Schedule change

A lecture on Brownie Schrumpf planned for last Sunday, which was announced in last week’s Tidbits column, has been rescheduled due to weather. “If Maine Had a Queen,” a talk by historian and author Karen Tolstrup, will now take place from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 2, at the dining room of Dirigo Pines in Orono. For more information, call Mary Bird at 866-2578, or e-mail mary.bird@umit.maine.edu.

Peruvian palate

Taste the world without leaving Maine at Valerie Jean’s: An American Bistro in Milo. This month’s international dinners, which take place on Wednesday nights, highlight the cuisine of Peru. Menu offerings include: Empanadas with Cheese, Rice and Beans; Ceviche (fish cooked in lime juice); Chicken (Aji de Gallina) or Beef (Lomo Saltado); and Susprio de Limena (Caramel Custard topped with Meringue). One day’s notice is required for reservations. Speaking of reservations, a few seats are still available later in the evening for Valerie Jean’s Valentine’s Day dinner for two, featuring Seafood Cocktail or Mixed Grill Sampler; Baby Spinach Salad; a choice of Grilled Filet of Beef with a Burgundy Mushroom Sauce, Salmon and Goat Cheese Strudel, Potato Pancake with Roasted Vegetables or a Roasted Half-Duckling; and a Chocolate Dessert Sampler. The meal includes a champagne toast and coffee or tea and costs $95 per couple. For information or to reserve a seat, call 943-7470.

Chocolate Moosehead

If you don’t overdose on sweets on Valentine’s Day, head to Greenville this Sunday, Feb. 17, for the second annual Chocolate Festival. The event, which features 30 chefs, will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Masonic Temple on Pritham Avenue. You can take a dip (with fruit, that is) in a chocolate fountain, nibble on cheesecakes, petit fours, pate, bread pudding, candies, cookies, mousse, brownies, pastries and more – all loaded with chocolate. Admission costs $10 for adults and $5 for children (there’s a kids’ festival, too), which includes a take-home tray. For information, call 695-2702 or visit www.mooseheadlake.org.

Food for love

Love is in the fare at Opus’ decadent Valentine’s Day dinner. Highlights of the special four-course menu include Oysters on the Half Shell with Creamy Saffron Vinaigrette; Lobster-Chive Croquettes with Pepper Jelly; a Warm Winter Salad with Oranges, Almonds, Roquefort and Orange-Thyme Vinaigrette; Whole Fried Black Bass for two with Furikaki Rice and Chinese Black Bean sauce; “Bangkok au Vin” – a Thai twist on a French classic: Chicken Braised in Coconut Milk with Noodles, Hot Chilies and Penang Curry; and a Dark Chocolate Torte with Whipped Ganache. Dinner costs $52 per person, and reservations are required. Call 945-5100.

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.