Maine Restaurant Week and The Signature Event, Sophisticated and Sweet Reasons to Travel to Maine

[James Britt]

Maine is well known for its lobster, lighthouses, mountains and Martha Stewart. A standout among these and many other State of Maine bright spots is our restaurant community. Maine's chefs and restaurateurs have developed a stellar reputation. Dining scene accolades started flowing in years ago and thankfully, buzz about Maine as a place for good food has not slowed. National newspapers and culinary publications have no shortage of positive things to say about our chefs, brewers, specialty food producers, etc. The James Beard Foundation awards are starting to pile up! For culinary tourists, Maine is a must-visit destination.

My agency is lucky enough to get to work with a number of Maine restaurants and two luxurious lodging properties along the coast of Maine. A few years back we started Maine Restaurant Week. Like restaurant week events around the country, ours takes place during times of year when business usually slows for restaurants and hotels. The next Maine Restaurant Week is coming up, March 1-12, 2011.

Restaurant Week is a perfect time to travel to Maine. Off season rates at hotels and inns are attractive and restaurants participating in Restaurant Week provide food lovers with great pix fixe menus that offer value that feels downright decadent. All details including hotels offering special lodging rates during Restaurant Week are online at http://www.mainerestaurantweek.com.

Since 2009, Restaurant Week has become known for its creative culinary events. This year is no different and on Monday, February 28, 2011, Maine Restaurant Week kicks off with “The Signature Event”. It features cocktail and dessert competitions. Some of Maine’s most creative bartenders will be mixing true signature cocktails that represent their restaurants and their bars best. “How Sweet It Is” is the name for the dessert competition, it is a new addition to opening night 2011. Top pastry chefs, bakers and confectioners have signed up to compete on Monday night, February 28. Event details and a link to who’s competing in The Signature Event are online at http://mainerestaurantweek.com/events.htm.

If you’re a foodie living within easy driving distance of Maine, or if you’re a jetsetter (fly into PWM), Maine Restaurant Week is a perfect opportunity to experience the caliber of our restaurant community. It runs through March 12, 2010. Come and do as we locals do, “dine out more” during Restaurant Week. Cheers!