Ride and dine There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but thanks to 50 restaurants on Mount Desert Island, there is such a thing as a free ride. Is-land Connections, a volunteer organization that provides transportation and other services for senior citizens and people with disabilities, will hold Dine-Around Day this Saturday, July 9. Participating restaurants have agreed to donate a portion of the evening’s proceeds to Island Connections – last year’s event raised more than $6,000. A list of participating restaurants is posted at banks and the post office in Bar Harbor. To ask if your favorite restaurant is on the list, call 288-4457.

Thrilling grilling Ready to throw some shrimp (or pork) on the barbie? Marinate them first in this Olive Oil Lime-Garlic Marinade from the North American Olive Oil Association. To make, combine 2 large garlic cloves, 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1/3 cup lime juice, 2 tablespoons grated lime peel, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor or blender. Process until blended and use to marinate 2 pounds meat or 4 to 5 cups vegetables for at least 4 hours. Grill and serve.

Come out of your shell Don’t be shy – go crazy for clams at the 40th annual Yarmouth Clam Festival, July 15-17 along Main Street in Yarmouth. In addition to a carnival, music, a jester and a parade, hungry festival-goers can enjoy pancake breakfasts, a clam-shucking contest, and plenty of chowder and fried clams. For information or a full list of events, visit www.clamfestival.com.

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.