Sidedish

Get your ass to class.

by Beth Lesko

This summer we skipped the shore and scored prime tables at the city’s newest eateries. If you’re back in town with a tan, here’s the don’t-miss list: Go Greek with the Cyprus-inspired menu at BYOB Kanella; bring some rum and an open mind about Indian cuisine and you’ll walk away happy fromBindi; for classy snacks with a Philly twist, try local Jennifer Carroll’s menu in the lounge at 10 Arts at the Ritz Carlton; Zahav brings Israel to Philly with an innovative menu and addictive fresh-from-the-oven breads; South Philly’s best new BYOB, Cochon, loves the pig and offers it up with seasonal ingredients; and yes, you must follow the buzz and go to Distrito.

If you haven’t heard of Jose Garces (where have you been?) or if you can’t get enough of Philly’s hot, hot, hot chef of the moment, meet him Sept. 20th at Amada, where he’ll present his new cookbook Latin Evolution. The event includes a signed copy and a luncheon of six dishes from the book. Call Amada (217-219 Chestnut St. 215.625.2450) for details and reservations.

Reminder! Sept. 14-19 is Center City District Restaurant Week. Select restaurants are offering three-course menus for $35. This year I’ve reserved a table at Georges Perrier’s new steakhouse at the Comcast Center, Table 31. Let’s see how Perrier and Chef Chris Scarduzio handle their wagyu. For more restaurant week info, go to www.centercityphila.org/life/RestaurantWeek.

Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurants, all seven of them, are kicking off autumn with an Oktoberfest menu. From Sept. 15 until Oct. 31 Iron Hill is offering a two-course meal featuring bratwurst, knockwurst and other German delicacies paired with one of their handcrafted beers. For reservations, hit up www.ironhillbrewery.com.

If you enjoy wine-pairing menus, Teikoku in Newtown Square is joining forces with wine educator Michael Walsh to demonstrate how the wines of California pair nicely with Teikoku’s Japanese-Thai cuisine. There’ll be five courses and generous pours. Call 610.644.8270 for reservations.

If the first days of September gives you that back-to-school vibe, get crackin’ at La Cucina at Reading Terminal. Their hands-on knife skills class on Tues., Sept. 23, will show you how to properly handle the most important tool in the kitchen. No need to bring your own knife, but Trapper Keepers and No. 2 pencils are recommended. After school, pick up ingredients from the outstanding vendors in the market and flash your new skills.