Philadelphia Dining Deals and Events, October 15-21

"Culinary Revenge" platter at Verdad

By Danya Henninger

Monday
South Philadelphia Tap Room will host Erwin Klijn, export manager for the Netherlands brewery that produces famed La Trappe brews, and Lanny Hoff, founder of Artisanal Imports. From 6-9 PM, the pair will pour four trappist ales: Isid'or, White, Dubbel and Quad, and when you buy your first draft, the glass is yours to keep.

Tuesday
Rabbit, duck and venison are all great autumn meats, but rabbits, ducks and deer are also a suburban gardener’s nightmare, nibbling on crops, flowerbeds and landscaping. Verdad’s Nick Farina decided to have a bit of fun with the concept by serving a special salchichia di mi patio (sausages from my backyard), featuring a trio of meats with accoutrements, bread and tortillas. Some animal rights activists have decried the tasty platter, but if instead it makes your mouth water, find it at the Main Line tequila bar for $20 every Tuesday throughout October and November.

Wednesday
The Del Frisco’s chain counts more than 30 steakhouses across the country, but on this evening the CEO will be nowhere else but the kitchen of the Chestnut Street branch, cooking up a special wine dinner with the mother of the regional manager to prepare "Mrs. Furino’s Wine Dinner." The five-course meal with wine pairings will run $250 per person, $50 of which will go to BreastCancer.org in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness month. For reservations call 215-246-0533.

Thursday
Chef/owners Todd Braley and Daniela D'Ambrosio are hosting a harvest wine dinner at their Fishtown French-inspired bistro, The Pickled Heron. Your $75 ticket will bring five courses with wine pairings from the well-pedigreed toques, who are also working on their first cookbook, Two Chefs Dating. Call 215-634-5666 for reservations and more information.

Friday
Ever wondered how vintners come up with house blends? You’ll have a chance to find out with a hands-on “Winemaker for a Night” dinner at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse in Marlton, NJ. A $65 reservation brings dinner and a tasting of barrel samples from three single vareitals from Raymond Vineyards of Napa Valley, followed by a guided blending session. Call 856-988-1351 to reserve your spot.

Saturday
Spend a fall afternoon enjoying two of the best things in life - wine and dessert - at a special pairing event at Chaddsford Winery in Chadds Ford. Six vintages from the vineyard will be matched with six different sweet courses, all for $25 per person. Reservations for the 2 PM event are required (215-794-9655).

Sunday
To celebrate the launch of author Charlotte Druckman’s new book, Skirt Steak: Women Chefs on Standing the Heat and Staying in the Kitchen, Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran are hosting an “all girl chefs’ dinner” dubbed Made with Moxie. Joining Turney in Barbuzzo’s kitchen to prepare a six-course meal will be Top Chef alum Jen Carroll, Anne Coll (Meritage) and Monica Glass (now at Boston's Clio), among others. Drinks will be mixed up by lady mixologists Phoebe Esmon and Katie Loeb (Han Dynasty), and your $95 spot includes dinner, beverage pairings and a copy of the the book. A portion of the sales will be donated to Women Against Abuse. Call 215-546-9300 for reservations.