Get the blues

Everyone knows that Maine blueberries are delicious – in pancakes, cobbler, smoothies or just straight from the box. But according to new research published in the British Journal of Nutrition, blueberries may have a beneficial effect on your heart. The recent study showed that blueberries may be able to lower your cholesterol, especially when combined with heart-healthy whole grains such as soy, oats and barley. Of course, this is in addition to the powerful antioxidant capacity of those sweet little berries – a chemical compound contained in blueberries called polyphenols holds flavonoids that may protect against heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and some types of cancer. And with Maine growing virtually all of the wild blueberries in the United States, eating them helps your neighbors. So, why not take this as an excuse to enjoy a big slice of blueberry pie this summer? Being healthy never tasted so good.

Kelp me out

Suzuki Sushi in Rockland is one of Midcoast Maine’s best-kept dining secrets – chefs Keiko Suzuki and Yuki Goseki create inventive, visually appealing, totally delicious rolls, many of which feature local ingredients, including tiny Maine shrimp (ebi, in Japanese). Gozeki’s created a new, snackable item that may be a first: pickled kelp. Goseki gathered long strips of oarweed out in Owls Head, aided by Suzuki owner Joe Steinberger and seaweed chemistry expert David Myslabodski. She ended up cutting the stems of the marine plant, blanching them and then pickling them in sweet rice wine, rice vinegar and soy sauce infused with a hot Japanese chile pepper. According to its first tasters, her creation is both crunchy and sour. I haven’t had the opportunity to check it out yet, but being both a pickle and a seaweed fan, I’m truly intrigued. Suzuki Sushi is located at 419 Main St. in downtown Rockland; visit www.suzukisushi.com for more.

Way south of the border

Havana in Bar Harbor heads south from Cuba – way south, as it’s offering a wine tasting from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 29, featuring a selection of wines from South America. Reds and whites from Argentina and Chile will be available at the Latin American-themed restaurant, for tasting and purchase by the bottle or case. Offerings include several choice Malbecs and a 2004 Cono Sur “20 Barrels” Merlot. An RSVP is appreciated, though not required; call 288-CUBA for more information. Havana is located at 318 Main St. in Bar Harbor.