Eats Beat: 1/26/12
* The dogs are sizzlin' on the grill at Maui's Dog House this week. The North Wildwood, N.J., seasonal fave has set up at the Food Court at the Bellevue (20 S. Broad St.). Owners "Maui" Mike and Liz D'Antuono have year-round plans for their
* The dogs are sizzlin' on the grill at Maui's Dog House this week. The North Wildwood, N.J., seasonal fave has set up at the Food Court at the Bellevue (20 S. Broad St.). Owners "Maui" Mike and Liz D'Antuono have year-round plans for their newest home, serving "Traditional German Franks" in all sorts of guises, plus burgers, fries and more. Try Maui's surf-and-turf (a hot dog and fried shrimp) or the signature Salty Balls - brine-cooked whole spuds with melted butter for dipping. Hours (for now) are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
* It's Restaurant Week in the Center City District - don't be hatin'! More than 100 restaurants are serving $20 three-course lunches and $35 three-course dinners through tomorrow and again Sunday through Feb. 3. This practice has its skeptics, but it's a nice way to try someplace new. Details at www.centercityphila.org.
* There's more brunch to munch in Chestnut Hill as Heirloom (8705 Germantown Ave., 215-242-2700) begins Sunday seatings at 10:30 and 11 a.m. or 1 and 1:30 p.m. Chef Al Paris serves up hearty plates such as Pulled Chicken and Easy Eggs, Crab Cake Benedict, Oyster and Chive Omelet with Smoky Tasso Crème, and Whole Wheat Pancakes with Caramelized Bananas. The three-course brunch is $22.95.
* They're brunching away in Wayne, too, at Ella's American Bistro (214 Sugartown Road, 610-964-3552) from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays. Chef Matt Schuler's menu includes Chicken and Waffles, Egg Sliders and an Iron Stone Farms Sirloin Burger. Local sourcing and organic pedigrees are a priority. And they've got a wild twist on the Bloody Mary - a bacon, lettuce and tomato version.
* Hearty isn't just for brunch. This winter at City Tap House (Radian Balcony, 3925 Walnut St., 215-662-0105), Executive Chef Ralph Kane is doing hearty suppers with regional American themes: Monday, Southern cooking; Tuesday, game night; Wednesday, whole roasts; Thursday, "Homesick Texans" barbecue; Friday, whole fish "On the Hook." Saturday, it's steaks, chops and traditional sides. The suppers are $24 to $36.
* Chabaa Thai (4371 Main St., 215-483-1979) is hosting its fifth annual Spicy Contest. Take the heat and win $1,000. Qualifying rounds are under way through Feb. 29. Ten finalists will be announced March 1 to compete March 13. Contestants must eat from the qualification menu; servers award points based on secret criteria.