The brunch bunch

Craving something a little less pedestrian than Pop Tarts? Valerie Jean’s: An American Bistro in Milo has you covered. Chef Melissa Ettinger recently introduced a three-course Champagne Sunday Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Menu highlights include Crab and Roasted Red Pepper Bisque; Orange-Pecan Sourdough French Toast; Bistro Benedict with beef tenderloin medallions instead of Canadian bacon, served on focaccia; oil-poached Atlantic Salmon; and Cappuccino Cr?me Brulee. Brunch costs $18 per person, which includes a glass of champagne. For information or reservations, which are required, call 943-7470.

Can you say “delicieux”?

Francophile foodies can revel in the music, cuisine and language of France during the Penobscot School’s French Immersion Weekend. The school’s French teacher, Corine Nabuchodonosor, will draw on stories from her home island of Reunion, diaspora Creole tales, and tales of traditional France throughout the weekend, which is intended for intermediate French speakers. The event will take place at the Rockland-based school from March 16 to 18. Cost for the weekend is $225 which includes all activities and materials, as well as six elegant meals. For more information or to register, contact Patti Luchetti at 594-1084 or visit the school’s Web site at www.languagelearning.org.

Tasting notes

The Bangor Symphony Orchestra’s next Taste of the Symphony event, an evening of Beethoven, Brahms and Beer, will be music to your mouth. Music director and conductor Xiao-Lu Li will lead the orchestra in a dress rehearsal concert of Beethoven, Brahms and Sibelius with guest soloist Chen Xi. Alicia Anstead of the Bangor Daily News will conduct a brief question-and-answer session with the audience and Maestro Li. After the concert, a festive Irish beer and wine reception will feature Celtic music while attendees sample tastes of the world. The BSO encourages concertgoers to begin the evening early by dining at Muddy Rudder in Brewer; Oriental Jade and Thistles Restaurant in Bangor; or Woodman’s Bar and Grill in Orono. Part of the proceeds from your bill will be donated to the Bangor Symphony Orchestra. Tickets for the event are $19 and $30; youth 17 and under will be admitted free with an adult. For information or to reserve tickets, call 942-5555, (800) 639-3221 or visit www.bangorsymphony.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.