Meredith Alex, Eating Her Favorite Marguerita Flavored Jelly Beans at Her New Studio, Mad Girls World, at 275 Commercial Street!

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 292)

Plans for the Second Annual Harvest on the Harbor were announced on Thursday at the Ocean Gateway on the Portland waterfront – where most of the events will take place late next month.  Plans for several of the new features were part of the announcements.

Included in the announcements were a new twist for the 2009 Maine Lobster Chef of the Year.  The public will determine which of the three finalists will earn the title.  Those attend the cook-off event on Friday, October 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. will have an opportunity to taste the lobster recipes of the three finalists already selected and then vote for their favorite.  The cook-off happens at Ocean Gateway on Thames Street at the bottom of the Hill.  Tickets for this event and others can be purchased at www.HarvestontheHarbor.com for by calling 207-722-4994.

The three finalists in this year’s lobster cook-off are:  Melissa Bouchard, Chef, Dimillo’s Floating Restaurant, Portland; Rick Skoglund, Jr., Sous Chef, Samoset Resorts, Rockport; and Mackenzie Arrington, graduate of Culinary Institute of America, New York.

An entirely new feature in this three day food and wine festival is the inclusion of the food themed gown installations designed and created by the Hill’s very own relatively new resident Meredith Alex.  Meredith attended the press conference on Thursday with two models wearing her food themed gowns. These two installations will be worn by models  next month in public places in order  to promote the festival;  perhaps places such as the Farmers’ Market in Monument Square and elsewhere in downtown Portland.   (Meredith has been featured in ‘Down East’ magazine.)   For much more on Meredith, please visit post # 284 herein.

“Following last year’s succesful event, we are thrilled to bring you the second annual Harvest on the Harbor,” said Barbara Whitten, President of the Greater Portland Convention &  Visitors Bureau.  “This event highlights Maine’s culinary scene and helps promote this vibrant area but it also shows off the aristic and creative scene we have here.  We realize that this event would not be possible without the enthusiastic support of this wonderful community and sponsors.”

Two corporate sponsors are DOWN EAST Magaine and Hannaford Brothers.  (Attendees must be 21 years +)