Make like that funny love scene from "Lady and the Tramp" as Le Virtù (1927 East Passyunk Ave., 215-271-5626, www.levirtu.com), a restaurant dedicated to the cuisine of Abruzzo, Italy, serves up Maccheroni alla Mugnaia, a single-strand pasta that is prepared and served uncut, stretching up to 60 feet. The pasta is made using only flour and water, then formed into a circle and gradually hand-pulled and manipulated into a longer, thinner loop which can be extended to the desired length. At Le Virtù this historic recipe is served family-style with three classic sauces and an array of condiments and can be prepared for up to 12 guests. Orders for more than two guests must be placed 24 hours in advance. Advance ordering is not necessary for a single order, $17, which is about five feet long.
Eats Beat 3/29/12
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant (710 South Madison St., Wilmington, Del., 302-472-2739, www.ironhillbrewery.com) will host the final round in its annual competition among all nine IH locations, Firkin' March Madness. Each restaurant will bring a firkin, and guests can cast votes. There will be "March Madness-inspired" dishes and a raffle for IH shirts, mug memberships and other fun stuff. "Our brewers are all very supportive of each other, but they also have a competitive streak," said Mark Edelson, director of brewery operations. Chow down on themed dishes representing the regions of the other big March tournament - you know, the one that involves a ball.
They call it "Philly's only craft beer charity event with a dress code." It's the second annual Brews & Bowties, planned for 6-9 p.m. April 5 at the Ethical Society of Philadelphia (1906 S. Rittenhouse Square) for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - Philadelphia Chapter. $60 gets you brews, a keepsake glass and hors d'oeuvres donated by Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House and Farmers Cabinet. Presented by Rolling Barrel Events, Mole Street Productions and Henry A. Davidsen Master Tailors & Image Consultants. Ticket details at www.brewsandbowties.com or 215-627-4747, ext. 108.
REX 1516 (1516 South St., 267-319-1366, www.rex1516.com) has launched a new weekend brunch from 11-4 p.m. that will feature the Southern inspirations of Alabama-born Executive Chef Regis Jansen. Expect Shrimp & Grits, Cornmeal Waffles and such.
Lemon Hill (747 North 25th St., 215-232-2299, lemonhillphilly.com), the collaborative restaurant from Executive Chef Mitch Prensky and the partners behind The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co., does happy hour weekdays from 5-7 p.m.. Specials include $2 off Slyfox Pikeland Pils and Brooklyn Lager, $6 red and white wines, plus $7 specialty cocktails. Make reservations now for the April 16 Brooklyn Brewery tap takeover and four-course beer dinner, featuring such rare Brooklyn beers as Black Ops. $60 (plus tax and tip). n
Send restaurant news to Laurie Conrad at conradl@phillynews.com.
