Flavorful festival

Looking for an antler-dote to the winter blues? Abbe Museum’s Chocolate Moose Festival might hold the cure. The event, which takes place in Bar Harbor on Feb. 11, will celebrate the creation of xocoatl (chocolate) by the Mayan Indians 1,500 years ago. Brownies, cookies, cakes, candies and other treats will be available for sampling, and selections made by professional chefs and caterers will be sold in a silent auction. All tasters will have the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award. Admission to the event is $5 per adult, and children under 14 are free. All proceeds benefit the Abbe Museum’s educational programs. For information, visit www.abbemuseum.org or call 288-3519.

A sweet getaway

A trip to the Bahamas may not be in the cards for you this February, but that doesn’t mean you can’t escape for a little while. The Katahdin Area Support Group will present the 20th annual Great Chocolate Escape from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the American Legion Hall in Millinocket. The event will feature an assortment of homemade sweets – chocolate, nonchocolate, even treats for dieters – as well as a door prize and raffle items. A donation of $5 is suggested. For information, call 723-9253.

Oysters for two

Nothing says lovin’ like oysters (and fried lobster tail) in the oven. Chef Roger Gelis of Opus in Bangor has pulled out all the stops for a romantic Valentine’s Day menu. Diners can choose from a bevy of heart-warming options on the four-course menu – Oysters Rockefeller Soup, Steamed Salmon Wrapped in Grape Leaves and Meyer Lemon Cheesecake, to name a few. Dinner costs $52 per person, and reservations are recommended. For information, call 945-5100 or visit www.opusme.com.

Inn the mood

It’s a getaway for lovers and cooking lovers alike. Surprise your Valentine with a Retreat for Romance at LimeRock Inn in Rockland, a couples-only weekend full of spa services, cooking demonstrations, gourmet dining and a wine tasting. The event is scheduled for April 27-29, but if you book by Feb. 14, you’ll save $100. For information, call retreat organizer Mary Scott at 323-8062 or visit www.marymscott.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 04402-1329; by fax to 941-9476; or by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net.