required to produce dishes like prime rib with grilled ratatouille salad and char siu turkey brochettes as well as nongrilled accompaniments like Thai noodle salad. Only the chef gets to do the cooking at this class, but you'll get plenty of samples, plus recipes so you can try it yourself. All profits go to the Ronald McDonald House. Reservations required. Shipley Upper School, 814 Yarrow St., Bryn Mawr, 610-649-9290, www.albertsoncookingschool.com.

De-stress after a busy day at work with Mantra's Mind, Body, Spirit deal — that's appetizer, entrée and dessert for all you non-Zen types. For just $29, diners can choose one item from each of the menu sections. Try dishes like kinki tuna rice bowl salad or wasabi-crusted filet mignon. Bonus point: Although Mantra has a liquor license, Wednesday is BYO night, so drag along wine if you want. Mantra, 122 S. 18th St., 215-988-1211, www.mantraphilly.com.