SPTR's block party features music, grilled food and $3 wheat beers from noon until...?? (Photo courtesy South Philadelphia Tap Room)

Ready to tackle one of the most action-packed weekends Philadelphia has seen in recent memory?

Get your “Wheaties” fix as you drink up brews like Philadelphia Brewing Company’s Fleur de Lehigh, Allagash White, Ommegang Witte and cans of Sixpoint Apollo Wheat all pouring in at an easy $3.

SPTR’s block party will also host four live bands, bites from the grill and good neighborhood fun from noon until the last keg is kicked.

The no cover chug-fest below Washington Avenue welcomes all who enjoy the beer of champions.

Check out an awesome video trailer of last year’s fest, below.

SPTR Seventh Annual Wheat Beer Fest
Where: South Philadelphia Tap Room, 1509 Mifflin Street (outdoors)
When: Saturday, May 19, noon
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.southphiladelphiataproom.com

Don't call it a comeback. Wait, do. The With Love Beer Garden will once again be taking over the Four Seasons' outdoor courtyard during Philly Beer Week, serving up awesome beer, great food, live music and all around good times. (Photo by M. Edlow for GPTMC)

We’re pretty psyched to announce that the With Love Beer Garden is back — by (extremely) popular demand — for Philly Beer Week 2012. The Beer Garden will be returning for its second year to the awesome outdoor courtyard at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia.

One of Beer Week’s signature venues, the With Love Beer Garden brings together great beer, delicious food and an awesome alfresco setting for a Beer Week destination like no other.

The With Love Beer Garden will take place every day from Monday, June 4 to Friday, June 8 from 5-9 p.m. — note the extended hours; we’re happy to report that the Beer Garden will go one hour later this year. And each day, a different local brewery will be featured, bringing a selection of their craft brews for guest to enjoy.

Please be sure to put June 4 on your calendars. That’s opening night for the With Love Beer Garden, and it doubles as our kickoff party for the re-release of Summer Love Ale. You’ll want to be in the house for some delicious Victory brews, a chance to say hello to Victory brewer Bill Covaleski, food, music, and a special check-in giveaway that we promise you’re going to love. (Seriously. It’s awesome.)

In addition to the new hours, the With Love Beer Garden will also feature an improved ticketing system this year for seamless beer ordering.

There will also be a nightly rotating menu of tasty bites to enjoy with your beer; think pork roll sliders, kielbasa sandwiches, pretzels and the like. More details to come.

The bottom line: the With Love Beer Garden is a pretty great summer spot to grab a casual drink and a bite after work during Philly Beer Week, with big trees, lush gardens, a cool breeze — there’s even fountains and a stream. But don’t take our word for it; grab a few friends and check it out for yourself.

We’ll be sure to see you out there.

The With Love Beer Garden
When: June 4-8, 5-9 p.m.
Where: The Courtyard at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, 1 Logan Square
Note: You can enter straight from the corner of 18th and Cherry Streets
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.visitphilly.com

A stunning smorgasbord of flavors will be on full display during the festival, as vendors line the street, musicians roam the crowds and top chefs show off some of their best techniques at live cooking demos. (Photo courtesy Italian Market)

When one of the city’s most flavorful neighborhoods hosts a food festival, you know it’s going to be epic.

Enjoy a weekend of authentic Italian American culture in South Philadelphia next Saturday and Sunday, May 19-20, when the annual 9th Street Italian Market Festival returns in full force.

9th Street from Fitzwater to Federal Streets shuts down to vehicle traffic as shops and stalls spill onto the sidewalks to serve food, performers take to multiple stages and local artisans vend their goods.

The event is an extravaganza for the senses, featuring six long blocks of streets lined with vendors offering every Italian delicacy imaginable, plus day-long live entertainment, fun contests, top chefs showing off their best techniques at live cooking demonstrations and lots more.

A stunning smorgasbord of flavors will be on full display (and in your stomach) at one of the year’s most anticipated food events. We’re talking fresh sausage and peppers, antipasto salads, roast pork sandwiches, cheeses, cured meats, an infinite array of pastries, famous mango roses and so much more.

