When the kids go back to school, the water is too cool to swim in, and sweaters are the fashion of choice... that is when Portland, Maine gets really busy! But it isn't the cruise ships loaded with passengers seeking the colorful, world-renowned foliage or shoppers heading downtown in pre-holiday frenzies, it's the culinary set ready to taste the creations of the best chefs James Beard has to offer. Welcome to Harvest on the Harbor. This premier food and wine experience celebrated its third season on the banks of the city's waterfront for three days of fun, frivolity and, of course, food.
Thursday's Seafood Splash & the anticipated Grand Tasting!
Harvest on the Harbor kicked-off on Thursday afternoon by reintroducing eager eaters to seafood at the Ocean Gateway, perched above Portland's harbor. The Ultimate Seafood Splash featured dozens of chefs paying homage to the local bounty of Maine, surrounded by the grandeur of sweeping harbor seascapes outside. The sky streaked pink and purple Thursday evening and raised a majestic curtain on the anticipated Grand Tasting on the Harbor, which offered upscale hors d'oeuvres and entrée samples with fine wines for the discerning palate.
Friday's Cooking Demonstrations for the inquiring minds...
The Ocean Gateway building was transformed into a magnificent forum on Friday morning, where tables lined the picturesque windows; all directed at an industrial kitchen with reflective mirrors and perfectly situated monitors for viewers' pleasure. That morning, the famed Maine lobster wars ramped-up with the Maine Lobster Chef of the Year Competition, pitting the best culinary lobster talent against each other in a cook-off where the clear winners are those who get to sample the choices in this People's Choice competition. At night, The Perfect Pairing: Presenting Maine's James Beard Award Winners gave diners three courses from four award-winning chefs, each paired perfectly with wine, and finished with a scrumptious dessert and high-end goodie bag. While the theme of these events alters from year-to-year, the format is often similar and attendees leave happy and full.
Savory samplings...samplings...and more samplings!
Dawn broke on Saturday, illuminating peaks of white towering over Portland's crystal blue waters, signaling a day dedicated to Savory Samplings at the Marketplace. This is the most popular Harvest on the Harbor event, growing so fast in recent years that it is presented in two identical sessions, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Hundreds of food purveyors and wine connoisseurs, along with live music, celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, and souvenir wine glasses for complimentary tastings, attracted thousands of people. As the crowds burgeoned, Harvest on the Harbor met its popular demand by increasing the size of the showcase floor under the tent and developed wider thoroughfares and multiple entrances for the comfort of attendees. The choice in sessions allowed vendors to replenish their offerings for the later groups, guests to schedule their day, and everyone to attend in comfortable numbers.
This year, Harvest on the Harbor attracted thousands of people from 34 states, gaining critical acclaim and international appeal. As the event continues to expand, the Greater Portland Convention & Visitors Bureau continues to feed the appetite of visitors
solidifying a reputation for the ever-increasing culinary destination that is Portland, Maine.
by Bob Stephens