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As seen on the “Last Supper” episode of the Food Network’s The Best Thing I Ever Ate, a show that asks top chefs around the county to pick their absolute favorite food for a specific theme. This episode’s theme was “Last Supper,” where the featured chefs had to pick what they would want to eat for their ultimate last meal.

Iron Chef Michael Symon, who now is also one of the hosts on ABC’s new daytime food talk show, The Chew, didn’t hesitate to choose the pasta tasting menu at Vetri, declaring it to be his favorite restaurant in the country.

“If I had to go to one place for pasta, I would go to Vetri in Philadelphia, my favorite restaurant in America. I’ve never had a pasta there that is anything less than the best pasta I ever ate. [...] Marc’s pasta is breathtakingly perfect.” (Emphasis added.)

It’s true. The iconic Italian restaurant should be on everyone’s bucket list.

And don’t forget: you can also catch Chef Vetri live and in person at the Free Library, November 22, talking about his new cookbook Rustic Italian Food, which goes on sale on November 1.

The Best Thing I Ever Ate: Last Supper [Food Network]

Previously: Marc Vetri To Release A New Cookbook, Rustic Italian Food, November 1: Catch Him At The Free Library, November 22

The Wilma Theater’s production of Our Class is well-acted and the dialogue is finely wrought, but the subject matter, inspired by true events, is tremendously unsettling.

The story begins in 1926, in a small town in Poland, where 10 characters are childhood classmates.

Through 14 acts we follow their lives, which dramatically change when the town is first invaded by Stalin’s army and later by German Nazis. The classmates become divided as anti-Semitism destroys their camaraderie and leads to unspeakable actions. Tension escalates as we watch them deal with changing life circumstances and personal guilt, both before and after a pivotal horrific event.

The characters’ tragedy and criminality is portrayed in a gripping yet simply staged style that includes each character facing the audience and telling his or her personal story as it continues to unfold. This dramatic device helps apply human faces to true-life betrayal and inhumanity.

You may feel uneasy sitting through Our Class, but you’ll still walk out thinking the show was very much worthwhile. Check out additional related programming (post-show discussions, film screenings and more), and get tickets online.

Our Class
Where: Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad Street
When: Now through November 13
Cost: $39-$66
More info: www.wilmatheater.org

The Washington Post is entranced by Bucks County's colors of fall, from the 'punchy yellows, oranges and reds' of the trees to 'the wildflowers and grasses, the berries and cornstalks' that 'are worthy of more than just a passing peep.' (Credit: GPTMC)

In a piece titled “Undercover Color: Pennsylvania fall colors far from the trees,” The Washington Post Travel Section highlights Bucks County’s multi-colored autumn splendor.

The article not only includes three full-color photos and a front-page feature, it also outlines an in-depth visitor’s guide to Bucks County.

Locations highlighted include Hellerick’s Family Farm near Doylestown, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve in New Hope, Peace Valley Winery in Chalfont and Earl’s Bucks County restaurant in Peddler’s Village.

The emphasis is on the beauty of the region’s fall colors, aside from the standard fall foliage; for example, the writer Andrea Sachs gushes about “the lipstick-red berries; the gold and bronze tufts of grasses; the go-light green of moss; and the stunning backdrop that ties it all together” at Bowman’s Hill.

Interested in visiting? Check out Visit Philly’s Bucks County Sampler for tips and suggestions.

Pennsylvania fall colors far from the trees [Washington Post]

Philadelphia’s Israeli JazzPhest is a showcase for presenting the eclectic world of Israeli jazz at mainstream locations like World Cafe Live. (Photo courtesy World Cafe Live)

The 4th annual Israeli JazzPhest will take place in and around Philadelphia from November 10-20, featuring five dynamic ensembles that fuse jazz with a wide range of musical forms and genres from around the world.

The musicians, composers, and arrangers involved all offer a wide range of musical expertise and all convey their personal stories and journeys by fusing jazz with classical and world music. Audiences will be taken on a musical journey around the world.

And this year’s festival will have an added bonus: a new partnership with The Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz.

The line-up is as follows:

• Thursday, November 10, 8 p.m.: Kick-off with Oran Etkin and Kelenia, Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz, $15. Grammy-nominated clarinetist Oran Etkin returns to Philadelphia with the mesmerizing Kelenia ensemble. Blending traditional West African Malian music with Jewish, Middle Eastern, and Jazz rhythms, their melodies create a unique, uplifting sound.

• Friday, November 11, 6 p.m.: Jazz Kabbalat Shabbat with Seeds of Sun’s Naomi Shemer Tribute, Congregation Beth Am Israel, Penn Valley, Free. The internationally acclaimed ensemble Seeds of Sun returns with a tribute to Israel’s legendary composer/lyricist, the late Naomi Shemer. This concert combines Ms. Shemer’s compositions with various genres of World Music (Reggae, Afro Cuban, Middle Eastern, Bossa Nova, Country and more). A wine and cheese reception begins at 5:15 p.m.