Stay tuned for a comprehensive guide.

Italian Market Festival
Where: 9th Street between Fitzwater and Federal Streets
When: May 19-20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: www.italianmarketfestival.com

Join Chrisoula Tsiouris (mother of brother-sister Opa owners, George and Vasiliki Tsiouris) and Opa Executive Chef Andrew Brown for a special pita dinner. (Photo courtesy Opa)

Midtown Village’s favorite modern Greek restaurant and bar, Opa, offers up a special night of perfect pita traditions, Tuesday, May 15.

Hosted by Chrisoula Tsiouris, mother of the resto’s brother/sister team, the dinner dishes up an array of pita plates using the family’s very own passed-down recipe.

The savory spread includes a choice of three pitas from a selection of lamb, chicken, cheese, spinach, leek and mac and cheese, as well as salad and a sweet custard pita for dessert.

Along with the evening’s fare, the Tsiouris family will share pita making secrets with their guests, specifically focusing on the art and technique of their heirloom recipe.

Seating for the event is at 6 p.m., and reservations can be made at (215) 545-0170.

Pita Dinner at Opa
Where: 1311 Sansom Street
When: Tuesday, May 15, 6 p.m.
Cost: $45
More info: www.opaphiladelphia.com

Night Market Philadelphia is back and better than ever this summer, with a brand new Northern Liberties edition that will debut the new Friends of Night Market experience. (Photos by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)

At the upcoming Night Market Philadelphia in Northern Liberties (Thursday, May 24; new time: 7-11 p.m.), The Food Trust, the organization behind the event series, will debut the Friends of Night Market Experience.

The Night Market, an outdoor roving food bazaar, is pretty awesome in and of itself. But the Friends opportunity is a chance to turbocharge your Night Market experience.

Intrigued? The $50 admission includes:

• Beer from Yards Brewing Co.
• Cocktails courtesy of Quaker City Mercantile
• A pass for food from many of your favorite vendors
• A place to sit (really!)

Plus, as the Food Trust puts it, you get the “the warm, fuzzy feeling of supporting something awesome.”

Bonus: take advantage of the early-bird ticket special, just $45 if you by your tickets by May 10. They’re available online.

Night Market Philadelphia: Northern Liberties
When: Thursday, May 24, 7-11 p.m.
Where: 2nd and Poplar Streets
Cost: Friends of Night Market tickets $45 before May 10, $50 after; Pay as you go for regular Night Market
More info: www.nightmarketphilly.org

The farmer's market season has officially kicked-off. Headhouse Farmer's Market opens on Saturday, May 5th, followed by additional market openings throughout the region. (Photo courtesy: R.Kennedy for GPTMC)

Well, we’ve waited long enough! It’s finally that time of year again when farmers bring their bounty of incredible locally grown and produced items to a market near you!

The Philadelphia region greatly benefits from our close proximity to some of the best farmland in the county. For us, it doesn’t get any better than when the tomatoes, corn, asparagus and strawberries start showing up; providing both candy for the eye as well as the palate.

Below is a listing of a few of our favorite seasonal markets and the organizations who help to coordinate them. We think you’ll agree, this is definitely the most wonderful time of the year!

The Food Trust:
The Food Trust organizes over 30 farmers markets throughout the city of Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. Some of their best known markets include Headhouse Square (which opens on Sunday!), Clark Park and Fitler Square. And, this year, the Food Trust has added markets in South Philly, Kensington and West Kensington.

For a complete listing of markets and vendors, consult the Philadelphia or Suburban Market maps on the Food Trust website where you can also sign up for their newsletter, The Fresh Times to stay informed about your favorite market.

Farm to City:
Farm to City manages 16 farmer’s markets throughout the city and surrounding region. Some of their best known markets include the Rittenhouse, Swarthmore and the year-round Suburban Station farmer’s market. One of our favorite Farm to City markets is the Walnut Hill Farmer’s Market, operated in partnership with the Enterprise Center’s Neighborhood Foods program. Much of the produce comes from a small farm near 46th and Market Street and is grown by West Philly youth farmers. Undeniably, awesome.

