Eat Beat

by Kirsten Henri

Preview It!

The Monk’s men are at it again, birthing yet another bar full of beautiful brew. Tom Peters and Fergus Carey’s Belgian Cafe opened two weeks ago in the old Tavern on Green spot in Fairmount and, judging from the size of the crowd, it’s been warmly welcomed. In the time it took me to drink three fresh and foamy Saison Duponts (finger-wagging note to self: three is one too many Saison Duponts for you, missy) the bar remained packed. It’s a roomy space curiously devoid of the appealingly dark-and-gloomy character you might find at some of their other boites, but that didn’t seem to bother any of the happy drinkers. Belgian Cafe is sure to be a beloved neighborhood spot. >> Belgian Cafe, 21st and Green sts. 215.235.3500

Drink It for a Good Cause!

Beer geeks, suds lovers and brew aficionados were devastated when the prolific beer writer and proponent of craft beer Michael Jackson recently died of a heart attack. To honor his memory, brewpubs around the world are hosting a National Toast to Michael Jackson on Sun., Sept. 30 at 9 p.m. Locally, Nodding Head and Grey Lodge are participating. Donations from the evening’s proceeds will go to the National Parkinson Foundation to combat Parkinson’s disease, an illness from which Jackson suffered. >> For other participating bars go to michaeljacksonbeerhunter.blogspot.com

Eat It!

There’s fudge that brings to mind stale, crumbly bricks. And then there’s fudge from Tennessee, which you’ll find at the Little Candy Shoppe on Liberties Walk. This fudge has creamy, buttery properties that might make people who hate fudge (me) change their tune. It comes in an array of seasonal flavors (pumpkin this fall, eggnog nearer Christmas) as well as plain old chocolate and peanut butter. The store itself is adorable and looks like a proper candy shop should—pink and packed to the gills with colorful sweets and treats of all shapes and sizes, including Bassetts ice cream. Owner Robin Nahama, who liberally hands out samples, is pretty sweet herself. >> Little Candy Shoppe, 1030 N. American St. 215.667.8567headline: Grill It, Redux!

The Great City Grill, a block party thrown by the Bellevue, was supposed to happen back in August but it didn’t. They swear it’s really happening this Saturday. There’ll be grilled specialties from local steakhouses, drinks from XIX, entertainment and demonstrations. >> Sat., Sept. 29, noon-2pm. Free. Bellevue, Walnut St. between Broad and 15th sts. 215.875.8350. www.bellevuephiladelphia.com