The Weekend Guide :: More Events Around Town

Even more events and things to do (and eat) this weekend.  For a recap of food-lover events posted earlier in the week, click here.  

Epicurious Entertains - Expansive cooking website Epicurious.com is hosting a weekend full cooking demos, book signings, tastings and chef-driven dinners.  Among the list of events to choose from: 

• Cooking with Kids - {Saturday, Oct. 2nd}  Locanda Verde's talented pastry chef, Karen DeMasco demos be kid-friendly cooking and tasty bites. 
• Red Rooster Preview - {Saturday, Oct. 2nd, 7-10pm} chef and Top Chef Masters winner Marcus Samuelsson teams up with Epicurious for a preview dinner at his soon-to-open Harlem restaurant Red Rooster, which celebrates the diverse roots of American cuisine. 
• Football Fest at Hill Country BBQ - {Sunday, Oct. 3rd, 12:45pm} Sunday football + incredible BBQ...a perfect pairing.  Head to Hill Country for a tasting lunch with executive chef Elizabeth Karmel.
  

Abe & Arthur's - is on my personal dining calendar this weekend.  The chic Meatpacking restaurant, Abe & Arthur's is celebrating its one-year anniversary so I figured it's the ideal time to head back for another well-executed meal (which can be a very rare find in that area of town).  Skimming the menu designed by executive chef Franklin Becker, I'm already eyeing the Tuna Tartare Tacos to start (they were unbelievable my first visit last fall and are definitely a must-order), Roasted Beets & Westfield Farm's Goat Cheese Salad (because I always get my veggies in somehow) and Filet Mignon (I'm normally not a big steak gal, but Franklin's filet is pretty phenomenal from what I recall, though it's certainly large enough at 10 ounces to share).   If you're more inclined for fish or seafood, the Wood-Fired Branzino and the Pan Roasted Scallops with Foie Gras and Cauliflower-Almond Puree and Chanterelles sound amazing.  As for the foie gras, it makes a surprisingly delicious pairing with scallops -- a little light seafood + a touch of indulgence, you can't really go wrong.  To celebrate their anniversary, Abe & Arthur's will be providing all guests this evening (Oct. 1st) only with a complimentary glass of Marquis de la Tour champagne upon arrival as well as a slice of sweetness to bring the meal to a close. 

Edible Schoolyard Brunch @ Franny's - {Sunday, Oct. 3rd} Head to brunch at Franny's and help support Alice Waters' Edible Schoolyard organization which helps teach kids about food, health and the environment. Franny's (295 Flatbush Ave, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn).  Tickets are pricey at $250, but it's certainly for a worthy cause (esynyc.com/frannys)

Help for the Highline - If you're really looking to spend some dough this weekend and eat for an excellent cause, join acclaimed chefs with restaurants near to the High Line as they convene at Colicchio & Sons (10th Ave & 15th St) to cook up dinner to benefit Friends of the High Line.  Tickets are $500 at thehighline.org