Eat Beat

by Kirsten Henri

Savor It!

The Shambles is so hot right now. You know the Shambles, right? It’s that shed in Headhouse Square that’s packed on Sunday with foodies swooning over its fancy and fabulous farmers market. This week there’s an opportunity do a little more swooning—this time over cooked foods—at Savor the Shambles: A Taste of the South Street District, a benefit for the Head House Conservancy. Chefs from South Street-area restaurants like Shouk, Zot, Ansill, Horizons and Xochitl will showcase their stuff at the outdoor affair. A $10 donation gets you five servings of food at any of the restaurants’ booths. After that, servings are $2 each. And there’ll be live music, should you desire to chew to a rhythm. >> Wed., Oct. 10, 7-10pm. $10. Headhouse Square, Second and Pine sts. www.southstreet.com

Learn It!

Once you start a collection of anything—be it ceramic figurines, cats or husbands—be prepared. You’re now officially going to be considered a weirdo by everyone who doesn’t share your passion. But that’s okay. You’ll find like-minded people if you just look in the right places. Wine geeks can start with the “How to Begin a Wine Collection” course at the Wine School of Philadelphia in Fairmount. Wine School founder and president Keith Wallace will lay out the basics for starting your very own cellar and allow you to taste a few “must haves” that should be in every serious cork dork’s collection. I’m guessing the box of Delicato I have in my basement probably isn’t what they have in mind. >> Sat., Oct. 13, 6-8pm. $37.99. Wine School of Philadelphia, 2006-2008 Fairmount Ave. www.vinology.com

Take Note of It!

Le Jardin in the Art Alliance was one of the lovelier restaurant spaces on Rittenhouse Square, but it’s recently been better known as the site of a disastrous New Year’s Eve party where the booze and food ran out well before midnight. Angry guests made off with artwork in retaliation and the lawsuits commenced. Also, the decor was pretty, but the food was not, and Le Jardin closed its doors. It’s been taken over by corporate catering behemoth Restaurant Associates—you might know them from your meals at the Art Museum or the Kimmel Center—and is now called Gardenia. It’s open for lunch and brunch only. >> Tues.-Sat., 11:30am-2:30pm. Gardenia, 251 S. 18th St. 215.732.3606

Drink It!

Looking for a fall drink? Nectar’s sparkling harvest cocktail incorporates seasonal fruits with cool-weather spices, and is topped off with sparkling wine or champagne. >> Nectar, 1091 Lancaster Ave., Berwyn. 610.725.9000. www.tastenectar.com