MOFGA to Host "Tastings" at New Leaf Farm in Durham

The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) is preparing for its second annual "Tastings" fundraising event, which will take place on July 17th, 2005 from 3-6 PM at New Leaf Farm in Durham. "Tastings" is an exciting, outdoor activity for the entire family, and is designed to showcase the talents of some on the young chefs who are energizing Maine's restaurant community with their fresh ideas.

MOFGA encourages people to bring the whole family to enjoy live music and great food. Each of the eight featured chefs will prepare tasting portions of one or more dishes that reflect the style of his or her restaurant. Dishes will also feature Maine grown, organic produce, meats and cheeses. Some chefs will even be asking 'their' farmers to grow food especially for the event.

The featured restaurants are: Brooklin Inn (Brooklin); Harraseeket Inn (Freeport); Sea Grass Bistro (Yarmouth); Newcastle Inn (Newcastle); Back Street Bistro (Brunswick); Havana (Bar Harbor); Scales (Portland); and Tides Inn (Kennebunkport).

Seating will be limited. MOFGA strongly encourages advance purchase of tickets. Call MOFGA at 207-568-4142. Adult tickets are $50 for MOFGA members ($55 at the door) and $60 for non-members ($65 at the door). Tickets for children (ages 2-17) are $25 for children of MOFGA members ($30 at the door) and $30 for children of non-members ($35 at the door). Children under age 2 are admitted free.

Directions to New Leaf Farm: (Click for Map)

From Portland: Take 95 N to Freeport. Take exit 22 (Freeport-Durham) and turn right off the exit ramp. Yield right onto Route 136 and follow for approximately 5 miles. You will see The Bagley House Inn or your right. Take the next left onto Rabbit Road. At stop sign, cross Route 9 onto Runaround Pond Road. Turn right onto Davis Road. New Leaf Farm is at the top of the hill. There is a white farm house on the right side of the road.

From Auburn: Take Route 136 from Auburn toward Durham, approximately 7 miles. At Durham Get 'n' Go, turn right onto Davis Road. Go approximately 2 miles. New Leaf Farm is on the left.

From Brunswick/Augusta: Take Route 196/Exit 31 (from 95) toward Lisbon/Lisbon Falls. Take a left onto Route 9. After crossing the bridge, take a right. Go approximately 4 miles to the stop sign at the Route 136 junction. Take a right onto 136. Just past Durham Get 'n' Go, take a left onto Davis Road. Go approximately 2 miles. New Leaf Farm is on the left.

For more information about MOFGA, visit www.mofga.org.