Throwing Down for TIP
Sun., Mar. 24, 9 p.m., pay as you go
Cocktail benefits to combat disasters and diseases are a fixture, but we can’t recall the last time we saw cocktails to benefit cocktails. Sunday’s throwdown is for the Tequila Interchange Project, a nonprofit dedicated to educating consumers and “preserving tequila’s great heritage.” Similar to the structure of December’s benefit for Sandy relief that was also organized by the local chapter of the U.S. Bartenders Guild, the night will see a rotating cast of bartenders doing one-hour shifts, each bringing a new drink selection. Sample sips from Christian Gaal and Phoebe Esmon of Emmanuelle, Guy Smith of Fork and a few out-of-town guests. Cocktails will go for a flat $10. With the liquor, snacks and labor being donated, TIP will receive all of the proceeds, including tips.
Tequilas Restaurant, 1602 Locust St., 215-546-0181, tequilasphilly.com.
Fishtown Neighbors Association Third Annual Chili Cook-Off
Sun., Mar. 24, 1-4 p.m., $15
If it feels like there’s been a big-deal chili cook-off every weekend in recent memory, well, that’s because there has been — and that’s just fine by us. This time around, 15 Fishtown restaurants (including defending champs Loco Pez, Bubba’s Texas BBQ and Cedar Point Bar and Kitchen) and 10 local residents will vie for chili supremacy. PBC and Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company will be on hand to provide the suds, and Little Baby’s promises to up the interesting quotient with a batch of Maryland barbecue ice cream.
The Skybox at 2424 Studios, 2424 E. York Ave., fishtown.org.
A Hop Eclipse Now Dogfish Head Beer Dinner
Tue., Mar. 26, 5-9 p.m., $60
We can’t think of a more natural pairing for notorious East Coast hopheads Dogfish Head than West Coast pale-ale stars Sierra Nevada. The two hop-happy brewers have joined forces for a collaborative brew called Rhizing Bines (calling to mind deep roots and tangled shoots; the brewers are longtime cohorts); it’s the centerpiece of Tuesday’s beer dinner, paired with a show-stopping whole roast duck with grape vin cotto. Three other DFH brews, including cask-conditioned 75 Minute IPA and the fantastic hybrid Burton Baton, will jockey for the spotlight. Dinner also includes four courses, in addition to a very warm welcome by Alla Spina’s famous soft pretzels and spicy beer cheese.
Alla Spina, 1410 Mount Vernon St., 215-600-0017, allaspinaphilly.com.