• Sunday, November 13, noon: Israeli Jazz Brunch with Mattan Klein’s 4 Flute Flight Ensemble, World Café Live, $15. The ensemble combines four unique flute voices with an energetic acoustic rhythm section to produce a surprising World Jazz sound. This is 4 Flute Flight’s CD release premier performance.

• Wednesday, November 16, 8 and 10 p.m.: Omer Avital Group, Chris’s Jazz Café, $15. The Omer Avital Group reflects Avital’s upbringing in a Moroccan-Yemenite family, as well as his interest in folk and classical Middle Eastern forms and classical European music.

• Sunday, November 20, noon: Israeli Jazz Brunch with Shai Maestro Trio, World Café Live, $15. A rising star on the jazz scene in New York City and Europe, Shai’s music is exceptionally lyrical.

In partnership with Consulate General of Israel in Philadelphia, Israeli JazzPhest is made possible in part by the support of the American Israel Cultural Foundation and the Center for Israel and Overseas of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.

4th Annual Israeli JazzPhest
When: November 10-20
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free $15
More info: www.philadelphia.mfa.gov.il

On Saturday, October 29, Exec Chef Evan Turney will host Varga Bar’s first ever roast event, “Up In Smoke.”

From 1-8 pm, Chef Turney will have a spit perfectly slow-cooking delicious meats for all to enjoy.

He’ll be serving roast whole, free range chickens from Murray’s Farm in Lancaster County; roast pork and lamb from Green Village Farms in upstate PA; and side dishes including roasted autumn vegetables, sweet potato-parsnip puree and wood-smoked autumn purple kale with bacon, French beans, shaved parmesan and lemon.

Commence the drooling.

For $25, you can enjoy your choice of meat and two side dishes. And to wash it all down, Victory Brewing Company will be on site for beer pairings.

Both reservations and walk-ins are welcome.

Varga Bar Roast
When: Saturday, October 29, 1-8 pm.
Where: 10th & Spruce Streets
Cost: $25
More info: www.vargabar.com

Philadelphia Theatre Company has brought Haley Joel Osment back to town, and we got the live scoop from him on how he takes his cheesesteak, his Sixth Sense catchphrase, what museum is on his to-do list while he's in town and more. (Photo by Mark Garvin courtesy Philadelphia Theatre Company)

Haley Joel Osment last worked in Philadelphia at the age of 10, when he starred in M. Night Shyamalan’s award-winning The Sixth Sense, a haunting (and, ahem, haunted) performance for which he snagged an Oscar nomination.

The film was set and almost entirely shot in Philadelphia. Now Haley is back in town, on stage opposite Broadway veteran Stephen Rowe in John Logan’s Tony Award-winning drama Red, on stage through November 13 at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre.

In Red, master abstract expressionist Mark Rothko has just landed the biggest commission in the history of modern art: a series of murals for New York’s Four Seasons Restaurant. Rothko works feverishly with his young assistant Ken (played by Haley), for two years in his studio on the Bowery as he strives to craft a masterpiece.

The play is awesome and it’s a mind-trip to see Haley up close and personal, all grown up, on stage at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre. Don’t miss your chance; tickets start at just $25 and are available online.

We got a chance to talk with Haley, live, about what he remembers from his time in Philly filming The Sixth Sense, what he thinks of the restaurant and theater scenes in Philadelphia and more.

Uwishunu: Welcome back to Philly!

Haley: Thank you!

Uwishunu: Is there anything you remember from your time here filming The Sixth Sense that you wanted to try to do or see again while you’re in town?

Haley: Oh, I definitely remember the city very well; in terms of knowing where everything is in relation to each other, I’ve learned that a little bit more this time. But I really liked living in the city last time — I was over by the museum when we were shooting here, and this time I’m more Center City so I’ve just been walking around and seeing things. This weekend’s the first time I’ve really been able to actually go out and do things because leading up to the opening we were just rehearsing all day, every day, so it’s a full schedule. But the museum is on the top of my list right now because painting is front and center in our play. I think there’s one Rothko in the museum, so it’d be nice to go and take a look at that.

Uwishunu: What about restaurants? Have you eaten anywhere, or is there somewhere you want to try?

Haley: That I have been slow to get started in, but I walk by so many great ones every day. I’m right by Butcher & Singer which I pass by every day — we actually shot a scene from The Sixth Sense in there, when it used to be a different restaurant.

Uwishunu: That’s right, it was Striped Bass, also by Stephen Starr. But does it look the same to you?

Haley: It does, actually — I know they’ve changed the decoration and everything, but it’s a very recognizable building.

Uwishunu: Any other spots you want to get to?

