What's Cooking

Get Out!

by Alexandra Harcharek

[ the week in eats ]

The nation's oldest outdoor market is throwing its annual party, and everyone's invited. Browse a smorgasbord of food stands and vendors offering specialty meats, cheeses, spices, cookware and prepared foods. Families can also enjoy the Annual Procession of Saints, a halfball tournament, three live music stages and more. Italian Market, Ninth Street and Washington Avenue, italianmarketfestival.com.

Rather than hitting your typical Sunday brunch, why not convene with goats? In celebration of Shavuot, a Jewish holiday traditionally commemorated with dairy-rich dishes, the Germantown Jewish Centre invites you to a hands-on program about Nubian goats. If you're feeling bold, learn how to milk them, then sample goat's milk, whey and cheese. Everything is free; rain or shine. Germantown Jewish Centre, 400 W. Ellet St., 215-844-1507, germantownjewishcentre.org.

Pour yourself a bit of Brussels on the Schuylkill this Friday at UPenn's third annual beer dinner. Sample potent potables straight from Belgium, including Palm, Rodenbach Grand Cru and Steenbrugge Tripel. Wander around the spectacular gardens, then enjoy beer-infused dishes to complement your drinks. Reservations required; space is limited. Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave., 215-247-5777, morrisarboretum.org.

More than two dozen area craft breweries, all in one room? Count us in. At the 10th annual Brandywine Valley Craft Brewers Festival, your ticket gets you unlimited beer tastings from brewers like Bethlehem Brew Works, Flying Fish and Weyerbacher. Enjoy live music all day and pay-as-you-go food and snacks from Iron Hill. Purchase tickets online, as space is limited and they're going fast. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, 30 E. State St., Media, 302-888-2739, ironhillbrewery.com.

Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Michael Klein will moderate this panel discussion, sponsored by the Philadelphia History Museum, about the evolution of Philadelphia's dining scene. Hear from star restaurateurs as they share stories and insights. The panel will feature Jack McDavid of Jack's Firehouse; Ellen Yin of Fork and Fork: etc.; and Steven Cook of Xochitl, Zahav and Percy Street Barbecue. Reading Terminal Market, 12th and Arch streets, 215-685-4825, readingterminalmarket.org.