Virginia Woolf said that "one cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well." The First Person Arts Festival has cooked up a special event that will surely satisfy us shameless foodies who live by Woolf's wise words. Kicking off the festival is Edible World, where food lovers unite to sample food from Philly's up-and-coming culinary stars as well as seasoned cooks. Chefs reveal anecdotes about what really goes on behind kitchen doors as they prepare culinary heirlooms and dishes that have interesting origins. Here's a sneak peek of what's on the menu: Andrew Brown (White Dog Cafe) offers his more upscale version of PB&J, made with duck and cashew butter; Sae An (Cork) concocts a unique honey jalapeno creme brulee; and Michael Pasquarello (Cafe Lift) prepares ricotta cheese cannoli, an Italian delicacy he grew up eating at his grandmother's house. Former New York magazine restaurant critic Gael Greene will also attend the gala to share some of her favorite recipes and sign copies of her memoir, Insatiable: Tales From a Life of Delicious Excess (Warner, $25.95). So come all ye faithful foodies and revel in the orgy of edible delights! Edible World, VIP tasting at Estia, 1405 Locust St.; dinner at Hamilton Hall, University of the Arts, 320 S. Broad St., 267-402-2055, www.firstpersonfestival.org.

Personal chef Karen Docimo teaches wannabee Iron Chefs essential cooking techniques. Week one goes over classic sauces and reductions like bechamel, bernaise and hollandaise. Week two takes on seasoning with herbs, spices, rubs and blends, proving there's more to kicking up a dish than using Emeril's Essence. Week three puts the spotlight on fish and fowl, covering fundamental searing, roasting, filleting and boning techniques. And week four is all about dessert as Docimo demonstrates how to make chocolate ganache, creme anglaise and spun sugar. Participants must bring their own aprons, kitchen knives and cutting boards. Kitchen Kapers' Culinary Adventures, 1341 Nixon Drive, Moorestown, N.J., 856-778-7705, www.kitchenkapers.com.

Earlier this year Ristorante Panorama introduced Friday Night Flights, where participants taste wines from around the globe while chatting with sommelier William Eccleston and special guest representatives from each week's region/importer. Tomorrow's session features Austrian wines, from Rieslings and Gruner Veltliners to uncommon reds such as Zwiegelt and Blaufrankish. The following Friday will take you to the vibrant bodegas of Spain for Tempranillo or muscatel. Friday Night Flights of Wine, Ristorante Panorama, 14 N. Front St., 215-922-7800, www.pennsviewhotel.com.