Below, Haley dishes on how he takes his cheesesteak, his Sixth Sense catchphrase and more.

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Locally produced wine plus locally produced art for a local cause — what's not to love?
(Photo courtesy The no name Art Group)

After a very successful event last year, The (no name) Art Group is returning to B Square Gallery for its 2nd Annual Art of Giving; and this time the event is bigger and better, with more artists participating and an all-day celebration.

The (no name) Art Group invited 50 local artists to create custom wine labels to be affixed to bottles of Chaddsford Winery wine (either Sunset Blush, Proprietor’s Red, or Proprietor’s White).

The labels go on display October 27; the reception is October 29 from noon to 9 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Philabudance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization.

Here’s how it works: From the original labels on display at the gallery, you choose your favorite (or favorites), then you choose a bottle(s) (Red, White, or Blush), and they put a print of that label on your bottle. There are 365 bottles for sale (at $25 apiece; $15 of each sale will go to Philabundance) and once they’re gone, they’e gone.

You can also purchase just the label for $10 each will all the proceeds going to organization.

In addition to wine and labels, some of the artists will be selling their original labels and sculptor Sandra Webberking has donated one of her beautifully crafted wine displays for the occasion.

Check out artwork from last year’s exhibition here, and below.

The 2nd Annual Art of Giving
Where: B Square Gallery, 614 S. 9th Street
When: Gallery hours are Thursday 1:30-7 p.m., Friday 12-6 p.m., Saturday 12-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: www.nonameartgroup.org

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Don’t forget that the Philadelphia Photo Arts Center (PPAC) is celebrating its second anniversary on October 28 with the second annual Philly Photo Day.

Everyone in Philadelphia is invited to take a picture of anything anywhere in the city, with a camera, a cellphone or even a computer and submit it electronically to PPAC. You don’t have to be a professional; point-and-shoots welcome.

Every single picture received will be printed and PPAC will hold an exhibition from November 10–19 highlighting the photos. The opening reception will take place on Thursday, November 10 from 6-9 p.m. at PPAC’s gallery in the Crane Arts Building.

Reprints of all the images will be available for $25.

Philly Photo Day 2011
When: Friday, October 28
Where: Anywhere in Philadelphia
Cost: Free
More info: www.philaphotoarts.org

Franklin Square is a kid's fantasy land throughout the year, but no more so than during the fall when mini golf turns spooky-themed, the grass lawn becomes a pumpkin patch and the leaves are gorgeous shades of crimson and gold. (Photo courtesy Franklin Square)

UPDATE: PumpkinFest moved to Sunday, October 30 due to predicted inclement weather.

The air is getting brisker, the leaves are changing colors and it’s time for PumpkinFest at Franklin Square.

Head out and enjoy the festivities next Saturday, October 29, as the beloved park plays host to Halloween in Historic Philadelphia.

The event’s got something for the entire family, including pumpkin and face painting, cupcake decorating, a costume parade, a magician, raffles, a trick-or-treat trail and food provided by Stephen Starr’s delicious burger joint SquareBurger.

Also on hand with will be some of Philadelphia’s very own local celebrities, like Eagles’ tackle Winston Justice, Kathy O’Connell of WXPN’s Kids Corner and, everyone’s favorite, the Phillie Phanatic.

You’ll also get a chance to enjoy some of what the 7.5-acre park has to offer year-round. Take unlimited rides on the Liberty Carousel, or take a swing at the Mini Golf course, which will be in rare, spooky form, specially for Halloween.

Because it’s never too late to dress up like a fool and eat candy, get your tickets now.

Franklin Square PumpkinFest
When: Saturday, October 29, Sunday, October 30, 3-6 p.m.
Where: Franklin Square, 6th & Race Streets
Cost: $25-40 per person, $125-$130 for a family of 4, Children under 2 free
More info: www.historicphiladelphia.org

Shake it at the Painted Bride this weekend to salsa, cha cha, merengue and more. BYO maracas.
(Photo courtesy Painted Bride)

The Latin Fiesta ensemble celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with caliente beats and salsa rhythms on Saturday, October 22 at the Painted Bride Art Center.

Latin Fiesta’s mission is to share the richness of the Hispanic musical heritage with a variety of audiences. This year’s “Noche Tropical” event will feature a Cuban conga line, music from the acclaimed Buena Vista Social Club and Dominican Merengue.

In addition, guest stars Jorge Maldonado, vocalist from the Sonora Matancera, and Stephen Choo Quan & Sarah Davis Salsa Dancers will show off moves you won’t see in any Zumba class.

The free pre-concert workshop for children and adults from 6:15-7 p.m. will give concert goers a taste of what the night has in store.

Tickets are $25, and you can purchase them online.

Latin Fiesta Festival of Music and Dance
When: October 22, 8 p.m.
Where: The Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine Street
Cost: $25
More Info: www.latinfiestainc.com