From fundraisers to farm days to festivals, the food calendar’s filled with fun events for everyone – especially mom as area chefs prepare Mother’s Day menus.
But first, grab a drink for a good cause as The Greene Turtle Sports Bar and Grille donates proceeds from its “Hell in the Shell” cocktails to the Sea Turtle Conservancy. The restaurant chain, with a location in North Wales, also will sponsor a turtle in the 10th annual Tour de Turtles migration. Name that turtle for a chance to win $500.
?Celebrate food during Phoenixville Food Festival Saturday, May 6. Event runs from noon to 6 p.m. rain or shine. Free shuttle service will be available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Schuylkill Elementary School or The University of Valley Forge. Please note that the “100 and 200 Blocks of Bridge Street will be closed as well as Main Street from Price Street to Church Street,” according to http://phoenixvillefoodfestival.com.
?Autograph Brasserie in Wayne celebrates its first anniversary this May with a charitable cocktail promotion. Order a “Fabulous Fourteen” cocktail (a nod to the Eagles’ NFL draft pick) and a portion of the proceeds will go to The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation. Plus, enter to win a signed Jenkins’ football.
?In other food news, a new executive chef joins Dino’s Backstage and The Celebrity Room in Glenside. Glaister Knight grew up in Jamaica, where his mother was a caterer. Try his Uptown Salad with half a Maine lobster tail, salmon, mixed greens, herb vinaigrette, balsamic glaze and garlic bread.
?And did you know May is National Hamburger Month? Enjoy a different burger every day at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant. Find $14.50 specialty burgers for lunch and dinner, plus daily beer pairings.
?Speaking of beer, Sly Fox Brewing Company in Pottstown hosts its Bock Fest and Goat Race on Sunday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. And, yes, there really are live goats. Check out the contenders and learn more at www.slyfoxbeer.com/bockfest.
?Also on May 7, the Malvern Blooms Festival features food, art, crafts and music from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.malvern-festivals.com/blooms-festival
?Or sample Mexican favorites at Kennett Square’s Cinco de Mayo Festival on May 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.historickennettsquare.com/events/2017-cinco-de-mayo-festival
?On Saturday, May 13, more than 20 local breweries join the Brandywine Valley Craft Brewers’ Festival, benefitting the Media Youth Center. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Media sponsors the 17th annual event from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets cost $45 per person. www.ironhillbrewery.com/brewfest-2017.htm
?The first annual Phoenixville Beer & Wine Festival debuts May 13 from 12 to 4:30 p.m. at the Kimberton Fairgrounds. Sample more than 80 craft beers, 30 wines, meads, ciders and spirits while supporting the Phoenixville Public Library. Standard tickets cost $40 in advance, $50 at the door. www.phoenixvillebeerwinefestival.com
?Love goat cheese? Visit Yellow Springs Farm in Chester Springs during Open Farm Days May 6, 7, 13 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Taste award-winning cheeses, see the goats and browse hundreds of native plants for sale. www.yellowspringsfarm.com
Double Tree Valley Forge hosts “Taste of Home Live!” featuring tips on food decorating, entertaining and tablescaping; new test kitchen recipes; food sampling; prizes and a Philabundance food drive with a raffle to sit at the Chef’s Table on stage, all from 6 to 9 p.m. May 9. The Double Tree is at 301 W. DeKalb Pike, Upper Merion. Tickets range from $20-$85.
And now, for mom…
?Head to Wyebrook Farm in Honey Brook for a Farmhouse Tea Luncheon on May 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sip tea and savor sandwiches, scones and more inside the historic farmhouse. For reservations, $36 per person, call 610-942-7481 ext. 4. www.wyebrookfarm.com
?Does mom prefer music? Treat her to Dinner and a Show at Imperial’s Catering in Trappe on May 13 at 7 p.m. The First Ladies of Rock & Soul will perform hits from The Supremes, The Ronettes and more. Tickets cost $40, BYOB. www.imperialscatering.com
?On Sunday, May 14, the Brandywine River Museum of Art offers a Mother’s Day brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $13 for children ages 12 and under. Also check out the wildflower, native plant and seed sale. www.brandywine.org/museum/events/mothers-day-brunch
?Take mom for a walk on the wild side with Mother’s Day brunch at the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown May 13 and 14 at 10:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Tickets cost $30.95 for adults ($25.95 members), $19.95 for children 3 to 12 ($14.95 members) and $10.95 for age 2 and under ($7.95 members). www.elmwoodparkzoo.org
?Or make reservations now for Mother’s Day brunch at area restaurants like Azie on Main in Villanova, serving “everything from eggs to filet.” $36 per person, $18 for kids 10 and under. Visit www.azieonmain.com or call 610-527-5700.
?At Azie in Media, dine on paprikash lamb, teriyaki salmon, orange duck and more. $32 per person and $18 for children 5 to 12 years old. Call 610-566-4750 or check www.azie-restaurant.com.
?The brunch menu at Teikoku in Newtown Square includes Belgian waffles, salmon cakes and pad Thai. $35 for adults and $15 for children 10 and under. Visit www.teikokurestaurant.com or call 610-644-8270.
– Digital First Media staff contributed to this report.