The Week In Eats

Get Out!

by Lauren Fleming

First there was ScrappleFest — now, pork is getting further recognition at Marigold Kitchen. Chef Erin O'Shea (pictured) has dubbed April "ham month," and she's celebrating with a special five-course meal on offer Tuesdays through Fridays. First course consists of a tasting of three different country hams (Benton's, Father's, Edwards) served with local farm vegetables in a ham vinaigrette followed by slow-baked halibut topped with a hearty helping of Benton's ham broth, fava beans and a poached egg. Save room for the BYOB's ham- and mushroom-stuffed chicken breast served with fresh snap peas and farmhouse-style rhubarb tart. No word on whether the water will be ham-flavored. Marigold Kitchen, 501 S. 45th St., 215-222-3699, marigoldbyob.com.

This combo walking tour, lecture and dinner gets going at Laurel Hill Cemetery, where participants will visit the burial sites of six Titanic passengers. Then it's off to the Conservatory to feast on a replica dinner from the last night on the doomed ship, courtesy of Thyme Catering. The menu will include a smattering of hors d'oeuvres (served by butlers) — shrimp cocktail, two types of crostini and gorgonzola-stuffed new potatoes. Guests can then hit up a buffet of roasted round of beef, chicken piccata and a wild rice blend followed by a mini dessert pastry selection. Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave., 215-228-8200, thelaurelhillcemetery.com.

Falling within the time frame of the annual Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia, the 2009 Sake Fest is taking over Loews Philadelphia Hotel to offer guests some of the finest rice-based booze in the world. Participants will have the chance to sample premium American and Japanese sakes and plum liquors offered by Capitol Wine & Spirits, SakeOne and 13 other vendors, and pair the delicate refreshments with assorted Pan-Asian cuisine, cheeses, chocolates and hors d'oeuvres. Tickets are available online for $55, and at the door for $75 (cash only). Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market St., sakefest.com.

Newly reopened as of April 1, the Plaza Café portion of the illustrious Table 31 is reintroducing Sunday Brunch starting April 5. The menu will feature items like housemade granola, sticky buns, the plaza egg sandwich (chock-full of sautéed Genoa salami and Robiola cheese), cocktails and "eye openers" (including the usual mimosa and unusual fresh fruit-infused champagne cocktails). Apart from having someone carry you out of bed, waking up with a cocktail and fresh-baked goodies on hand is really the only way to live. The Plaza Café at Table 31, Comcast Center, 1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd., 215-567-7111, table-31.com.

Thu., April 9, 6:30-mid., $10 

This early Easter pub crawl benefits a number of charities and causes, including the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Begin at McKenna's Irish Pub (795 N. 24th St.) or Urban Saloon (2120 Fairmount Ave.) and purchase a pair of rabbit ears for $10 to let onlookers know which crowd you roll with. The crawl will stop at 10 different spots in Fairmount, including London Grill, Bishop's Collar and the Belgian Café. It's a fun opportunity to welcome the Easter Bunny with a shower of hiccups and brewskis. Crawl begins at 23rd Street and Fairmount Avenue; RSVP at upcomingevents.com.