What's Cooking

Get Out!

by Lauren Fleming

[ the week in eats ]

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Restaurateur Stephen Starr and former Phils center fielder Garry Maddox (chatting, right) might not seem to have much in common, but their mutual love of barbecue will have them BFFing it up for at least one day this summer. They're challenging 15 local restaurants and caterers — Manayunk Brewery, the Great American Pub, Starr's own Buddakan, etc. — to battle in one bracket, while 45 of Philadelphia's self-proclaimed amateur pit masters will duke it out in another. Judges will critique each contestant's offerings — they'll compete in chicken, ribs and fast-and-loose "chef's choice" categories. Admission is free, but guests in the mood for grubbin' can check out samples of participating vendors' food (tickets are three for $10). Proceeds benefit Maddox's Youth Golf and Academics Program. Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way, 856-756-0222, garrysbbqchallenge.org.

Allagash Brewing Co. of Portland, Maine, is visiting Philadelphia, and they're bringing us some of the best brews New England has to offer. This four-course prix fixe dinner will start with plenty of the brewery's most prized Belgian-style beer, Allagash White, and follow with a feast chock-full of items like Spanish mackerel, grilled quail and dark chocolate cake with molasses. Each course will be paired with featured brews, Dubbel, Curieux and Victor Ale among them. Allagash brewmaster Jason Perkins will be on hand throughout the evening to discuss the pairings. Fork Restaurant, 306 Market St., 215-625-9425, forkrestaurant.com.

The National Constitution Center is inviting vegetable-loving Philadelphians to participate in its "edible education" party, working in conjunction with their current "Into the Open" garden exhibit. This event will allow guests to participate in family-oriented crafts and activities, make art out of recyclable products and view a cooking demo centered on seasonal (what else?) vegetables from sous chef Derek Steel of Max and Me Catering. Guests can also view the exhibit (free with museum admission) throughout the day and touch base with participating orgs like The Food Trust, The Philadelphia Orchard Project and Fairmount Water Works to find out more about the true impact food has on the environment. National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St., 215-409-6600, constitutioncenter.org.

This is one island you probably want to get stranded on — as part of the First Friday events going down on the Main Line, Philadelphia Sports Club is hosting a "Dessert Island" sweets and wine tasting featuring pastry creations from local restaurants such as Auspicious, Verdad, McCloskey's and Mediterranean Grill. Majestic Wines & Spirits will hook up the beverage end of things, and a giant chocolate fountain will flow throughout the evening. Philadelphia Sports Club, 34 W. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, 610-642-4040, firstfridaymainline.com.