Sip and savor

Nothing beats the winter blahs like a great meal and a delicious glass of wine. With that in mind, Pairings in Winterport has scheduled a February wine dinner to tempt the senses. Chef Robert Waldron will prepare an amuse-bouche of Ginger Poached Shrimp; Italian Wedding Soup; a Salad of Mixed Greens with Fresh Herbs, Roasted Tomato, Asiago Cheese and Kalamata Olives served with a Creamy Roasted Garlic Dressing; an intermezzo of Cranberry Wine Sorbet; Petite Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb served with a Currant Demi-Glace, Whipped Sweet Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables; and Chocolate Torte with a White Chocolate Sauce and Milk Chocolate Dipped Shortbread. Each course will be paired with a selection from Winterport Winery, including the new apricot sparkling wine. The dinner will take place at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, and reservations are required. Call 223-0990.

The cat’s meow

If breakfast is your favorite meal of the day, you have reason to celebrate: The Barking Cat Caf? is now open in Bangor, serving traditional favorites and gourmet goodies. Among the more exciting offerings are Wicked French Toast (made with homemade chocolate banana bread topped with caramelized bananas); The Fiesta (two eggs served over a bed of Mexican corn spoon bread with salsa & sour cream); and crepes served with seasonal fresh fruit and creme fraiche. There’s even old-fashioned oatmeal cooked with apples, raisins and spices. Owner Melissa Laverdiere caters to vegetarians and vegans, as well, and a full lunch menu is available. The Barking Cat is located at 621 Hammond St. (formerly Subway) in Bangor. Hours are 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday. For information, call 942-7600 or visit www.thebarkingcatcafe.com.

Idol pleasures

Even Simon can’t complain about the latest “American Idol” contestants. One Split Wonder, Cheesecake Diva, Most Orange-inal, Mint Karaoke Cookie and Cookies N Dreamz are vying for their moment in the spotlight – and in your freezer – as part of the American Idol lineup from Edy’s Slow Churned Light Ice Cream. You can vote for your favorite flavor online and enter to win a trip to the “American Idol” finale. For information, visit www.slowchurned.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.