Eat This, Do This, Read This: Philly Weekend Planner, Aug 31-Sept 2

Labor Day weekend is bittersweet, but at least we know there are plenty of great things in store for autumn. Make the most of the last weekend of summer with these tasty bites, outdoor events and new reads.

Eat This

Lamb Rack at Valanni
When you’re eating at a tapas spot, even the rack of lamb is a light bite. Part of the “taste” section of the menu at the Midtown Village/Gayborhood lounge, this small plate packs an entree’s worth of flavor into two cleanly frenched chops, cooked to a juicy pink and smothered with garlicky house tzatziki sauce. A mound of farro risotto makes a good match for the meat, with a firm texture and subtle taste of pepper and herbs. Snag a silvery chair outside or sink into a luxurious white leather banquette and munch away (215-790-9494).

Scrapple at Cafe Estelle
Now that we know Marshall Green’s brunch gem is due to close at the end of September, there’s no excuse not to scurry over to Fourth Street and order up some of his scrapple. Whether you have it as a salty foil for a plate of blackberry and pineapple cream cheese stuffed French toast, or just as a base for some farm fresh eggs, it’s your last chance, and we suggest you don’t delay (215-925-5080).

Do This

Champagne in the Park
Just north of the asphalt parking lots and gray boxy buildings of Sugar House Casino is Penn Treaty Park, a green enclave nestled on the Delaware River. To raise money for the park’s upkeep and improvements, Friends of Penn Treaty Park are throw an annual fundraiser, and this year’s bash takes place Friday at 6:30 PM. Live jazz will set the mood for a festive evening of food and drink among the grass and trees. Tickets start at $40, which includes the full buffet and unlimited beverages, and are available in advance via email.

Made in America Festival
If you’re a music fan, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is the place to be this weekend. Jay-Z is headlining the Budweiser-sponsored fest, which takes place both Saturday and Sunday at Eakins Oval in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The lineup of performers includes Pearl Jam, Drake, Jill Scott, Skrillex, Run DMC, Mike Snow, Santigold and a whole bunch more. Concert goers will be able to buy food from several on site gourmet food trucks as well as traditional fair-style stands. A variety of one- and two-day tickets are available through Ticketmaster and are required for entry.

Read This

Table Matters
After a two-year hiatus, Drexel University-published Table Matters is back, and it’s better than before. Thanks to editors Jason Wilson (food columnist for The Philadelphia Daily News and The Washington Post) and Joy Manning (former Philadelphia Magazine restaurant critic), the website has launched chock full of original writing about the food scene in our city and beyond. This week is “Soda Week,” so head over and learn about fizzy beverages’ Philly history, where to find housemade pop and how to whip up your own.

In Atlantic City, Dining With a Water View Is the Best Bet
If you’re planning to head down the shore - either this weekend or later in the month, after the other tourists have left - take a look at this rundown of the best dining options with a view of the water. From the oceanside casinos to their cousins by the bay, Chuck Darrow of The Daily News has all the details you'll need.