The Week In Eats

Get Out!

by Lauren Fleming

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The Next Food Network Star Party at the Sidecar

The fifth season of The Next Food Network Star is under way, and if one of the contestants looks familiar, it's because Philadelphia's got a representative: Katie Cavuto (left), a native and owner of Healthy Bites (a business that brings nutritional meals right to your door), is celebrating her appearance on the show with a little party at the Sidecar. Guests will get a chance to meet Cavuto, watch the second episode, swig some brews and root for our girl. Sidecar Bar & Grille, 2201 Christian St., 215-732-3429, thesidecarbar.com.

Top Chef fans rejoice — Tom Colicchio is coming to town. The chef, restaurateur and head judge of Bravo's hit cooking show, Colicchio, with his no-nonsense style, shiny bald head, multiple James Beard awards and lovely repartee with the bear community, has become one of the most recognizable celebrity chefs in the country. At this signing, Colicchio will scribble on copies of his new book 'Wichcraft (Crown Publishing Group, $27.50), which offers sandwich recipes, tips and insights. Although the event is open to the public, guests need to buy a copy of the book at the store, meaning chest signing is off-limits. (Unless Tommy C. agrees to it.) Williams-Sonoma, The Bellevue, 200 S. Broad St, 215-545-7392, williamssonoma.com.

Author Virginia Willis and Marigold Kitchen chef Erin O'Shea are teaming up to show Philly what Southern hospitality's all about. Guests will meet the writer of Bon Appetit, Y'all: Three Generations of Southern Cooking (Ten Speed Press, $32.50) and receive a signed copy. Then it's time to dig into a four-course menu, featuring dishes like Vidalia onion soup with bacon flan and pepper-crusted beef with golden raisins and pecan green beans. This is a great opportunity to eat at Marigold before O'Shea leaves to become the head chef of the forthcoming Percy Street Barbecue (see p. 48). Marigold Kitchen, 501 S. 45th St., 215-222-3699, marigoldkitchenbyob.com.

The Great Chefs Event is coming to Osteria, bringing more than 20 of the country's top toques with it. Benefitting Alex's Lemonade Stand, the evening's all about sampling small plates prepared by stars like Bobby Flay, Jose Garces, Masaharu Morimoto and more. You can also participate in silent and live auctions for prizes, including a week at a Tuscan villa with 16 friends, a weekend food trip to NYC and a chance to win a 2010 Ford Mustang. Osteria, 640 N. Broad St., 610-649-3034, alexslemonade.org.

This a.m. fundraiser brekkie, which will be prepared by chef Mitch Prensky and his staff from Supper and Global Dish Caterers, will feature only local and seasonal ingredients, from fresh strawberries to local maple syrup. (Once guests have had their fill of flapjacks, they can check out the market's Saturday shopping hours.) The fundraiser will benefit the Food Trust's mission to ensure that Philadelphia residents have access to affordable, nutritious food. Headhouse Shambles, 200 Lombard St., 215-575-0466, thefoodtrust.org.