Wine Dinner Collab at Matyson Thu., Jan. 17, 7 p.m., $150
Chef Ben Puchowitz has invited his peer and pal George Sabatino to serve up one seriously luxe dinner, with wine pairings provided by savant Greg Moore of Moore Bros. wine shops. The eight-course offering includes all the lobster, truffles and foie gras you’d expect for the price, all bearing the modern, nuanced signatures of the chefs at the helm. Think truffles with lobster cannelloni and preserved Meyer lemons, foie gras paired with gooseberry and tatsoi, and a plate of beef cheek, loin and marrow with burdock and black garlic. Matyson, 37 S. 19th St., 215-564-2925, matyson.com.
La Cottora at Le Virtù Sun., Jan. 20, 5 p.m., $70
Bundle up for this annual event held in Le Virtù’s beautiful garden, with hearty food cooked outdoors, fire pits and warming drinks to keep the cold at bay. Chef Joe Cicala will get an assist from George Sabatino (Stateside) and Scott Schroeder (American Sardine Bar, South Philly Tap Room). Look forward to steaming bowls of sagne e fasciul’ (a dish of pasta and beans), grilled lamb shanks, Sarcone’s bread piled with spicy tripe, and albacore crudo with olive oil, poached potatoes and broccoli-rabe vinaigrette. Mulled wine, Abruzzese punch and actual chestnuts roasting over an actual open fire will complete the idyllic scene. Proceeds benefit Project H.O.M.E.’s efforts to end homelessness. Le Virtù, 1927 E. Passyunk Ave., 215-271-5626, levirtu.com.
Shiprock Pop-up at 12 Steps Down Mon., Jan. 21, 9 p.m., pay as you go
Philadelphia has plenty of tacos, but if you want to get a taste of Navajo tacos, you’ve been on your own — until now. For the uninitiated, imagine a base of freshly shallow-fried, puffy frybread topped with a hearty portion of your choice of fillings. For one night only, you can get yours served up by La Calaca Feliz chef Lucio Palazzo, food artist Hawk Krall and jerky-crafter/blogger Marcos Espinoza. (Still not convinced? Espinoza’s mom, who owns a Navajo-taco spot in Salt Lake City, will join Palazzo in the kitchen.) The massive tacos will go for $8 apiece; filling options will include chili beans, chicken ropa vieja, vegetarian black beans and spare ribs (keep your fingers crossed for traditional mutton stew to make an appearance as well). For dessert, frybread gets slathered in honey butter for $3. Cash only. 12 Steps Down, 831 Christian St.
