Market watch

People tend to think of farmers’ markets as a summer-only phenomenon, but this winter, the State of Maine Cheese Co. in Rockport holds an open market each Saturday, featuring winter wares from some of the region’s finest food producers. State of Maine Cheese and Appleton Creamery will offer two types of cheese fondue served with artisan breads from Atlantic Baking Co. Dilly Dally Farm will warm winter-weary souls with a hearty soup, and Maple Street Munchies will provide “killer” hot chocolate, fudge and brownies. Terra Optima Farm will offer samples of dishes featuring grass-fed beef and pastured pork, and pies from Green Hollow Orchard will round out the mix. The Open Market runs from 9 to noon Saturdays year-round at State of Maine Cheese Co. on Route 1 in Rockport. Additional vendors of Maine products are welcome. For information, call Cathe at 236-8895.

Wine and dine

Want to beat the winter blahs? Warm your spirits (and your belly) during a wine dinner at Pairings in Winterport. Starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, chef Robert Waldron will prepare a four-course menu that includes Creamy Roasted Red Pepper and Crab Bisque with Garlic Croutons; a Salad of Mixed Greens with Roasted Roma Tomatoes, Proscuitto Ham and Asiago Cheese Tuiles; Medallions of Pork Rubbed with Finely Crushed Coffee Beans, Cocoa and Black Pepper, with a Brandied Cherry Sauce; and a Double Layer Raspberry Cheesecake with a Chocolate Fudge Ganache. Each course is paired with a selection from Winterport Winery. The dinner costs $70 per person. To reserve a seat, call 223-0990 or visit www.PairingsInMaine.com.

A little Italy

Scenes from an Italian restaurant will abound at KidCare America’s Tour of Italy dinner in Lincoln. Among the highlights on the four-course menu are lasagna, bruschetta , stuffed mushrooms, fettucini Alfredo and shells formaggio with a seafood sauce. As if the food weren’t enough to warm the heart, proceeds from the event will benefit KidCare America, which provides after-school programming for children in Lincoln. Plus, it will take place Saturday, Feb. 17 – just in time for a post-Valentine’s romantic dinner. Tickets cost $15 per person and are available at the Lincoln News or by calling KidCare America at 794-CARE.

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.