Small fries

If your whiz kid is also a whisk kid, sign her up for the Little Master Chef class offered through the Orono Parks and Recreation Department. Children ages 3 to 5 will learn how to work safely – and deliciously – in the kitchen with the help of an adult. The program will run March 6, 8, 13 and 15, and the class fee is $15 for residents and $19 for nonresidents. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. For information, call 866-5065.

Winter warmers

Pairings in Winterport has announced its next wine dinner, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 10. Chef Robert Waldron will prepare a four-course menu paired with selections from Winterport Winery. Among the highlights are Braised Short Ribs with Root Vegetables and a Creamy Parmesan Orzo and a Tower of Caramel, White Chocolate Mousse and Hazelnut Praline Pizzelles. The meal costs $70 per person and reservations are required. Also, Pairings has released its March and April cooking class schedules. Selections include Tastes from Ireland and Oodles of Noodles. For information about the dinner or the classes, call 223-0990 or visit www.pairingsinmaine.com.

Heated battle

If you’re hungry for “Iron Chef” then Bangor’s Ultimate Chef Competition will satisfy your craving. On March 12 and 26, chefs from popular Bangor restaurants will face off and diners will be able to rate their meals on originality, taste and presentation. In true “Iron Chef” fashion, there will be a top-secret Maine ingredient on the menu. The first round will pit Opus against Perrihouse, and in coming months, other local establishments will face off, culminating in a “fork-to-fork” battle for the title of Bangor’s Ultimate Chef 2007. Tickets cost $90 per person, which covers two nights out and two gourmet four-course meals. For information or to reserve tickets, call the Greater Bangor Convention and Visitors Bureau at 947-5205 or visit www.bangorcvb.org.

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.