Eats beat

_ They craft one of our city's most celebrated burgers, so it makes sense that Rob and Maggie Wasserman, owners of Rouge (205 S. 18th St., 215-732-6622), have created the first Philadelphia Burger Brawl, to benefit William M. Meredith Elementary School (725 S. 5th St.). Competing at the Queen Village school for various best-burger crowns will be chefs Marcie Turney, of Barbuzzo, Bindi and Lolita; Matt Levin, of Adsum; Jennifer Carroll, of 10Arts; London Grill; Daniel Stern, of Midatlantic and R2L; Chris Scarduzio, of Table 31; Butcher & Singer; Pub & Kitchen; Good Dog; North Third; Alfa; Royal Tavern; Ladder 15; PYT; Paesano's; and, of course, Rouge. Judges include Food Network host Marc Summers and Mike Jerrick of FOX 29's "Good Day Philadelphia."  Tickets are $60; www.ticketleap.com.

_ It's planting season, when a chef's mind turns to . . . vegetables. Meritage Restaurant & Wine Bar (500 S. 20th St., 215-985-1922) has brought back its four-course Tuesday night Vegan Tasting Menu. Courses might include vegan risotto with fava beans, Swiss chard and spring onion puree, or crispy chickpea cake with black olive tapenade, smoked tomato chutney, herb puree and sautéed spinach. $35.

_ Also getting veggie with it is London Grill (2301 Fairmount Ave., 215-978-4545). Chef Michael McNally prepares a Chef's Vegetable Board in the tradition of a charcuterie board or cheese plate, with selections that change daily. Try an $11 appetizer or $20 entrée.

Email food and restaurant news to Laurie T. Conrad, conradl@phillynews.com.