Rise and shine

The early bird gets the … Stuffed French Toast Panini (beats a worm, doesn’t it?) J.B. Parker’s Cafe and Catering in Bangor just started serving breakfast, and though the menu is small, it’s exciting. In addition to J.B. Parker’s tempting pastries, offerings include such highlights as a Buttermilk Biscuit with Country Gravy, as well as a Breakfast Panini with egg, Swiss cheese, sliced tomato, bacon or ham, grilled and pressed. Breakfast is served through 10:30 a.m. Monday-Saturday and until 11:30 a.m. Sunday. J.B. Parker’s is located at 52-56 Main St. in Bangor. For information, call 947-3656.

Tasteful fundraiser

Sip for a cause at the Isaac Farrar Mansion’s wine tasting fundraiser, which takes place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 11. State Street Wine Cellar in Bangor will pour a selection of wines, while Jane’s Catering, Anne Marie’s Kitchen and Frank’s Bake Shop & Custom Catering will serve hors d’oeuvres. Tickets cost $25 per person, and proceeds will help fund upkeep of the mansion, which is part of the Bangor Y. For reservations, call Jessica Gallagher at 941-2815.

Bistro goes to Brussels

Valerie Jean’s, An American Bistro in Milo, offers a culinary tour of Belgium during its “taste of the world” dinners, which will be served Wednesdays: March 12, April 16, 23 and 30. The menu includes Brussels Sprout Gratin; Endive Salad with Walnuts, Bleu Cheese, Apples and Bacon Vinaigrette; Flemish Pork Stew braised in Beer or Mussels and Pommes Frites; and Waffle Topped with Ice Cream and Rich Chocolate Fudge Sauce. The meal costs $30 per person and reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. In addition, the popular $9.95 Italian dinners continue on Sundays. Valerie Jean’s will be closed from March 17 to April 12. For information, call 943-7470.

PLEASE NOTE: Kristen Andresen is leaving the BDN, but Tidbits lives on. Send news about local food products and events to tidbits@bangordailynews.net; by mail to: Bangor Daily News, attn: Tidbits, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor ME 04402-1329; or by fax to 941-9476.