The Brew Crew

Sun., April 2, 4-7:30 p.m., $45-$55 ($100 VIP admission includes 2-4 p.m. reserve beer pairing)

Want a side of organic politics with your macaroni and cheese? The Brewer's Plate beer and gourmet food showcase benefits the Fair Food Project, a White Dog Foundation program that works to establish a local living economy by connecting family farmers with profitable new markets. For one night only, more than 15 regional breweries and restaurants will pair up at stations throughout the market and serve two dishes with handcrafted beer. Second Annual Brewer's Plate, Reading Terminal Market, 12th and Arch sts., 215-386-5211, ext. 103, www.whitedogcafefoundation.org.

Oui, Oui

Tue., April 4, 6 p.m., $15 cocktails, $35 dinner

Many chefs seek gastronomical inspiration from France. Patou chef Patrice Rames is doing just that with a series of dinners based on French cuisine. The dinners will run on the first Tuesday of every month and begin with Paris. Expect a cocktail hour with smoked salmon canapés and foie gras toast points, followed by dishes such as oysters with mignotte, pan-roasted turbot with asparagus and almond cauliflower puree, and chocolate mousse with whipped chantilly. An Evening in Paris, Patou, 312 Market St., 215-928-2987.

The Food Revolution

Wed, April 5, 7-9 p.m., free

What is the food matrix? We're picturing Keanu Reeves squaring off against an army of Emeril Lagasses. And yes, he says "whoa" a lot. As it turns out, the food matrix is the lie in which we live because of the food we eat. Organizer Brandon Waloff is awfully secretive about this so-called food matrix—curious diners will have to attend this potluck dinner to learn more. Mindless supporters of the vicious foodocracy need not attend. What Is the Food Matrix?, 4844 Cedar Ave., info@thefoodmatrix.org.

Sake to Me

Wed., April 5, 6-8:30 p.m., $35-$55

If being liberated from the vitriolic lies of the food industry ain't your bag, there's always the option of getting drunk on Japanese wine. The Second International Sake Festival is coming to Philadelphia as part of the 2006 Subaru Cherry Blossom Fest. Visiting brewers and sake fiends will be handing out samples galore, including daiginjo, ginjo, junmai and rare, regionally microbrewed jizake varieties. Watch for fine lines from Ozeki Karatamba, Kahori and Choya Umeshu. Food will be provided by local restaurants Asahi Sushi, Genji and … Starbucks? Sounds like a food matrix to us. Second International Sake Festival, Loews Hotel, 1200 Market St., 215-790-3680.