What's Cooking

Get Out!

by Erin Mae Szrankowski

[ this week in eats ]

The folks over at The Institute are getting in the Christmas spirit the only way they know how. They'll have about 16 holiday brews available for the cheers-ing, including Sly Fox Christmas Ale, Tröegs Mad Elf, Elysian Bi-Frost Winter Ale, Bruery Partridge in a Pear Tree and more. Free sugar cookies for the first 30 customers who drink five or more beers. A portion of food sales will benefit Project H.O.M.E. The Institute Bar, 549 N. 12th St., 215-765-8515, institutebar.com.

The Northern Home For Children, which supports local kids via need-based programming, has been around for 156 years. In honor of all that great work, National Mechanics is hosting a toy drive to collect gifts — all you have to do is show up on Dec. 19 with an unwrapped toy appropriate for kids ages infant to 18. Drink/food specials for the event are TBA. National Mechanics, 22 S. Third St., 215-701-4883, nationalmechanics.com.

St. Paddy's Day may be three months away, but it's never too early for a pub crawl. This one's taking place through East Passyunk — it'll kick off at Le Virtù, and stops will include Lucky 13 and Stogie Joe's. Each location is running drink and snack discounts. Santa hats optional. For more information, check out visiteastpassyunk.com.

On this afternoon, raise a glass at the Khyber and support the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.), which works to find homes for stray animals across the region. All of the $25 you pay for your bottomless mug will benefit P.A.W.S. Keeping it local, Philly breweries Yards and Philly Brewing Co. will have their stuff on tap. Khyber, 56 S. Second St., 215-238-5888, thekhyber.com.

Bridget Foy's on South Street is busting out the holiday spirit straight through the kitchen doors with their annual Carolers' Dinner. It's a four-course meal, beginning with soup or salad. Starters include sweet potato gnocchi and tuna tartar; for entrées, dig into lamb chops, wild mushroom spaghetti and grilled swordfish. Desserts include egg nog cheesecake or chocolate candy cane cake. Reservations required. Bridget Foy's, 200 South St., 215-922-1813, bridgetfoys.com.