Doesn't it seem like every block is announcing its own Restaurant Week? There are two Philadelphia areas hosting Restaurant Weeks in September. John Brandt-Lee, chef/owner of Avalon Restaurant in West Chester, is tired of it. So, instead, he is offering a NON-Restaurant Week Promotion.

Come to Avalon Restaurant, a Rustic Italian BYOB in West Chester, during any area Restaurant Week and get a complimentary artisanal cheese plate. All you have to do is tell your server, "I am not here for so-and-so's Restaurant Week."

"Why can't restaurants offer good value all of the time - instead of just one week a year? That's what we do at Avalon - we offer a great 4-course prix fixe menu, year round," said Brandt-Lee, who has already demonstrated with his edgy, nationally-published blog, that he's not afraid to speak his mind.

In addition to the ala carte menu, which features simple bold flavors from exceptional ingredients, Avalon offers a 4-course prix fixe menu featuring smaller European-sized portions. Diners can design their own meal by choosing 4 courses from the menu - including an antipasti, homemade pasta, carne or pesci and dolce (appetizer, pasta, meat or fish and dessert). Available on Wednesdays and Thursdays for $35 and on Fridays and Saturdays for $40.

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I don't know about you, but there is absolutely nothiing that puts a smile on my face like a delicious dessert after a yummy meal.

Although my stomach is usually too stuffed and my wallet too empty to order dessert all the time, I relish the tasty treats when I have the chance to partake.

So, you can imagine my excitement when I learned that September 15th is Free Dessert Day!

The event is being sponsored by Top Chef Just Desserts. When you make an online reservation at Opentable.com at one of the participating restaurants and you will get a free dessert for every two diners at your table!

Some of the restaurants offering this sweet treat include Capital Grille, blueplate, LaScala's, Postiano Coast, Rose Tattoo Cafe, Verdad Restaurant, Zahav and many more.

You don't get free dessert every day, so don't miss out on this deal!

I am a huge fan of the AMC show Mad Men (which just won another Emmy Award!), but whenever I see Don Draper and crew knocking back drinks at lunch, my mouth literally falls open and I start to get nauseous.

If I tried to drink during my lunch break, I would probably just pass out at my desk and get absolutely nothing accomplished for the rest of the day.

But if you want to have a lunch that rivals the Sterling, Cooper, Draper, Price advertising agency, then all you have to do is head to Le Meridien Hotel at 1421 Arch Street in Philadelphia. According to this post from Foobooz, Amuse Restaurant is offering a Three Martini Lunch deal.

Yep, for $30 you can order 3 martinis of your choosing along with onion soup and steak frites. The deal lasts through September, so make sure to take advantage of it while you can.

If you simply cannot finish 3 martinis, you will receive a voucher for the unfinished drinks which can be used at any time within 30 days of purchasing the lunch deal. That seems more my style. If I tried to knock back three martinis in the middle of the day, I most certainly would need more to eat than onion soup and steak frites!

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Someone in a call to Adam Richman-- one Philadelphia eatery has a big challenge ready for "Man vs. Food" glory.

Jake's Sandwich Board in Center City has a feat of eating that would cause the average person to cringe and simply abstain from making an attempt. It is definitely a challenge not meant for the average person.

This ultimate Philadelphia eating feat includes A 2-foot steak, brisket or pork sandwich weighing about 3 pounds, 4 soft-pretzels, 12 TastyKakes, 2-dozen Peanut Chews and 1 Champ Cherry Soda to wash it all down!

The gut-busting meal will cost you $34.95, but if you can finish it all by yourself in under 45 minutes you don't have to pay a cent and you get the fame and glory of being featured on the Wall of Shame.

If you want to compete and take "The Challenge" make sure to call the restaurant 24 hours in advance so that they will be ready for you.

Do you have what it takes? Because I certainly do not.

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Forget a juicy burger. Don't even think about a slab of ribs. No need to order the chicken or the veal or the pork. Meatballs should be able to satisfy your meat craving.

According to this article from The Insider, the Marabella Meatball Company is returning to Philadelphia and plans to open a spot near 12th and Walnut.

The restaurant originally had locations in The Academy House and Windsor Suites in the city, but closed up shop and have since been replaced with other establishments.

But owner Gabe Marabella is bringing back his delicious offerings and has a spot planned for 1211 Walnut St. The eatery will offer four types of meatballs (beef, pork, chicken, and vegetable) as well as sauces and side options.

Look for an opening around October 1.

It's hard to believe we are already thinking about Oktoberfest, but the summer is winding down and the celebration is just a few short weeks away.