For a complete listing of Farm to City managed farmers markets, consult their farmers market page. You can also follow Farm to City on Twitter to get updates on your favorite market.

Greensgrow Farms
Greensgrow Farm was the brainchild of tireless local food advocate, Mary Seton Corboy. Since 1998 Greensgrow has been a source of fresh, local and healthy food options in the Fishtown and Kensington section of Philadelphia. Aside from running one of the larger CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs in the city, Greensgrow also organizes a bi-weekly farmer’s market on Thursdays (2pm–7pm) and Saturdays (10am–3pm). Additionally, you can also purchase pantry items made in Greensgrow’s community kitchen like jams, pickles and pies.

Now grab that reusable tote bag and go shopping!

Join SPOT and a few other food trucks at this Friday's Mobile Food Association Pop-Up in Fishtown. (Photo courtesy: Philly Mobile Food Association)

The local mobile food community is strong and getting stronger. Remember those crazy/awesome Food Trust Night Market’s? To address the issues these small, independent food businesses face, some have joined together to form the Philly Mobile Food Association (PhillyMFA).

PhillyMFA works to encourage progressive change, on a city-wide level, for local food vendors like less-restrictive parking regulations and more vending hours (Philly currently caps mobile food vending at midnight).

On Friday, May 4th, four members of the PhillyMFA will gather at the Lutheran Settlement House in Fishtown for their first ever pop-up. Vendors will include Little Baby’s Ice Cream, Pitruco Pizza, SPOT and Zea May’s Kitchen. Beer will also be served in the Lutheran Settlement garden.

Attendance to the event free, but food is pay-as-you-go. Cash is strongly encouraged. The trucks will sell food from 6PM – 11PM and a portion of the proceeds from food sales will go to support programs at the Lutheran Settlement House.

As an added bonus, after feasting a delicious burger, some wood fired pizza, Native American cuisine and an ice cream cone you can also head out onto Frankford Avenue and take in the bustling art’s scene during Fishtown’s First Friday.

Sounds like a pretty perfect evening!

PhillyMFA Pop-Up Event
When: Friday, May 4th; 6PM – 11PM
Where: Lutheran Settlement House, 1340 Frankford Ave
Cost: pay-as-you-go, cash encouraged
More information: PhillyMFA website

The good news: Summer Love Ale cleaned up in beer accolades last summer, netting shout outs from Esquire, Philadelphia and Complex magazines. The even better news: it\'s available for the 2012 season starting today, May 1. (Photo by M. Edlow for GPTMC)

Thanks to a great run last year, which included a significantly expanded production and winning a Best of Philly Award from Philly Mag and major shout-outs from Esquire and Complex magazines, Summer Love Ale is making a triumphant return for the 2012 season.

A collaboration between Victory Brewing Company and Visit Philly’s With Love, Philadelphia XOXO® campaign, Summer Love Ale is a crisp and refreshing local craft beer that’s perfect for the summer season. The Chester-County brewed specialty craft beer — made with pale malts, German hops and Brandywine Creek water — capitalizes on our region’s rich brewing history. The specific style of beer was chosen because it has a broad appeal and is accessible for casual beer drinkers.

And in honor of May Day today, May 1, the award-winning craft beer is officially available in Victory’s Downingtown retail shop. And when you buy a case of Summer Love Ale today at their Downingtown location, you’ll get a free Summer Love pint glass!

Visit victorybeer.com/beerfinder to see where else you can find Summer Love Ale near you. We expect to also start seeing it on draft at area bars in the days and weeks to come.

And be sure to stay tuned right here for news on the With Love Beer Garden, which will be returning to the Four Season Hotel’s awesome outdoor courtyard during Beer Week 2012. Get thirsty.

