Food Security, Food Paintings and Seatinis

Today’s Press Herald includes articles about food security in Cumberland County,

The Campaign to Promote Food Security in Cumberland County is scheduled to release its report today after a yearlong study. It says the recession has dramatically increased the number of Cumberland County residents who aren’t sure they can put food on the table, or skip meals because they run out of money.

a Maine artist who paints portraits of family recipes,

With titles like “Mom’s Spaghetti,” “MaryLou’s Fish Chowder” and “Merriam Family Camp Apple Pie,” Erickson’s work preserves memories of holiday dishes, grandmothers’ treats and just good old home cooking.

Ocean Approved’s latest product the Dilly Kelp Pickles which you can buy on the OA website,

The newest product from Portland-based Ocean Approved features the company’s kelp noodles in a dill-infused vinegar brine. With a flavor that blends the essence of dilly beans and a subtle sea taste, the pickles have a slight crunch, and have the look of spinach noodles.

and an Appel on Wine column.

Jack Rosen

Jack Rosen passed away on Sunday. Rosen was a long-time fixture at Full Belly Deli working along with his son David who is the restaurant’s owner. Today’s Press Herald includes a Passages article on Rosen and an obituary.

His son said it was his father’s dream to open a deli. He said customers expected to see him there – even those who he insulted for ordering a sandwich wrong.

“It’s inappropriate to order corned beef or pastrami on white bead,” his son said. “He wouldn’t let them do it. He told them to order a different bread and they listened.”

30% Rise in Enrollment at SMCC

Today’s Press Herald reports on the SMCC culinary arts program. The program has seen a 30% increase in enrollment in the last 3 years.

“The No. 1 driver is jobs,” said Chef Wilfred Beriau, a professor and former department chairman. “People are recognizing that food service is thriving in Maine, especially as part of the tourism industry. No. 2 is the Food Channel and all of the cooking shows on television. It’s showing people the color and excitement of food as an industry.”

This Week's Events: Terry Thiese, Whoopie Pie Throwdown, Terra Madre

Monday — Chef Jennifer Flock is teaching an Italian cooking class tonight.
Tuesdaywine guru Terry Thiese will be in Portland for a book signing at Rabelais and a sold out dinner at Bar Lola.
WednesdayRSVP and Old Port Wine Merchants are both hosting wine tastings, Wine Wise is exploring French wines and the Food Network is airing a whoopie pie throwdown between Cranberry Island Kitchen and Bobby Flay.
Thursday — a French wine dinner is taking place at the Sea Glass restaurant in Cape Elizabeth, there will be wine tastings at Aurora Provisions and Rosemont Market, and the Great Lost Bear will showcase beer from Rising Tide.
Friday — Slow Food is holding a potluck dinner and panel discussion entitled “Bringing Home Terra Madre: A Panel Discussion on Slow Food & Maine Food”.
SaturdayRosemont Market and Black Cherry Provisions are holding a wine tastings, and the Deering Oaks Farmers Market is taking place.
Christmas Eve — I haven’t heard yet from any restaurants that are planning dinners on Christmas day but several have announced that they’ll be open Christmas Eve: El Rayo, Five Fifty-Five, The Corner Room, The Front Room, The Grill Room and Vignola. Cinque Terre is also open on Christmas Eve when they’ll be holding their annual Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner, 4-8, $65 per person.
New Year’s Eve — Bar Lola, Five Fifty-Five, Figa, Frog & Turtle and Sea Glass have all announced special events for New Year’s Eve. I’ll be adding more to the calendar as I hear of them.
For more information on these and other upcoming food happenings in the area, visit the event calendar.
If you are holding a food event this week that’s not listed above, publicize it by adding it as a comment to this post.

This Week’s Events: Terry Thiese, Whoopie Pie Throwdown, Terra Madre

Monday — Chef Jennifer Flock is teaching an Italian cooking class tonight.

Tuesdaywine guru Terry Thiese will be in Portland for a book signing at Rabelais and a sold out dinner at Bar Lola.

WednesdayRSVP and Old Port Wine Merchants are both hosting wine tastings, Wine Wise is exploring French wines and the Food Network is airing a whoopie pie throwdown between Cranberry Island Kitchen and Bobby Flay.

Thursday — a French wine dinner is taking place at the Sea Glass restaurant in Cape Elizabeth, there will be wine tastings at Aurora Provisions and Rosemont Market, and the Great Lost Bear will showcase beer from Rising Tide.

Friday — Slow Food is holding a potluck dinner and panel discussion entitled “Bringing Home Terra Madre: A Panel Discussion on Slow Food & Maine Food”.

SaturdayRosemont Market and Black Cherry Provisions are holding a wine tastings, and the Deering Oaks Farmers Market is taking place.

Christmas Eve — I haven’t heard yet from any restaurants that are planning dinners on Christmas day but several have announced that they’ll be open Christmas Eve: El Rayo, Five Fifty-Five, The Corner Room, The Front Room, The Grill Room and Vignola. Cinque Terre is also open on Christmas Eve when they’ll be holding their annual Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner, 4-8, $65 per person.

New Year’s Eve — Bar Lola, Five Fifty-Five, Figa, Frog & Turtle and Sea Glass have all announced special events for New Year’s Eve. I’ll be adding more to the calendar as I hear of them.

For more information on these and other upcoming food happenings in the area, visit the event calendar.

If you are holding a food event this week that’s not listed above, publicize it by adding it as a comment to this post.