Scarlet Begonias is featuring one of its most popular specialty burgers, Quack ‘n Blue, at various times this summer. Sande Updegraph / For The Forecaster

There are so many options this month that it is a good idea to mark your calendars.

Sande Updegraph lives in Brunswick and is a longtime food writer. She can be reached at sandeupdegraph@gmail.com.

Scarlet Begonias is featuring one of its most popular specialty burgers, Quack ‘n Blue, at various times this summer. It contains a jumbo sunny-side-up fried duck egg from Whatley Farm in Topsham, blue cheese, bacon, blackening seasoning and roasted garlic mayo, all stacked on a juicy patty. Indoor dining as well as outdoor on the patio at 16 Station Ave., Brunswick, 721-0403. Specialties include pizza, sandwiches and an amazing variety of homemade soups.

Athena’s Cantina has launched a Taco Eating Competition from 4-8 p.m. every first and second Tuesday of the month. Just eat 20 tacos and an oyster shooter in 10 minutes and it’s free! The prize is the honor of a spot on the wall of champions and, of course, bragging rights. You must be over 21 and sign a waiver to participate. 491 U.S. Route 1, Freeport, 319-5372.

Norumbega Cidery in New Gloucester is back at the Brunswick Topsham Land Trust Farmer’s Market (near Flight Deck Brewing at Brunswick Landing). It will reopen Memorial Day weekend for tasting at the Cidery, 380 Woodman Road. May 27 will see the release of the new Intervale Heritage Style blend of legacy and dessert apples. 370-2027.

Maine Beer Company has several new releases this month. May 11 features the bottle release of Peeper Pale Ale, the first beer it ever brewed. May 17 sees the release of Black Barn Program No. 21 Cream Ale in bottles and draft. On May 25, Thank You 2021 IPA will be released, and on May 28, look for the Dinner Bottle release. 525 U.S. Route 1, Freeport, 221-5711.

The Schoolhouse 1913 in Harpswell has added a charcuterie board to its menu that includes Great Hill blue cheese, Grafton aged cheddar, Sopressata salami, pork country terrine and rabbit pate ($22). 506 Harpswell Neck Road, 295-2029.

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Wolfe’s Neck Center is starting its Herb Workshop Series with a discussion of wild and cultivated herbs. May 27, 5-6 p.m., $10. 184 Burnett Road, Freeport, 865-4469.

Portland Wine Week has added a new event: a Sicilian Wine Dinner at Leeward Restaurant, 85 Free St., Portland. The three-course dinner will include paired wines and will cost $75-$85/person depending upon the final menu and wines chosen. Chef Jake Stevens and Sommelier Raquel Stevens will curate the details. The dinner will be offered each night from June 15-19. While no tickets are required, reservations are strongly encouraged at resy.com/cities/pwm/leeward?date=2021-06-15&seats=2. Tax and gratuity are separate.

Merry Meeting Kitchen has opened at 39 Burbank, Brunswick Landing, and it houses a marketplace featuring local goods, food products, gifts, personal care items and more. The hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is a community kitchen that can be rented for product development and cooking classes and a greenhouse for events. There is also plenty of free parking.

Makers on Main is open again in Freeport the first Saturday each month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a delightful array of food products, crafts and artwork. More details at visitfreeport.com.

Flight Deck Brewing at Brunswick Landing has released two new beers: T-56 Hibiscus Tea Pale Ale, with notes of cinnamon and orange peel, and Prop Blast Belgian Pale Ale. They are now open seven days a week with longer hours: Monday, 3-8 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. 504-5133.

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