Dive into the flavorful world of Maine oysters with our friends from Blackstone Point Oysters! Join their expert farmers as they reveal the secrets of oyster cultivation in the renowned Damariscotta River - learn the art of shucking, savor the flavor of fresh Maine oysters in a taste test comparison between oysters from different farms on different parts of the river, and discover the stories of the Mainers responsible for bringing this coastal delicacy to your plate. Bring your questions—they've got the answers! If you've been curious about Maine oysters - or aquaculture - but don't know where to begin, this introductory class is for you! By the end of the class, you will have a new understanding and appreciation of oyster cultivation and the ways farming techniques impact quality and flavor - you'll be ready to go out into the world and act as an ambassador for one of Maine's most prized aquaculture products! Taught by Blackstone Point Oysters, Presented by Maine Tasting Center.

Online registration is unavailable for the Acadian Arts Retreats. To register, please contact our office at 207-729-7323. Thank you!

Your instructor, Chris Toy is the author of 6 popular cookbooks, a private chef, and has taught Asian-fusion cooking for several Maine community education programs. Cooking students will learn how to prepare a variety of recipes from Asia, Europe, and the Americas incorporating traditional and local ingredients. Each meal will actively engage cooks with the tools, techniques, and stories behind the dishes being created. *More about the retreat location: Step back to a time when President Franklin Roosevelt, Eleanor, and their family escaped to their “beautiful little island” in the Canadian Maritimes, Campobello Island. We will be exclusive guests of the international park, staying in historic Victorian cottages. Workshop participants will explore and paint the same coastal scenery enjoyed by the summer residents at the turn of the 20th century. All meals are included in the workshop fee as well as specially planned optional evening activities designed to extend your learning from the day’s workshops. Register for the retreat then call Sherry Mitchell at 506-752-2922 to make room reservations. Acadian Arts Retreats participants will have exclusive overnight access to accommodations in the park. **Lodgings not included in price.

A beautifully arranged charcuterie and cheese board is a sure way to impress, whether you're entertaining at home or contributing to a pot luck. The best way to improve upon this classic appetizer is to fill your board with locally-sourced cheeses, meats and accoutrements. In this class, students will be introduced to a wide variety of Maine producers; sample their products and learn how to incorporate them into your next charcuterie board. Attendees will also explore the fundamentals of arranging a beautiful charcuterie board - from cutting techniques for meats and cheeses to selecting and arranging eye-catching garnishes. This class will offer plenty of opportunity to taste products and practice various arranging techniques. All materials and product lists/recipes will be provided. Taught by Sara Gross, Presented by Maine Tasting Center.

Explore the rich, tangy and bubbly world of fermentation and the Maine producers bringing it to life! In this introductory class, you’ll sample a variety of fermented foods made right here in Maine —like sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, black garlic, and garum —while discovering the stories of the innovative makers behind them. Learn how fermentation works, why it’s such a powerful preservation method, and how it fits into Maine’s local food systems. Perfect for food lovers and curious minds alike, this class celebrates the bold flavors and traditions of Maine’s fermented foods. Taught by Sara Gross, Presented by Maine Tasting Center.

Preparing tasty meals at camp can be a challenge, but using dehydrated or freeze-dried ingredients can make the process much easier—and lighter! In this interactive class, you’ll explore how to craft simple, rehydration-ready camp meals. Learn about the freeze-drying process, its benefits, and where to find high-quality dehydrated and freeze-dried ingredients. Then, dive into a hands-on activity to create two custom camp meals to take home, featuring freeze-dried products from local Maine farms, preserved right here in Maine by Green Gean’s. Perfect for your next camping trip! Taught by Sara Gross, Presented by Maine Tasting Center.