Make mom’s day

Remember all that whining you used to do as a child? Thank your mom for putting up with it with some wining – and dining. Pairings in Winterport will hold its next wine dinner at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12 – Mother’s Day Weekend. Chef Robert Waldron will prepare Creamy Roasted Carrot Soup; a salad of Mixed Greens with Brie, Plums, and Almonds served with a Vanilla Bean and Black Pepper Vinaigrette; Roasted Turkey Breast Roulade filled with Apple and Pancetta and served with a Brandied Cream Sauce, Pan Seared Polenta Cakes and Seasonal Vegetables; and Vanilla Bavarois with Fig Cream. Each course will be paired with a selection from Winterport Winery. The dinner costs $70 per person, and reservations are required by Tuesday, May 8. For information, call 223-0990 or visit www.PairingsInMaine.com

Port of call

Looking for traditional seafood prepared in a contemporary way? Check out the new destination on Bar Harbor’s dining scene, Portside Grill, which officially opens May 9. Its owners, Vicki and Matt Hall, are familiar faces in town – she’s the vice president of business banking at Bar Harbor Banking and Trust, and he’s president of the Chamber of Commerce – plus, Matt Hall has 20 years of restaurant experience. The restaurant is located at 38 Cottage St. The public is invited to a “business after hours” event from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, during which a sampling of appetizers will be served. For information, call 288-4086.

A crowning achievement

Junior Achievement will hold its first “Taste of Spring” auction and tasting event this Saturday, featuring signature fare from area favorites – including Opus, House of Hunan, Taste of India, the Oriental Jade, Chili’s, Wright Brothers American Grill, the Muddy Rudder and Frank’s Bake Shop. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. at Eastern Maine Community College’s Johnston Gymnasium. Tickets cost $15 and are available at the door or by calling 989-5439.

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.