Seven Pop-Up Dinners (and Other Notable Culinary Events)

Photo courtesy of East Boston Oysters/Facebook

All-You-Can-Eat Fenway Franks

If you’re looking for a fun and affordable way to celebrate Fenway Park’s home opener, take advantage of the South Street Diner’s all-you-can-eat hot dog special on April 13. For just $2.50 (the price of a single beer), you can spend game day eating official Fenway Franks and watching the game on South Street Diner’s televisions. Even better, wear your best Red Sox gear and you’ll automatically be entered into a raffle for tickets to a future home game.

Monday, April 13, 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m., South Street Diner, 178 Kneeland St., Boston, no tickets or reservation required, first-come first-serve. 

MA(SS) MADE Pop-up at KO Pies

Looking to start the summer season on a high note? Look no further than MA(SS) MADE’s seven-course pop-up at KO Pies in Eastie. The menu will feature sustainable, all Massachusetts-sourced ingredients prepared by Jay Hutchinson of East Boston Oysters and special guest chef Sebastian Martinez (Select Oyster Bar). For an additional cost, diners can complete their meal with libations from standout Chelsea brewery, Mystic.

$70+ per person, Monday, April 13, 7:00 p.m., KO Pies and Catering, 256 Marginal St. #16, East Boston, tickets.

Red Sox Opening Day Pop-up at Bergamot

Celebrating opening day in Boston doesn’t mean you have to join the crowds flooding Yawkey Way. Instead, check out chef Keith Pooler’s baseball-themed pop-up across the river at Bergamot where they’ll be serving up traditional fare such as hot dogs, cracker jacks, and cotton candy. A large screen projector will be playing the best moments from the Sox legendary 2004 playoff run, Red Sox-inspired music will be blaring in the background, and cold ballpark beer will be available at the cash bar.

$20 per person, Monday, April 13, 10:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m., Bergamont Restaurant, 118 Beacon St., Somerville, tickets. 

El Pelón Taqueria’s Annual Chili Eating Contest

Put your taste buds to the test with a fiery chili eating contest to benefit Lovin’ Spoonfuls. The challenge? Eat 15 habanero peppers in 15 minutes. Even harder? Keeping them down for the required 15 minutes following the last pepper. Those who complete the challenge will qualify for the annual El Pelón Chili Eating Contest slated to take place on May 1 and also receive 2015 Fiery Fifteen t-shirt t0 mark their accomplishment.

$15 entry fee, Friday, April 17 and Friday, April 24, 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m., El Pelón Taqueria, 92 Peterborough St. and 2197 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, register. 

Better Bagels at Coppa

Somerville-based bagels connoisseurs Better Bagels will make an appearance in the South End at Coppa, offering a diverse selection of New York-style bagels. Enjoy options like plain, sesame, salt, everything, and poppy bagels served with plain or scallion cream cheese, mortadella pimento cheese spread, trout roe-flavored cream cheese with charred broccoli, and other artisanal toppings and spreads. Finally, complement your bagel order with a coffee to-go or one of Coppa’s signature brunch cocktails like the rhubarb mimosa.

$6-$8, Saturday, April 18, 9:00 a.m., Coppa, 253 Shawmut Ave., Boston, no reservation or tickets required, first-come first-served. 

Jack’s Abby’s “Fancy Dinner” at State Park

Join Jack Abby’s Brewing for the release of the new Sunny Ridge Pilsner, along with other beer selections paired perfectly with a five-course meal prepared by State Park chef, Barry Maiden. The menu will feature a seasonal wild watercress salad with spring fiddleheads; seared fish with favas and fried whole belly clams; short ribs braised in Jack’s Abby’s Smoke & Dagger rauchbier; and a course of “oozy” cheese offerings. Finish the night with a caramelia and coffee tart made with dried figs, malted fluff, and white chocolate rice crispy treats.

$55+ per person, Tuesday, April 21, 5:00 p.m., State Park, 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, tickets. 

Derby Day Grilling with John Delpha

If you want to grill like a pro, take a hint or two from the award-winning barbecue minds behind Rosebud American Kitchen & Bar. To kick off the summer season and celebrate the Kentucky Derby, chef John Delpha will teach guests how to brine and smoke the perfect pork chops, as well as mix up a classic Mint Julep—a must-have for any legitimate Derby celebration.

$55 per person, Saturday April 25, 3:00 p.m., Rosebud American Kitchen & Bar, 381 Summer St., Somerville, register.