PORTLAND

New firm trains restaurants in serving gluten-free cuisine

A new business is offering consulting and training services to restaurants that want to serve guests who are gluten-free or have other food allergies or special dietary needs.

Expanding Horizons Food is run by Molly Griffard, who has a background in the hospitality industry and is among the 3 million Americans who suffer from the inherited autoimmune disorder celiac disease.

Many area restaurants have added gluten-free options in recent years to meet growing demand.

However, those with a gluten allergy can still suffer an adverse reaction when the gluten-free foods are prepared and handled using the same surfaces and utensils as regular dishes, Griffard said.

Restaurants that complete the training will gain an Excellence in Gluten Free Certified designation, intended to help consumers recognize safe places to eat.

For more information about the training, visit www.expandinghorizonsfood.com or call (314) 435-0214.

Flatbread will donate share of proceeds to farm alliance

Flatbread Co., 72 Commercial St.,  is sponsoring Cape Farm Alliance Night on Tuesday  to raise awareness and funds for community education and events that promote local farming.

A share of all flatbreads sold from 5 to 10 p.m. will go toward the farm alliance’s mission.

For information, call 772-8777.

FREEPORT

Sudanese cooking lesson, dinner will be held Friday

Learn how to cook a Sudanese meal and then enjoy the dinner Friday night with Immigrant Kitchens chef Lindsay Sterling.

Sterling will show how to create patatas, a Sudanese dish made from potatoes, beef, carrots, oregano, tomatoes, garlic and onions.

The cooking lesson and dinner takes place 7 to 9 p.m. at Freeport Community Center, 53 Depot St.
There is a suggested donation for the meal of $35, which goes to support the Freeport Food Pantry.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own beverages.

To reserve a spot, e-mail Sterling at lindsay@lindsaysterling.com.

BATH

Kitchen store will sponsor Irish soda bread contest

As part of Bath Blarney Days, Now You’re Cooking is sponsoring the second annual Irish soda bread contest. The contest takes place at 2 p.m. Saturday at the store, 49 Front St.

All entries should be dropped off at the store before 1 p.m.

Prizes will be awarded for best traditional bread and for the best variation on the traditional bread style.

Contest judges are Macy Whitehead, last year’s winner, Katherine Ewing of Katherine’s Cookies and Amy Bissinger of New York City. The breads will be judged on appearance and taste.

Call 443-1402 for more information.

BRUNSWICK

Crystal Spring Farm to host New Lamb Day on Sunday

Crystal Spring Farm is hosting its annual New Lamb Day from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday.

The event allows community members to view all the new life on the farm, including an estimated 150 lambs.

The farm sold 4 tons of lamb last year at farmers markets and to restaurants.

Visitors to the farm can enjoy hot cocoa, and should come prepared for muddy ground.

For more information, call the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust, which purchased the farm in 2008, at 729-7694.

SEDGWICK

Town passes law exempting direct farm sales from rules

The residents of Sedgwick, a small coastal community on the Blue Hill peninsula, voted March 5 to adopt the Local Food and Self-Governance Ordinance.

The ordinance exempts direct farm sales from state and federal licensing and inspection requirements.

Similar to the Michigan Cottage Food Law passed last year, the ordinance also exempts foods prepared in the home kitchen from similar state and federal requirements.

During the coming weeks, Blue Hill, Penobscot and Brooksville will vote on similar ordinances during their town meetings.

– Compiled by Avery Yale Kamila and Meredith Goad, staff writers