New2Maine.com

After watching some episodes of Deadliest Catch and Ax Men this summer, I thought it would be cool if there was a similar program devoted to lobstering (since Mainers don’t fish king crab and our trees are felled for paper). Lo and behold, a little Googling yields this fun little series of Discovery called Lobster Wars. It doesn’t look like it’ll be seen on TV any time soon, but I’m contemplating ordering the DVD.

Oh, and as a bonus, they use the awesome “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” by the Dropkick Murphys as the theme song. Check it out:

It has been reported on the official Portland Sea Dogs website, and just about everywhere else, that Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, a.k.a. Big Papi, will most likely be doing a three game rehab stint with the Dogs next week. Tickets to the July 21-23 games were sold out very quickly, as expected. Unfortunately, Amber and I were out of town dealing with some family medical issues when the announcement was made, so we’re left trawling Craigslist and eBay for tickets. I have a feeling I’ll be paying a good bit more than the $7-8 face value to get into the ballpark.

I stumbled upon another great (mostly) Maine blog today called Travels with Hilary. In it Hilary Nangle details her journeys as a freelance writer and lover of food and Maine. She’s also the author of three Maine-themed Avalon Travel Publishing Moon travel guides: Moon Maine, Moon Coastal Maine , and Moon Acadia National Park.

Amber and I have yet to see most of Maine, having concentrated too much I fear on the Portland area. Hilary has some great Maine travel destinations that you should definitely check out if you’re interested in exploring Maine. I think Amber and I need to get our bikes and head out to some of these spots.

Happy Independence Day! It’s the 4th of July and up here, as everywhere in the U.S., that means fireworks. While Maine state law does not allow use of personal fireworks (despite the fact that New Hampshire is selling them like hotcakes just across the border), there are several area fireworks displays on tap for tonight and tomorrow. Checking out the weather forecast, it looks like both nights will be great nights for viewing. Here’s a roundup of some of the displays:

Friday, July 4

Augusta – 9 pm at Eastside Boat Landing
Bangor – 9 pm at Waterfront Park
Bar Harbor – 9 pm at Town Pier on West St.
Freeport – 9:30 pm at Morse Street School
Kennebunk – 9 pm at Gooch’s Beach
Naples – 9 pm over Long Lake
Old Orchard Beach – 9:30 pm over the beach, near Palace Playland
Portland – 9:30 pm over Eastern Prom

Saturday, July 5

York Harbor – 9 pm at York Harbor Beach
Islesboro – 9 pm at Grindle Point
Vinalhaven – 9 pm Grimes Park

There’s apparently a great view of the Portland show from Amber’s school, so we’ll be hanging out there tonight with a cookout starting around 7:00 pm. I love fireworks shows, so I’m excited. Happy Birthday America!

Chef Lee Skawinski of Vignola and Cinque Terre sends out an announcement for a special wine and food pairing dinner at the Portland Harbor Hotel tomorrow night.

Chef Jeff Landry (of Eve’s at the Garden at Portland Harbor Hotel) and I are excited to create this dinner that showcases the wines of California’s Wente Vineyards, and to welcome a guest – Bridgett Epp from Wente – whose passions for food and wine are contagious.

Bridgett loves to talk about wine, and you’ll enjoy her enthusiasm as she leads us through the evening. She has chosen four outstanding wines to pair with our menu, and Chef Landry and I believe you’re in for a treat.

Wente Wine Dinner Details
Date: Thursday, June 19 – reception begins at 6 pm.
Location: Portland Harbor Hotel – 468 Fore Street, Portland.
Cost: Four courses and four wines – $75 per person.
Tickets and Information: Reservations are required – call (207) 523-2079.