Whatta melon!

What could be cooler than a slice of watermelon on a hot day? How about a Watermelon Mocktail? To prepare, place 1 cup watermelon puree, 1 teaspoon grenadine syrup, the juice of 1 fresh orange, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 2 cups ice into a martini shaker. If you want to turn the mocktail into a cocktail, add a shot premium vodka. Shake for 20 seconds and strain the chilled liquid into a sugar-rimmed martini glass.

A sweet discussion

For a discussion you can really sink your teeth into, join cookbook author Elinor Klivans at Pairings in Winterport for “The Writer and the Cook.” From 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, Klivans will talk about cookbook writing and cooking and will hold a question-and-answer session and book signing. Refreshments, using recipes from Klivans’ classics such as “Cupcakes” and “Big Fat Cookies,” will be provided. Klivans, who lives in Camden, has received numerous awards for her baking; her articles and recipes have been published in Bon Appetit, Fine Cooking, and Eating Well; she has been a guest on numerous radio shows and has made television appearances on “Good Morning America,” the Discovery Channel, and the Food Network. For information or to reserve a seat, call 223-0990.

He’s baaaaack

Tom Weiner, former owner and chef at the Nickerson Tavern in Searsport, will return to Maine for a stint as guest chef at Arborvine in Blue Hill on Thursday, Aug. 3. Weiner enjoyed himself so much during last summer’s visit that he is going to try to make this an annual event. Weiner will prepare some of his favorite specialties for a fun night of great food and nostalgia for all who have enjoyed his cuisine over the years. For reservations or information, call 374-2119.

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.