Bistrot La Minette’s Chef Peter Woolsey is determined to take you on a culinary journey through France. That’s why almost every month he creates an authentic dinner featuring a multi-course feast from different regions.

February’s dinner will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, February 24 and 25. It will feature the savory foods of Périgord, a region known for its truffles and foie gras. The chef finds particular inspiration for this menu from Paula Wolfert and her cookbook “Cooking of Southwest France,” which is an homage to the area’s culinary traditions.

This four-course prix-fix dinner costs $35, or $50 with complimentary wines.

Here is the menu:

Terrine de Foie Gras

Duck liver terrine, house-made brioche, fig compote

St. Jaques Poêlé aux Truffes Noirs et Noix

Pan seared scallops, black truffle oil, walnuts, frisée, walnut vinaigrette

Magret de Canard aux Pruneaux

Seared duck breast, prune sauce, confit potatoes

Pompe aux Pommes

Puff pastry, apples and almonds

Bistrot La Minette is located at 623 S. 6^th Street (between South and Bainbridge Streets). For reservations call 215.925.8000 or go to http://www.bistrotlaminette.com/.

David Katz

Mémé Restaurant/ Philadelphia

Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 7 p.m.

David Katz first drew acclaim at M in Philadelphia’s Morris House Hotel, where he earned the respect of Philadelphia Inquirer’s Craig LaBan for his “minimalist but very effective” culinary approach. Now the chef and owner of Mémé, Katz continues to charm critics and locals alike with his rustic yet brilliantly crafted New American cuisine. The Beard House is located at 167 West 12th Street, New York. Call 212.627.2308 to reserve or click http://jamesbeard.org/?q=node/1887.

If you’re dreaming about a terrific night out on the town at one of Philadelphia’s top restaurants, but don’t want to break your budget, read on. Two of our favorite dining spots are offering recession proof specials the entire month. So, call and make a reservation now. This is your chance to enjoy some great food presented by two of Philadelphia’s rising star chefs, at prices you can afford. Bon Appetit!

Bistrot La Minette

Did you happen to catch a peek of Chef Peter Woolsey’s mouth-watering triple cheese macaroni gratin on the cover of January’s Philly Mag?  It’s enough to make your mouth water. Well, the entire month of January you can indulge in the chef’s intriguingly authentic classic French bistro dishes without breaking your piggy bank. Every Monday through Friday evening, enjoy three courses for $30. Add two glasses of wine for $42. This Queen Village hot spot has a neighborhood charm and handcrafted warmth that will keep you chanting vive la France.

Hot off the press, Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan just upgraded his review of this excellent dining spot. Chef David Katz’s small seasonal menu focuses on great ingredients, sharing-size portions and sharp technique that produce memorable takes on standards. Check out the skillet-sizzling mussels, the strip steak with potato-blue cheese croquette, or the steel head trout. Every night but Saturday  throughout the month, the restaurant will offer three courses for $35. This is your chance to find out what everyone’s talking about. Yummy!

Benny Lai is inviting you to sign up for a chance to win a dinner for 8 in his new restaurant, Vietnam Cafe. If you haven’t been, check it out. We love it. This colorful, sophisticated hot spot is located at 816 S. 47th Street (47th & Baltimore).

The restaurant has three private dining rooms. Ideal for parties of 8 to 80. Benny and his staff need to practice serving small groups.  Would you like to be the group the restaurant practices on? There’s no fee. What an opportunity!  You’ll enjoy a multi-course feast.  Alcohol and gratuity will NOT be included.

To enter, just  send an email to Vietnam@breslowpartners.com.  Make sure to include  your name, email address and phone number. Date of the dinner must be mutually agreed upon. No purchase necessary to enter. Deadline is February 1, 2010. We hope you win!

Join in the fun with the D’Angelo’s Ristorante Italiano & Lounge 20th Anniversary Essay Contest.  Send them an essay on Facebook about a special Valentine’s Dinner you spent with them in the past 20 years and you could win a FREE romantic dinner for two this Valentine’s Day! Submit all entries  on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=52702410125

Parents are invited to drop off your children on Saturday, January 16  from 7-9 p.m. to eat pizza, paint pottery and have a great supervised time while you go out and enjoy each other for dinner! $25 per child. Must be at least 5 years old. The Expressive Hand is located at 622 South 9th Street. Reservations are required for this event (267) 519-2626.