A taste for business

Seven eastern Maine entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on food have received accolades from the Maine Small Business Development Center. A screening committee headquartered at the University of Maine’s School of Business recently named the Maine SBDC “30” Award honorees. Among the recipients are: Tamra Philbrook of Artful Wares in Old Town, who makes decorative flatware; Kristi Brannen of Spring Break Maple & Honey in Smyrna; Abe Furth of Woodman’s Restaurant in Orono; Heather Rowe of Baker’s Caf? in Sedgwick and Blue Hill; Aaron and Carly Bell of Tide Mill Organic Farm in Dennysville; and Mike Cote of Looks Gourmet Food Co. in Whiting. Each award recipient represents an outstanding role model for entrepreneurship in Maine.

Lakeside luxury

Oenophiles now have a new destination: Cleonice Mediterranean Bistro in Ellsworth will now hold its wine dinners at Alamoosook Lakeside Inn in Orland to accommodate growing demand. The March 18 dinner will feature wines of South Africa, with a menu that shows off the country’s “rainbow cuisine.” Chef Rich Hanson will prepare dishes that combine influences of native African, English, Dutch, Indian and Malaysian cultures. Dinner costs $79 per person, and tickets are available at Cleonice Mediterranean Bistro on Main Street in Ellsworth. For information, call Cleonice at 664-7554 or visit www.alamoosooklakesideinn.com.

Around the world

Take your taste buds on a tour of Italy, Greece, Ireland and Mexico – without leaving Greater Bangor – during Morgan Hill Event Center’s ethnic food nights. Local chefs who specialize in specific regional cuisine will prepare dinners on Friday nights throughout the month of March. The schedule includes an Italian dinner on March 2; Greek on March 9; Irish on March 16; Mexican on March 23; and lumberjack dinner with beans, biscuits and the works on March 30. In addition, Morgan Hill will begin serving a Sunday brunch buffet on March 4. The event center is located on Route 2 in Hermon. For more information or to reserve tickets, call 848-7100 or visit www.morganhilleventcenter.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 ME 04402-1329; by fax to 941-9476; or by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net.