Philadelphia Dining Deals and Events, October 1-7

Try Ommegang's new Scythe & Sickle at Resurrection Ale House Wednesday

Story and Photo by Danya Henninger

Monday
Top Chef alum and chef/owner of Washington, D.C.’s acclaimed Graffiato and Bandolero Mike Isabella will be in town as part of a book signing tour, and will co-host Industry Night at Vetri Family’s Amis. From 10 PM onward, show an industry pay stub for entrance to the monthly shindig, where a free buffet of cheffy food is accompanied by drink specials throughout the night. The native New Jerseyan will likely have copies of Crazy Good Italian with him, but if you can’t make it, hit him up for a copy at La Colombe in Dillworth Plaza from 4:30-6:30 PM on Tuesday.

Tuesday 
Jet Wine Bar owner Jill Weber and wine expert Bob Barrett feel bad for wines like chablis, soave and Asti Spumante. When first introduced to the U.S. in the ‘60s and ‘70s, they were mass-produced, cheap, sweet and not very good examples of their types. Find the true potential of these vinos at a “retro wine tasting,” featuring five different varietals along with light snacks (6:30-8:30 PM; $25 tickets available here; 215-735-1116).

Wednesday 
A couple of weeks ago we mentioned Scythe & Sickle, the new harvest ale from Brewery Ommegang, and if you haven’t tasted it yet, this is your chance. Resurrection Ale House has an Ommegang-heavy draft list planned for the night, which also includes Aphrodite, Art of Darkness, Hennepin and Adoration. Brewery reps will be on hand to dole out merch giveaways and discuss the brews (215-735-2202).

Thursday
The last Night Market of the season is also the largest ever. The Food Trust’s popular food truck bazaar will take over Chinatown at 10th and Race, with pay-as-you-go street food and drink from 7-11 PM. At least four new food trucks will debut, including Street Food Philly, Birds of Paradise Moble, Joe Spud’s and Good Spoon. Beer from Sixpoint Brewery will be served, along with the first tastes of Philadelphia Distilling’s new XXX Shine Salted Caramel and XXX Shine LiberTea.

Friday
Conshohocken’s Isabella is celebrating two years in business by giving away that elusive legend: a free lunch. Throughout the month of October, simply say “Happy anniversary!” and get in on the two-for-one deal. Lunch is served 11:30 AM-2 PM  Monday-Friday, and features plates that range from arugula salad with crispy ham to an ancho chili dusted Kobe burger. Order one, and a second (of equal or lesser value) can be yours (or your dining partner’s, if you’re feeling generous) for free (484-532-7470).

Saturday
Take a drive through the beautiful fall weather and head to Wegmans in Malvern for a daylong crab fest. From noon-5 PM, the Harris Crab House truck will park in front of the market and serve fresh steamed blue crabs to guests on the outdoor patio. Crabs will go for $33 per dozen, and are also available by the bushel or half-bushel, for those who want to bring the party home (484-913-9660).

Sunday 
Continue the fall festivities at The Institute's Charlie Brown Great Pumpkin Beer Festival. The annual event features more than 35 different pumpkin beers, along with platters of fall food. Everything is pay as you go, with $6 tickets sold - one ticket for a beer, two tickets for a plate of grub. Extra bonus: credit cards will be accepted (267-318-7772).