Taste of Italy

Bangor-area foodies now have a new dining destination. Michael Boland, who owns Rupununi and Havana in Bar Harbor, will open Guinness & Porcelli’s at 5 p.m. Friday. Chef Rich Hanson, formerly of Jonathan’s in Blue Hill and Pomodoro in Boston, will prepare regional Italian cuisine, such as Osso Bucco Milanese, Risotto al Aragosta (Arborio rice simmered with lobster, sweet peas and leeks), and a daily antipasto selection. The restaurant is located at 735 Main St. (formerly Seguino’s and City Limits) and will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. daily. For information or reservations, call 947-2300.

Baker’s choice

If you feel like loafing around, you’re in luck. “Bountiful Breads” is the theme for this year’s cooking contest at the Ellsworth Public Library. The contest will focus on quick breads with additions, such as nuts and berries. The contest is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 26, and will feature guest judge Ric Tyler of WLBZ-2. Entrants should register at the library’s circulation desk by Jan. 18 and bring two loaves of the same kind of bread to be judged on Jan. 26. For information, call Julie Gillette at 667-6363.

Theatrical treats

Looking to add a little drama to your dinner? Try the Wayside Theater’s cookbooks: “The Musical Theatre Cookbook” and “The Theatre Lover’s Cookbook,” which feature such dishes as Strawberry Tarts from “My Fair Lady” and Chicken for Eight at Eight from “Hello, Dolly.” The books include background information about the plays and where each dish appeared in the script. Mollie and Walter Meserve of Feedback Theater Books, based in Brooklin, donated the books as a fund-raiser for the Dexter theater. The books cost $10 each and are available at the Dexter Print Shop, Abbot Memorial Library, or by calling June Woodman at 924-8813 or Liz Breault at 924-7292.

Tidbits is hungry for news about local food products and events. Send your Tidbits to: Bangor Daily News, attn: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor ME 04402-1329, or kandresen@bangordailynews.net.