CAPE PORPOISE — Deep in the doldrums of winter, a unique monthly meal served at the Musette Restaurant in Cape Porpoise is forging new friendships over good wine and exceptional food.

Each month during the winter season, the staff of Musette stages a mingle-event themed dinner limited to just 30 participants, and those who attend rave about the experience.

“It’s really an exceptional time,” said Katie Frothingham of Biddeford, who attended the Jan. 17 mingle at Musette and sampled soups during the event, which introduced participants to Maine chef Derek Bissonnette, who’s authored a new soup recipe book. “I had so much fun and met a lot of interesting people.”

Erin Bremser, Musette administrative manager, said the restaurant is open year-round at 2 Pier Road in Cape Porpoise in the former Wayfarer location. The family friendly establishment is owned by renowned chef Jonathan Cartwright, who many locals will recall from his association with the White Barn Inn in Kennebunk.

“People no longer just come to Maine to visit the gift shops,” Bremser said. “They come to Maine for an experience and that’s what we offer at Musette. Besides the restaurant, we do catering, have a food truck and are an events base.”

Bremser says the mingle events are conducted during the winter months.

“It’s an event to get people out of the house for good food and good wine,” she said. “It’s quite a friendly gathering where you meet new friends and get to try new foods you might not have tasted before.”

For each mingle event, Musette Chef Selena Gearinger prepares meals to savor and remember.

For last month’s event, Frothingham and her friends dined on their choice of Chicken Stew with Katsamaki and house-made pita bread, Finnish Salmon soup with Melba Toast, or Chocolate and Coconut Soup.

According to Bremser, besides dinner, Musette is also known for its breakfast menu which includes expresso and a hash to die for that’s made in-house and slow-cooked overnight with a variety of vegetables.

Musette is open Thursday through Saturday for dinner and serves breakfast and brunch Friday through Sunday for brunch in the winetrs. The menu is seasonal with lobster and scallops drawing attention in warmer months.

“Prices are very reasonable and fair,” Bremser said. “It’s a casual atmosphere and we can seat up to 40 people.”

She said Musette is always hiring throughout the year and employs a staff of about 10 to 15 in the winter and up to 30 in summer months.

Upcoming events will include a Valentine’s Mingle on Feb. 14, an Irish Potluck Mingle on March 14 and a “Tastes of Maine Summer Kick-Off” featuring East Coast Classics on April 25.

For more information, visit musettebyjc.com

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 or by email at [email protected]