The next Piatto per Tutti cooking class is tonight as is a (sold out) charcuterie tasting being held at Bonobo. Tuesday through Thursday the 68th Annual Maine Agricultural Trade Show is taking place in Augusta. There are four wine tastings scheduled this week: at RSVP on Wednesday, at Public Market House (wine and cheese) and at Leavitt & Sons on Thursday, and at Rosemont at Brighton on Saturday. The Great Lost Bear is showcasing the brews of Dogfish Head on Thursday. Saturday is opening night at Port City Music Hall. Vignola is hosting their 3rd annual beer and cheese tasting on Saturday. For more information on these and other upcoming food happenings in the area, visit the event calendar.
Month: January 2009
Maple Sugar
Poor weather conditions the past couple years have constrained supply of maple syrup. Maine syrup producers are adding capacity in anticipation of this year’s season in hopes of capitalizing on the market conditions, according to an article in today Maine Sunday Telegram.
“The largely mom-and-pop operations don’t tap sugar maples until the sap starts to flow, usually around the third week of February.
But this year, maple syrup fever is raging across the state thanks to a shortage of the sweet amber liquid. This January, prices have soared and syrup makers are racing to increase production, laying new sap lines and preparing to tap more trees than ever before.”
Maine Maple Sunday is taking place on March 22nd this year.
Beer, Food & Tuscany
BeerBloggers.com has posted details on the 12 Stouts After Christmas menu that will be on tap at Novare Res starting this Monday. Later in the month on January 25 Novare Res is joining forces with Rob Evans at Hugo’s on a beer dinner ($95 per person) at the Middle Street restaurant.
This Spring, Chef Evans along with colleagues from Texas and Arizona, are hosting a culinary vacation in Tuscany ($2149 per person). Travellers will “stay at one of two elegant villas on a 1000 acre Tuscan estate” and “Join Three Great American Chefs as they introduce you to the Culinary Wonders of Tuscany.”
Paciarino
Cornucopasetic has posted a brief review of Paciarino.
“I stopped by there this evening after work and the owners let me try various sauces and other treats that I immediately became addicted to…Paciarino: very highly recommended.“
Granny Kirkwood's
Granny Kirkwood’s Shortbread, a South Portland company that sold shortbread to raise money for Maine Medical, has gone out of business according to this article in the Forecaster.
“Gibson said his Wallace Avenue business was still growing and had a loyal following, but wasn’t growing fast enough to justify staying open. He predicted it would have taken another three years to turn the corner.”
Paciarino
Eat the View Update
Today’s Press Herald has an update on Roger Doiron’s campaign to get the next administration to plant a vegetable garden on the White House lawn.
“I like to think of the White House as America’s house,” Doiron said in a telephone interview Wednesday, “and I think it should have a vegetable garden. … One of the first things John Adams, the first president to live in the White House, did was to plant a vegetable garden.”
Coffee Anyone?
A new coffee shop is going in at 183 Middle St, right adjacent to Tommy’s Park and across the street from the old Pavilion. There’s no word yet on when it will open or even what the name of the store will be.
Cactus Club’s Liquor License
The Police have asked the City Council to deny the Cactus Club’s liquor license application according to an article in today’s Press Herald.
“The recommendation follows a pair of underage-drinking stings at the Fore Street club and a shooting just a few steps away that left an active duty U.S. Marine in a wheelchair.”
Lobster Prices
Lobster prices have begun to rebound according to an article in today’s Press Herald.
“Lobster prices are rising after months in the tank, but with poor weather conditions and much of their fishing gear pulled from the water, not many fishermen are reaping the rewards.”