Soup's On!

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The 22nd annual “KitchenAid The Book and The Cook” is back for another year of gut-busting delicacies as renowned chefs and cookbook authors pair up with local restaurants. This year’s series runs from March 17 through 26, and is the largest, longest-running restaurant-based festival in the country. Here’s a sampling of what’s happening in Penn’s backyard. For times, contact the restaurant and for a complete schedule go to: www.thebookandthecook.com.

Friday, March 17

• MICHAEL JACKSON, author of the guide, “Whisky,” is back for “Great Grains, Great Whiskeys.” 6:30 p.m. at Penn Museum, 3260 South St. Reservations required: 215-898-4890. Info: www.museum.upenn.edu. $90; $75 for Museum members.

Saturday, March 18

• British beer specialist MICHAEL JACKSON, leads the 16th annual tasting of beers from around the world. 1 p.m. at Penn Museum. Tickets: 215-898-3900. Info: www.museum.upenn.edu. $45; $40 for Museum members.

Monday, March 20

• HI SOO SHIN HEPINSTALL, author of “Growing Up in a Korean Kitchen: A Cookbook,” shares cultural and culinary stories at pan-Asian bistro Bubble House, 3404 Sansom St. Reservations: 215-243-0804. Dinner is in the $25 to $50 per person range.

Wednesday, March 22

• BILL NIMAN (“The Niman Ranch Cookbook: From Farm to Table with America’s Finest Meat”) is dedicated to compassionate farming and responsible land use, and showcases some of his Niman Ranch meats on the evening’s menu. White Dog Café, 3420 Sansom St. Reservations: 215-386-9224. $65 per person.

• Eating healthy can mean great-tasting food. Join DEANNA SEGRAVE-DALY, author of “Cooking Healthy Across America,” for a night of flavorful food. Abbraccio, 820 S. 47th St. Reservations: 215-727-8247. Dinner is in the $25 to $50 per person range.

• BARBARA KAFKA, the 1996 recipient of the Philadelphia Toque Award and author of “Vegetable Love: A Book for Cooks,” discusses vegetables with her customary passion and knowledge. The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College, 4207 Walnut St. Reservations: 215-222-4200. Dinner is in the $25 to $50 per person range.

Friday, March 24

• NICK MALGIERI, author of “A Baker’s Tour,” has traveled extensively in search of the perfect cake, focaccia and pie and will receive the 2006 KitchenAid Toque Award for lifetime achievement. Penne, The Inn at Penn, 3611 Walnut St. Reservations: 215-823-6222. Dinner is in the $50 to $74 price range.