To coincide with the annual Oktoberfest celebration in Munich, Germany, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant will offer an exceptional menu of hearty Bavarian dishes that will be served at all eight restaurants from Friday, September 17 until Sunday October 3. Iron Hill’s Oktoberfest menu, which will be served in addition to the a la carte menu, will offer dishes with seasonal autumnal flavors and is an ideal accompaniment to its hand-crafted Oktoberfest beer.

“Every year, our chefs, brewers and especially our customers get excited for Oktoberfest, both for our special dishes and the release of our Fest beer,” says Director of Culinary Operations Kevin Davies.

The robust Oktoberfest menu will include: Bavarian White Bean and Sausage Soup; Mesclun Salad with goat cheese, red beets, walnuts and sherry vinaigrette; Smoked Salmon with boursin cheese, cucumber-red onion salad, grilled flatbread and sweet mustard-dill sauce; Grilled Sausages, including bratwurst, knockwurst and garlic sausage with braised lentils and stone ground mustard; Jaeger Schnitzel, pan-fried, breaded veal cutlet with buttered egg noodles, haricots verts and hunter sauce; Sauteed Rainbow Trout with horseradish smashed potatoes, spinach, leeks, tomatoes, garlic and ale sauce; Sauerbraten-Style Top Sirloin Steak, marinated in red wine and served with ale-braised cabbage, spatzle and gingersnap gravy; Pan-Seared Salmon with sauerkraut-potato croquettes, buttery green beans and sweet mustard-dill sauce; Linzer Torte; and Apricot Frangipane with vanilla ice cream and cherry-kirsch sauce. Menu items range in price from $4.25 to $20.50.

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Confession-- I have never had the privilege of eating a lobster roll. And I know that if I really want to experience a good one I should probably visit some quaint, sea-side town in New England, but it looks like I can get a pretty authentic version at the Oyster House in Philly.

According to this rave from Inquirer food columnist Rick Nichols owner Sam Mink has done due diligence in recreating the toasty, buttery buns from Maine and the fresh, simple taste of succulent lobster that traditional rolls all have.

The article mentions how many other area restaurants have tried and failed to create their versions of the classic, end-of-summer sandwich. However, many have made it too gimmicky, too overdone, too much-- period.

But Nichols says the Oyster House sandwich is spot-on and provides a delicious dinner complete with a plate of fries.

Of course, this little bit of lobster luxury is going to cost you a pretty penny. The meal runs at $26 a plate! But maybe I one-time treat couldn't hurt, now could it?

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Sure, Fishtown might have its fair share of bars, restaurants and good cheap eats, but until now, they haven't had the pleasure of Taco Tuesday-- a glutton-friendly event made popular by bars such as Tattoo Mom's on South Street and La Lupe in the Italian Market.

But all of that is about to change because Barbarella-- the bar above The Barbary-- is introducing the cheap tradition to the area.

According to this post from Phoodie the Fishtown bar will start serving up $1 tacos (meat and vegetarian options) along with $1 Tecate on Tuesday nights between 5pm and 8pm.

That's quite a deal! You can polish off five tacos and five beers for no more than $10!

This might make a trip up to Fishtown worth it, especially if there's something cool going on at the Barbary on a Tuesday night!

Yet another reason Cape May is a spectacular year-round destination: the 14th annual Cape May Food & Wine Festival. Scheduled for Sept. 18-26, the annual event keeps the warm glow of summer flickering throughout the season's waning days.

Visitors can indulge in excellent food, fine wines, and a wide variety of culinary delights and events. Taste buds are sure to be tickled as you sample some of the Garden State's best cuisine. There's a reason the New York Times dubbed Cape May "the restaurant capital of New Jersey."

Visitors can enjoy winery tours and tastings, a five-course beer tasting dinner, a Harvest Wine Festival, luncheons at some of Cape May’s best restaurants, Chefs’ Dine-Arounds, the popular People’s Choice Chowder Contest, and numerous seminars and classes.

Please note that most festival events cannot accommodate children. For a complete list of events, click here. For more information, visit www.capemaymac.org or call 800-275-4278 for more info.

The very popular Indian restaurant from mogul Munish Narula is opening a fifth location on the Main Line.

Yes, Tiffin is officially seating today (Monday, August 16) in Bryn Mawr.

Located at 847 Lancaster Avenue this restaurant will offer moderately-priced Indian cuisine to customers in a casual eatery.

Tiffin also has locations in Northern Liberties, Mount Airy, Elkins Park and Wynnewood.

And keep an eye on Narula's new concept which will be opening at some point in the new 777 S. Broad building in Philadelphia.