What's Cooking

Get Out!

by Alexandra Harcharek

[ the week in eats]

Flavors of the Avenue
Sat., April 24, noon-5 p.m., $20 in advance ($25 at the door)

Flavors of the Avenue is once again taking over East Passyunk for a day of local flair. Rain or shine, stroll under tents and try samples of signature dishes and drinks from more than a dozen restaurants and bars, like Tre Scalini, Mamma Maria (above), Le Virtù, Fond, Fuel and more. A craft fair, fashion show and live music will also entertain throughout the day. East Passyunk Avenue between Dickinson and Morris streets, 215-336-1455, visiteastpassyunk.com.

Second Anniversary Bash at Memphis Taproom
Thu., April 22, 5 p.m

To toast to two years in business, Memphis Taproom is hosting a little complimentary soiree, with on-the-house nibbles and a few special drafts from the likes of Lost Abbey, Kasteel and De Dolle. The regular kitchen and dining room will be closed that night, but you can preview their upcoming menu, plus enjoy regular favorites, "butlered" around throughout the evening. Memphis Taproom, 2331 E. Cumberland St., 215-425-4460, memphistaproom.com.

Do your good deed for the week by taking part in this fundraiser to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It's an evening of music, entertainment and firkin tappings at Yards' brewery. A ticket gets you six beers, sandwiches, snacks and access to the brewery. Tickets must be purchased ahead online, go to bit.ly/yards. Yards Brewing Co., 901 Delaware Ave., 215-634-2600, yardsbrewing.com.

Discover South African reds at Lacroix, where sommelier Eric Simonis will guide you through a tasting of four distinct wines. Learn about origins and nuances of the region while sampling pinotage, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and a Vrede En Lust red blend. Following the tasting, you can catch the restaurant's three-course $35 prix-fixe menu from chef Jason Cichonski. Lacroix, Rittenhouse Hotel, 210 West Rittenhouse Square, 215-790-2533, lacroixrestaurant.com.

Bar Ferdy chef David Kane has created a sustainable seafood menu featuring fresh products from local purveyor River & Glen. Start with Mystic oysters served three ways and bouchot mussels with roasted grapes, tarragon and hazelnuts. Continue the feast with Great South Bay hand-harvested clams; pan-seared scallops with foie gras-stuffed morel mushrooms; and line-caught Chatham Bay cod. Service industry folks can enjoy at 20 percent discount, and an optional wine pairing is available for $30 more. Bar Ferdinand, Liberties Walk, 1030 N. Second St., 215-923-1313, barferdinand.com