The Kennebunkport Festival: Where The Chefs Are

If Portland's usually hopping dining scene seems quieter this week, it's because the chefs - and many of their customers - are down the road in Kennebunkport, at the second annual Kennebunkport Festival. Sponsored by Maine Magazine, the ambitious five-day food-wine-art party is promoted as "a celebration of the good life in Maine."

Tonight and tomorrow night, Chefs Shannon Bard (Zapoteca), Ian Hayward (Petite Jacqueline), Rob Evans (Duckfat), Lee Skawinski (Vignola Cinque Terre), Krista Kern Desjarlais (Bresca), Mitchell Kaldrovich (Sea Glass at Inn by the Sea), Lee Farrington (Figa), David Turin (David's, David's 388), Harding Lee Smith (Front, Grill and Corner Rooms) and Jeff Landry (The Farmer's Table) are each headlining a cornerstone of the event, "The Art of Dining Dinners" in private homes, most of which were sold out well in advance. This segment of the festival benefits Share Our Strength Maine. Tickets are still available for some events, including the Grand Tasting - featuring some of the same chefs and restaurants - on Saturday (June 9) at The Colony Hotel.

· Kennebunkport Festival 2012 [Official Site]

[Photo: Kennebunkport Festival, FB]