Montes goes multicultural

Pierogies and reubens and stew – oh, my! It’s time once again for the culinary world tour that is Montes’ international weeks. For the next six weeks, the Bangor caterer and lunch spot will offer menus from Germany and Hungary (this week), Italy (Jan. 31-Feb. 4), Poland (Feb. 7-11), France (Feb. 14-18), Morocco (Feb. 21-25) and Mexico (Feb. 28-March 4). It’s a tasty way to beat the winter blues and sample such treats as paprika pork stew over spaetzel, enchiladas in a slow-simmered pepper sauce and tagine over couscous. For the less adventurous, the usual wraps and quesedillas are also available. For information, visit www.downtownme.com/montes or call 945-3990.

World of wines

Want to get away from it all? Head “off the beaten track” with a wine dinner at Cleonice Mediterranean Bistro that features striking wines from unfamiliar regions. The dinner begins at 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30, at the Ellsworth restaurant. Among the highlights of the six-course meal are Manchego Cheese-Stuffed Figs, Ceci-Fava and Baked Olives, Alpine Cheese Fondue with Apples, Bread and Ham, Octopus Stewed in Red Wine and Grilled Lamb with Green Olives and Israeli Couscous. Jack Scully of Easterly Wine in Belfast will present unusual wines from France, Austria, Portugal and Lebanon to accompany the menu. The dinner costs $65 per person, tax and gratuity not included. For reservations, call 664-7554.

The art of the meal

What’s the perfect complement to a romantic dinner? Great art, of course. Get both – and benefit a good cause – at Mid-Coast Children’s Services’ 19th annual Fabulous Food Fare and Silent Art Auction. The event will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, at the Samoset Resort in Rockport. Guests will be able to sample food from 25 area restaurants, and they’ll have the chance to bid on works by 65 artists as well as furniture, ceramics, floral arrangements and jewelry. Tickets cost $40 per person and benefit MCCS, which provides preschool and social service programs for special-needs children from birth to age 7. For information or to buy tickets, call 594-8474.

Tidbits is hungry for news about local food products and events. Send your Tidbits by mail to: Bangor Daily News, attn: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor ME 04402-1329; by fax to 941-9476; or by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net.