YORK

Farmers market starts Saturday at Legion Hall

The Winter Gateway Farmers Market in York will kick off Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the American Legion.

The market will be held on 11 Saturdays between November and March: this Saturday and Nov. 26, Dec. 10 and 17, Jan. 7 and 21, Feb. 4 and 18, and March 3, 17 and 31. Twenty-five to 30 vendors are expected to attend each week.

The market’s new location at the American Legion, 9 Hannaford Drive, provides easy access from Route 1, and lots of parking that includes designated handicapped spaces.

For a complete list of participants and when they will be at the market, go to gatewayfarmersmarket.com. Vendors who would like to participate can download an application at the website or contact Stephanie Oeser at the Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce at 363-4422 or stephanie@yorkme.org.

PORTLAND

Soup, stew crock-pot class offered at Whole Foods

Tanja Kunz, healthy eating specialist at Whole Foods Market, will lead a class on making soups and stews in a crock pot 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. The class costs $5.

Kunz will share technique for adding nutrients to soups, and will give tips on what to leave out or add in.

Registration and payment in advance is required. Call or stop by customer service at 774-7711 to reserve a spot.

 

Back Bay Grill gets Four Diamonds distinction

Back Bay Grill, 65 Portland St., has received a AAA Four Diamonds Award.

There are six four-diamond restaurant in Maine, and just one other – Hugo’s – in Portland. Maine has only one five-diamond restaurant, The White Barn Inn in Kennebunk.

A four-diamond restaurant, according to AAA, is “upscale in all areas. Accommodations are progressively more refined and stylish. The physical attributes reflect an obvious enhanced level of quality throughout. The fundamental hallmarks at this level include an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail.”

 

Bakery holding open house Saturday with autumn fare

Bam Bam Bakery will host a fall open house Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The gluten-free bakery is located at 267 Commercial St. There will be coffee and fall treats to sample. Thanksgiving pies and stuffing will be available for order.

 

Brew author Bernstein to hold book signing

Joshua Bernstein, author of “Brewed Awakening: Behind the Beers and Brewers Leading the World’s Craft Brewing Revolution,” will host a book signing and beer tasting tonight at Novare Res Bier Cafe, 4 Canal Plaza.

The event will run from 6 to 8 p.m.

In his book, Bernstein writes about the latest brewing methods by the country’s top craft breweries and reviews more than 150 of his top picks.

Bernstein is a beer features writer for Imbibe magazine and has written for dozens of other publications, including the New York Times, the New York Daily News, Gourmet.com, Slashfood.com and others.

WISCASSET

Chefs participate in cooking class to help food pantry

Chefs from midcoast restaurants are volunteering for a four-week Maine Adult & Community Education cooking class at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 12 Hodge St.

Proceeds from the classes fund a free cooking and nutrition program for clients of the church’s Help Yourself Shelf food pantry.

The program teaches people in need how to prepare nutritious meals with healthy, inexpensive ingredients.

Participating chefs include Kerry Altiero, owner and executive chef of Cafe Miranda in Rockland; Mikael Andersson, executive chef of Le Garage in Wiscasset; Tony Lavelle, executive chef of Solo Bistro in Bath; and Rick Hirsch, owner and executive chef of Damariscotta River Grill in Damariscotta.

Five seats are available for the final class from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday. Suggested donation is $15 per person.

Other sessions will be scheduled for winter and spring, with proceeds likely going towards a community garden.

For more information and updates, including photos and videos, visit the program’s blog: meetyourchefs.blogspot.com.

To participate, contact the program coordinator, Vanessa Richards, at 975-6176 or mainelyvanessa@gmail.com.

OLD ORCHARD BEACH

Town to hold annual progressive dinner Nov. 12

The town of Old Orchard Beach will hold its annual progressive dinner on Nov. 12.

Participants should arrive at the Mt. Royal Motel, 30 West Grand Ave., by 4:45 p.m. A trolley will pick up guests promptly at 5 p.m.

Stops will include the Strike Zone for a welcome drink. The second stop will be Jumpin’ Jakes for appetizers. That will be followed by soup or salad at JJ’s Eatery Too. The entree will be served at Joseph’s by the Sea. Dessert will be served at the Alouette Beach Cafe, and the final stop will be the Brunswick for entertainment.

The cost of the event is $50, which includes the welcome drink, food, transportation, entertainment and gratuity. Casual attire is suggested.

Tickets are available at MacDonald’s Garage, JJ’s Eatery Too, Board Silly and Seacoast RVs. For more information, go to OOB365.com, or call Linda Mailhot at 281-2114 or Sharri MacDonald at 590-4201.

Credit cards will be accepted at MacDonald’s Garage or by calling Linda Mailhot at the number above.