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Get Out!

by Lauren Fleming

[ the week in eats ]

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This Saturday, Reading Terminal will be keen on sharing that certain cream that makes us scream. This event will feature the market's oldest vendor, Bassett's Ice Cream, and a hearty helping of dessert specialists dishing out tastings, prizes and more. The day's festivities will include an ice cream-eating contest, a root beer float drop contest with Franklin Fountain, an ice cream juggling expo from Uncle Dave's Ice Cream, a lecture on organic/healthy frozen foods and giveaways from WHYY. Reading Terminal Market, 12th and Arch streets, 215-922-2317, readingterminalmarket.org.

Farm to City, Slow Food and Green Village Philadelphia are joining forces for this fifth annual local food celebration/fundraiser at the Headhouse Shambles. Local breweries like Philadelphia Brewing Co., Yards and Dock Street will hand out tastings to accompany food provided by local restaurants like Rx, Southwark and Xochitl. Food tickets come in packages of three for $24 or five for $32, but anyone looking for extras can make arrangements with Farm to City. Headhouse Shambles, Second Street between Pine and Lombard, 215-733-9599, farmtocity.org. 

Mémé is showcasing some of the city's best home brewers in the first of a series of events dedicated to celebrating locals creating artisanal food and drink. The event will feature the work of 12 area home brewers in a beer competition, and the audience gets to choose the winner. Hors d' oeuvres will accompany these local artisans' beers, giving guests something to nosh on while mulling over the suds. Mémé Restaurant, 2201 Spruce St., 215-735-4900, memerestaurant.com.

Most Philadelphians know cheesesteaks, but rest assured that no one knows them quite like our own Carolyn Wyman. The author of The Great Philly Cheesesteak Book (Running Press) will hold a 35-minute slideshow and talk about the sandwich based on her research, discussing everything from the cheesesteak's humble origins to what birthed its relationship with Whiz. A book signing will follow her presentation. Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341, greatphillycheesesteakbook.com.

Crossing Vineyards and Winery is teaming up with the Comcast Center to present a wine and food tasting festival with an artistic edge. The festival will take the food of market vendors like Mexican Post, Frank's Old Philly-Style Sandwiches, Under the C, Di Bruno's and others and pair it all up with Crossing's wines. There will be displays featuring local artists' work, all of which will be available for purchase. Comcast Center, 17th Street and JFK Boulevard, 215-496-1810, themarketatcomcastcenter.com.