A holiday classic

It’s the sweetest form of architecture around. Pairings, the fine-dining restaurant and cooking school in Winterport, will offer a Gingerbread House Competition this holiday season. On Nov. 11 and 18, Carmen Montes of Montes International Catering in Bangor will offer a two-part class on the baking and construction of gingerbread houses, with two extra classes for any potential overflow set for Nov. 13 and 20. Additionally, two gingerbread house classes for kids will be offered on Nov. 15 and 22. Then, on Dec. 6, Pairings’ own Chef Robert Waldron will hold the competition, with all entries to be raffled off, the proceeds from which will benefit Manna Ministries. To sign up for classes, call 223-0990 or visit www.pairingsinmaine.com.

Shipyard fleet grows

Maine’s own Shipyard Brewing Co. announced last week the unveiling of two new products in its Pugsley’s Signature Series line: Its Barley Wine Style Ale and Imperial Porter are available now in stores across the state. Barley Wine Style Ale is a hearty beer made with six different malts and balanced with three different hops. It’s best drunk at room temperature or a little below. The Imperial Porter is a full-bodied, very dark, malty beer with a good hop bite (and a rather high alcohol content). Both beers are sold in 22-ounce bottles. For more info, visit www.shipyard.com.

A layered effect

The problem with fancy cocktails is that oftentimes, they’re just too pretty to drink. Nowhere is this more true than with the popular European drink the pousse-cafe, an intricate concoction featuring an assortment of liqueurs and creams, poured over a spoon to create a layered effect. Natalie’s, the fabulous French restaurant within the Camden Harbour Inn, has started serving these delightful drinks, which combine a multitude of flavors and colors to produce something both visually stunning and totally delicious. As far as we know, Natalie’s is the only bar in Maine to serve pousse-cafe, which for years has been an after-dinner treat in France and other parts of Europe. For more information, visit www.camdenharbourinn.com.