Eats Beat, 2/16/12

* Vincent van Gogh wasn't especially known for paintings of food, unless you like to munch sunflowers and irises, but the places he lived, especially the south of France, offered plenty of inspiration for the van Gogh Chef's Table at Granite Hill, the restaurant of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (26th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 215-763-8100). There's a smashing exhibit, "Van Gogh Up Close," through May 6 at the museum. Try the $24 Chef's Table Tuesday through Sunday. Reservations, 215-684-7990.

* Just $20 gets you a three-course brunch and unlimited Bloody Marys and mimosas at Gypsy Saloon (128 Ford St., West Conshohocken, 610-828-8494). Entrées include Belgian Waffles, Asparagus & Goat Cheese Quiche and egg specialties and wraps. Plus mini cupcakes for dessert. The a la carte menu is available.

* Contemporary American BYO Sonata Restaurant (1030 N. American St., 215-238-1240) has a new menu, said chef/owner Mark Tropea. It includes an appetizer of house-cured duck pastrami with Russian dressing and rye chips for $10 and a lobster pot pie entrée for $27.

* The Brewer's Plate, Fair Food's eighth annual tasting event, will celebrate more than 50 local farmers, restaurants, craft brewers and artisanal producers. Proceeds benefit Fair Food and its mission - uniting local farms, businesses and consumers. The event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. March 11 at the National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St. Tickets $65; VIP, with more vendors and special events, $125. brownpapertickets.com.

* Hot times guaranteed in Midtown Village at Opa (1311 Sansom St., 215-545-0170), where there are food and drink specials between 5 and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday -- $1 skewers, $2 sliders and $3 craft beers. Also available at the bar from 10 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

E-mail food and restaurant news to conradl@phillynews.com.