What's Cooking

Get Out!

by Eric Henney

[ the week in eats ]

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Philadelphia Distilling Cocktail Dinner at Koo Zee Doo
Wed., Aug. 11, 6 and 8 p.m., $100/couple

Bartenders Christian Gaal (Noble, Kraftwork) and Phoebe Esmon (Chick's) have concocted five cocktails using Philadelphia Distilling spirits (Penn 1681 rye vodka, Bluecoat gin, Vieux Carré absinthe) to match a five-course Portuguese menu put together by Koo Zee Doo. Eats will include grilled quail piri piri and prosciutto-wrapped Pocono trout stuffed with salt cod and potato. Reservations required. Koo Zee Doo, 614 N. Second St., 215-923-8080, koozeedoo.com.

Stephen Starr-Garry Maddox BBQ Challenge
Sat., Aug. 7, 4-7 p.m., sampling tickets available with donation.

For the ninth time in as many years, former Phillies center-fielder Garry Maddox is throwing down the Philly barbecue gauntlet with this afternoon cook-off. Contestants can enter either amateur or pro divisions and submit entries for chicken, ribs and chef's choice categories; each category will give out first through third place awards, as well as honorable mentions. The award for best in show, however, can go to anyone — and with the honor come tickets to the 2010 World Series. Admission is free and you can gawk all you want, but tasting's gonna cost you a rightful donation to the Youth Golf & Academics Program, which has benefitted from this event for years. Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way, 215-463-1000, garrysbbqchallenge.org.

Pumpkin Tasting Dinners
Wed., Aug. 11, 6-10 p.m., $40

This is the inaugural installment of Pumpkin's new tasting dinner series, which will be held the second Wednesday of every month, focusing on promoting quality local foods and ingredients. This month, chef Ian Moroney is preparing a four-course prix-fixe with Megan Murphy, beverage manager at White Dog Café, who will pair beer and cocktails to each dish. Courses will include oysters three ways with Bluecoat Lemon Balm Aguas Frescas, scallop with leek ribbons and Stoudts Pils, pork braised in milk with Victory Helios and foie gras shaved over fruit with Subarashii Kudamono Asian Pear Eau de Vie. Call for reservations. Pumpkin, 1713 South St., 215-545-4448, pumpkinphilly.com.

Big Rich's Craft Beer Bingo Night at Varga Bar
Sun., Aug. 8, 8 p.m.-mid

For the second series kick-off on our list this week, Varga is booting up a bingo night, where, each month, they'll feature the beers of a different microbrewery. This week they're showcasing Left Hand Brewery, so you can sip on Imperial Stout, Jackman's Pale Ale and Polestar Pils while you play. If you're first to nail down B-I-N-G-O, you'll get loaded up with swag from both the brewery and the bar. Varga Bar, 941 Spruce St., 215-627-5200, vargabar.com.

Nourishing Desserts Class
Sun., Aug. 8, 8-11 p.m., $97

You don't need to yank out your sweet tooth to cut back on sugar. For this class, Ali Shapiro will teach students how to make guilt-free sweets like banana peanutless ice cream, coconut milk whipped cream and custard, all supplemented by natural sweeteners and gobs of creativity. The fee includes all necessary materials for the workshop, plus organic wine. Shapiro is holding the workshop on Sept. 12, as well, but she's got a special deal for this week: If you buy a ticket, you get to bring a friend for free. 275 S. 19th St., 215-279-7491, alishapiro.com.