Photo courtesy of Portland Harbor Hotel

Back in the 80s my parents and their friends used to get together every few weeks for “International Night,” a potluck dinner featuring everyone’s attempt at some foreign cuisine. The usual Italian and French nights went okay, but eventually, when the cuisines started veering into the more exotic, things started to get weird. I mean, imagine “Africa Night” in Fort Kent, Maine in 1985: a bunch of 30-somethings with no internet access, their ingredients limited to whatever made it up that week to the state’s northernmost family grocer, and a town library full of cookbooks written by petticoat-wearing Betty Crockertrons in 1968. International Night didn’t persist for very long.

Eve’s at the Garden at the Portland Harbor Hotel is doing right what my parents did wrong: they’re offering up an International Dinner Series prepared by talented chefs with access to fresh ingredients and viable recipes along with the skill and creativity to put their unique spin on classic ethnic dishes. For $65, you can eat your fill (including wine pairings!) and tax, tip, and valet parking are all included. What a steal. Visit evesatthegarden.com, or call 207-775-9090 for more information or just head over to BrownPaperTickets.com to reserve your spot.

The Middle East is the first region to be featured in the series, and on Friday, January 11, at 6:30pm, Eve’s Executive Chef Tim Labonte will serve up the classics family-style. Assorted mezze including taboulleh, baba ghanoush, and stuffed grape leaves will be followed by platters of traditional entrees such as Lahmajoun, Kibbeh, and kebabs. You can view the entire menu for the dinner below or download the .pdf here.