This week's dining briefs

Photo credit: Urbanite

The Darkening Theater drink will be served at several city restaurants, in honor of the TriBeCa Film Festival.

By Emily Mathis

Special to amNewYork

TriBeCa film festival cocktails: Stolichnaya is the official vodka of the 2009 TriBeCa Film Festival, taking place now through May 3. In honor of the festival, B.R. Guest mixologist Eben Klemm has created a cocktail, called "Darkening Theater", made with Popcorn-Infused Stoli, Salted Coke Syrup and garnished with Caramel Popcorn, which will offered at Blue Fin, Blue Water Grill, Primehouse New York, Vento and Wildwood Barbeque.

Archaeological Institute of America Gala: This year’s gala will celebrate the organization’s 130th anniversary, Archeology Magazine’s 60th and honor Harrison Ford. It will also feature a traditional Mayan feast prepared by Mayan archeologists Patricio Balona and Ben Thomas, and Capitale executive chef, Jason Munger. A silent live auction for trips to visit ancient Maya and Roman ruins will be held. Tuesday April 28th from 7 – 10 p.m. at Capitale located on 130 Bowery St. at Bowery and Grand sts. (212-334-5500).Individual tickets: $500-$1,000, Tables of 10: $5,000-$10,000

Buy tickets at Archaeological.org/Store/ or 617-353-8709Marea opens on a charitable note next Friday, May 1st: Chef Michael White and Chris Cannon will open their newest restaurant with a party benefiting Citymeals-on-Wheels. A $64 general admission ticket will provide 10 meals to homebound, elderly New Yorkers, while the $160 VIP tickets provide 25. VIP ticket holders may also attend a 6 –7 p.m. pre-event cocktail hour. General admission is 7 – 10 p.m.

240 Central Park South, CityMeals.org for tickets

Savor the flavors of midtown: The annual Grand Gourmet- The Flavor of Midtown event, hosted by Grand Central Partnership will feature sample dishes and beverages from more than 30 midtown places, such as Bobby Van’s Steakhouse, Metrazur, and Murray’s Cheese Shop. The event benefits Grand Central Neighborhood Social Services Corporation, the city’s largest not-for-profit homeless service. General admission is $75. VIP is $300. Thursday, May 7th from 7 – 9:30 p.m.

Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall East 42nd St. at Park Ave.

Call 866-468-7619 or TicketWeb.com for tickets

Le Cirque celebrates 35 years: A special $74 reduced price six-course tasting menu will be offered with items such as wild burgundy escargot with gruyere gnocchi, black sea bass steamed with morels, bacon, and organ broth, duck breast, and a chocolate ganache with Frangelico ice cream. Available through April 30th. The restaurant has also extended its restaurant week menu featuring a three-course lunch ($28) or dinner ($35) for the rest of 2009.

151 E. 58th St. btwn Lexington and Third aves., 212-644-0202

Taste and sounds of Appalachian Mountains: Opera and wine are standard at Chanterelle’s Sunday Salon events, but this Sunday, enjoy an afternoon (3 - 5 p.m.) of bluegrass and select Appalachian Mountain cheeses at the upscale TriBeCa restaurant. The $65 price also includes wines chosen by sommelier Roger Dagorn and small plates by chef David Waltuck.

2 Harrison St. at Hudson, 212-966-6960

American Cancer Society’s fourth Taste of Hope festival: The annual culinary, wine, and spirits festival ,held on April 28th from 6:30 – 10 p.m., will feature more than 40 restaurants and vendors, an unlimited open bar, and gift-filled organic tote valued at more than $100 for all attendants. VIP attendees can watch demonstrations by top chefs, including sushi rolling by Blue Ribbon Sushi chefs. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society, general admission is $150 and $250 for VIP. Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St., 212-463-0071 (Emily Mathis)

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