Reader favorites

Last week’s article about Maine food gifts generated a few tasty suggestions from readers: Lenny Sweet of Hulls Cove recommends a stop at A and B Naturals at 101 Cottage St., Bar Harbor. Sweet says the store has “many good products … and they have things I haven’t seen around here before.” John Chapin highlighted a sweet treat from this summer’s Bangor Daily News: Black Dinah Chocolatiers on Isle au Haut. The small company, operated by Kate and Steve Shaffer, just launched a new Web site: http://blackdinahchocolatiers.com. In addition, the chocolates are now available at the Blue Hill Co-Op.

Doyle’s delights

Tina Doyle-Hatcher, who comes from a long line of eastern Maine bakers, has published “Can You Keep a Secret? The Cookbook!” The cookbook features favorite recipes from Doyle’s Bakery in Orrington and the well-known Doyle’s bakery, pizza shop, restaurant and bar and grill, which had locations in Millinocket, Bangor, Brewer, Pittsfield, Corinna and Medway. When her father retired, Doyle-Hatcher bought her father’s baking equipment, remodeled her basement and ran a successful bakery out of her Winterport home, with wholesale accounts in 600 Maine stores. The cookbook offers recipes for everything from Lobster Bisque to Doyle’s Pizza and Vanilla Cupcakes. “Can You Keep a Secret?” is available at Borders, Mr. Paperback and Rebecca’s in Bangor.

Wine and dine

Take a break from holiday cooking at Opus restaurant’s December wine dinner. The event will take place Thursday, Dec. 27, at the Bangor restaurant. Chef Roger Gelis’ menu includes Oysters Three ways – with Saffron Foam, Cucumber-Mint, and Citrus Salsa; Naked Spanakopita – Spinach, Sheep’s Cheese Dumplings and Graviera Cheese; Crispy Black Bass with Okra Tempura and Succotash; Pan Roasted Rack of Venison with Curried Mushrooms and Cilantro Gremolata; and Bourbon-Chocolate Mille-feuille. Each course will be paired with a selection from Wicked Wines. Dinner costs $65 per person. For information, call 945-5100 or visit www.opusme.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.