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As much as I detest the word “foodie,” Portland, our own little sustainable, all-season banquet, has developed an international reputation for outstanding farmed, fished, and foraged fare. From foie gras gorge and tartare tours to Joe Ricchio’s legendary Deathmatch, Portland has grown from a three-restaurant backwater to Bon Appetit’s 2009 “Foodiest Small Town in America.” Portland’s culinary fame continues to grow as chefs, diners and restaurateurs arrive “from away,” adding to our ever-burgeoning local food scene.
Top of the Crop
On October 25 at Harvest on the Harbor, four outstanding Maine chefs will vie for Top of the Crop, Maine’s Best Farm-to-Table Restaurant competition. The fab four were selected based on their farm-to-table philosophy, relationship with local farms, and how well their restaurant menus reflect the farm-to-table movement year-round – not an easy task. The event will host an international crowd, from 48 states and the Netherlands, UK, and Canada.
The who’s who of Chef all-stars include Harraseeket Inn’s Executive Chef Eric Flynn, whose refined style, contemporary New England flair, and French flamboyance has put him solidly on the radar. “Doing business with local purveyors helps the community by keeping its economy strong. Our first priority is purchasing locally grown and harvested foods. We purchase organically grown produce whenever possible because we believe it is a healthier choice for our customers and our planet.” – Eric Flynn
Jeff Landry, Executive Chef and Owner of The Farmer’s Table, formerly at Portland’s Cinque Terre and Freeport’s Harraseeket Inn, was selected Maine Restaurant Association‘s Chef of the Year in 2007. “As our name implies, we feel strongly about supporting the local farm to table movement. Also, we embrace every opportunity to use organically farmed vegetables and fruit. We believe in simplicity of our food and commend those who raise it that way.” – Jeff Landry
Shannon Bard of Zapoteca Restaurante Y Tequileria grew up in Oklahoma, where her grandmother owned a Mexican restaurant. Shannon’s father and grandfather were both small farmers whose hard work and dedication went into every crop. “Zapoteca’s menu has a strong Oaxacan influence and is comprised of unique, wood fired dishes with bold, authentic flavors that you aren’t likely to find anywhere else in New England.” – Shannon Bard
And Chef Kevin Walsh of Earth At Hidden Pond, formerly of Baldwin’s on Elm; Radius in Boston; James Beard-nominated Flour and Water in San Francisco; and Deuxave in Boston. “We believe that the quality of a menu begins with how and where its ingredients are grown, and we are firm in supporting our local farm partners. We also have an incredible array of herbs, vegetables, fruits and edible flowers right outside our back door.” – Kevin Walsh
Top of the Crop will be moderated by international chef and restaurateur, Elliott Prag, who specializes in natural foods and healthy world cuisine. He is the creator of Kibea Restaurant in Sofia, Bulgaria, the first health-supportive restaurant in the Balkans. Prag worked in numerous New York natural food restaurants before developing his private chef business, Siegfried & Prag. He is also a frequent contributor to Vegetarian Times.
Sustainable Show-Down
The four chefs will prepare a dish using local, organic, and farm-raised beef, lamb, chicken, pork or venison. The lucky Harvest on the Harbor audience will nibble on bread, cheese and olive oil as they watch the talented quartet demonstrate their cheftastic techniques, then taste what is sure to be four amazing dishes in small-plate portions. Complementing the chefs’ creations will be sophisticated wine pairings.
The event wraps on a sweet note with a dessert demo and tasting, caffeinated by Portland’s favorite micro-roaster, Coffee by Design, who themselves make it their mission to educate you about specialty coffee, provide superior quality coffee beans, beverages, and food products, and to fulfill their commitment to environmental and economic sustainability.
More, More More
Top of the Crop is just one of many tastings, savory samplings, and culinary events at this year’s Harvest on the Harbor festival. Check out the array of offerings, learn about Maine’s farm-to-table movement, taste the difference growing organically can make, and rub elbows with famous and not-so-famous foodies while sipping Maine wines, listening to some great music, and sampling some wicked good food at Maine’s premier food and wine event.
Elizabeth Margolis-Pineo is a freelance writer and creator of EpicuriousTravelers.com.
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