Wine and dine

It was only a matter of time. Pairings, the food and wine education center in Winterport, recently announced it will offer wine dinners. Patrons will be able to watch their meal being prepared in the teaching kitchen, course by course, while sipping wines selected to enhance each dish. At 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, chef Abby Freethy will prepare Roasted Fall Vegetable Soup; a Country Salad of Warm Chicory and Baby Frisee with Lardons of Bacon, Roasted Garlic, and Gorgonzola; Balsamic Glazed Pork with Chiffonade of Horseradish, Brussels Sprout and Green Peppercorn; and a Chocolate Pot de Creme. Each course will be paired with a selection from Winterport Winery. Cost is $70 per person. For information, visit www.PairingsInMaine.com. To reserve a seat, call 223-0990.

Cooking with class

Think school lunches are all American chopped suey and tater tots? Not so at Troy Howard Middle School in Belfast. On Sept. 20, the school will hold a harvest feast featuring local produce, meats and cheeses. Among the offerings are a turkey dinner with mashed potatoes and corn on the cob; a ham and cheese sandwich using ham from Organic Valley and cheese crafted by the State of Maine Cheese Co.; a peanut butter and jelly sandwich made with local jelly on homemade bread from Cedar Street Bakery; and a salad bar featuring local produce. In the days leading up to the feast, pupils will learn about eating local foods and the people who produce them, as well as the importance of Maine agriculture. A taste-testing event is on the agenda to try a variety of tomatoes, apples and cheeses produced in the area. If you are interested in participating in the event or being part of future celebrations, contact Linda Hartkopf, SAD 34 school health coordinator, at 338-1960 or email lhartkopf@sad34.net.

Lucky stars

Star light, star bright, show me what to eat tonight. Hannaford stores throughout Maine have introduced the Guiding Stars program as an easy way to help consumers choose healthy foods. More than 27,000 items are marked according to the store’s rating system, which is based on the nutrition facts label on certain products. One star equals good nutritional value, two is better, and three is best. A stellar idea.

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.