PORTLAND — A two-week celebration of Maine’s restaurant scene is kicking off with an opening-night party and bartending and dessert competitions.

The third annual Maine Restaurant Week begins today in Portland and continues through March 12 with a series of events that showcase Maine’s food. During the 12 days of the event, restaurants around the state are offering specially priced three-course menus.

About 80 restaurants are participating, which is more than double the number in the first year of the event.