Victory Summer Love Ale
www.visitphilly.com/summerlove

Fair Food, Bartram's Garden and Philadelphia Distilling are joining forces to resurrect a recipe that dates back to the mid-1800's, Bartram's Bitters. (Photo courtesy: Fair Food)

While organizing books in the Bartram’s Garden archives, curator Joel Fry found a curious piece of paper folded into an 1846 copy of A.B. Stong’s The American Flora. The handwritten paper read, “Receipt For Making Bartram’s Homestead Bitters.” The recipe is estimated to have been written during the mid‐19th century and is in the hand of John William Bartram (1813‐1866), a great-grandson of famed Philadelphia botanist, John Bartram.

The recipe originally called for mixing several astringent plant extracts – gentian root, prickly ash bark, cherry bark, and calamus root – with other aromatics in an alcohol‐water base. According to the recipe, the base was then diluted and sweetened with sugar and would have been a potent 37.5% alcohol or 75 proof.

Using local and organic ingredients, Fair Food and Philadelphia Distilling have resurrected, as closely as possible, the Bartram family recipe. On May16th from 5:30 – 8PM, the partners will celebrate the first batch production of the bitters with a cocktail competition (using the Bitters, of course) at the beautiful and historic Bartram’s Garden. Cocktails will be created by Christopher Walls of Dettera Restaurant & Wine Bar, Theo Webb of FISH Restaurant and Phoebe Esmon.

General admission tickets are $75, with proceeds benefiting Bartram’s Garden. A special $125 ticket is also available and includes a one-year membership to the garden. Everyone who attends will receive a bottle of Bartram’s Bitters to take home. Tickets to the event are available online via TicketLeap.

Lite bites will be provided by Ashley Power of Power Catering Events with support from Jen and Mitch Prensky of Supper.

Bartram’s Bitters Launch Party and Fundraiser
When: May 16th, 5:30 – 8:30PM
Where: Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $75; $125 (includes one-year Bartram’s Garden membership)
More Information: http://bartram.ticketleap.com/bartrambitters/

A farm to table fundraiser for Greener Partners, hosted by Chef Daniel Stern of R2L, will be held at the Longview Center in Collegeville on May 3rd at 6:30. (Photo courtsey Greener Partners)

Chef Daniel Stern, of R2L, has long been a champion of sourcing local. His sorely missed restaurant, MidAtlantic, was a Philly Homegrown favorite for its celebration of the foods and food traditions from the region.

In honor of his commitment to local foods, Chef Stern will join forces with good folks at Greener Partners to host a Farm to Table Fundraiser on Thursday, May 3rd at the Longview Center for Agriculture in Collegeville.

Greener Partners works tirelessly to build community through sustainable farming and farm-based education. Through their First Generation Farmer Program they are training the next generation of farmers to cultivate a better food system. A cause worthy of support, no doubt.

The menu for this decidedly delicious event will begin with a selection of appetizers like Fresh Ricotta with Beets and Honey, Chicken and Rye Crostini and Mushroom Rilletes with Kale and Garlic served while guests are able to mingle and enjoy the lush setting of the Longview Center.

The complete dinner menu includes:
First Course: Leek, Bean and Crusty Bread Gazpacho

Second Course: Pulled Chicken Salad, Radishes, Dandelion and Local Greens; Butter and Sea Salt Dressing

Main Course: Roast Prime Rib of Beef and Short Ribs with all the trimmings: Lima Bean Polenta and Gravy, Roasted Potatoes and Leeks, Gratin of Greens

Dessert: Rhubarb Tart, Whipped Cream, Berry Preserves and St. Germain Sabayon

The cost to attend is $200 per person, or $1,100 per table of six. All proceeds will benefit Greener partners and its educational programming. To secure your space, visit www.greenerpartners.org/F2T.

Farm-to-Table Fundraiser with Chef Daniel Stern
When: Thursday, May 3rd; Cocktails at 6:30PM, Dinner at 7:30PM
Where: Longview Center for Agriculture, 3215 Stump Hall Road Collegeville, PA
Cost: $200/person; $1,100/table of 6
More Information: www.greenerpartners.org/F2T