Dear edible MAINE Readers,

 

March 8th marks International Women’s Day, a time to celebrate the resilience, creativity, and leadership of women across industries—including the remarkable women shaping Maine’s food and drink scene. From chefs and farmers to beekeepers and brewers, these women nourish not only our bodies but also our communities, forging paths in spaces where their contributions haven’t always been fully recognized.

 

This week, we’re shining a light on their work, featuring honey-infused recipes inspired by Maine’s female beekeepers, a bold coffee cocktail from a woman-run roastery, a deep dive into Maine’s women-led seafood industry, and a roundup of women-owned food businesses and events happening near you.

 

Let’s dig in and celebrate the incredible women feeding Maine—one delicious bite at a time.

Bees are responsible for much more than just honey—they play a vital role in Maine’s agricultural landscape. Jennifer Lund, Maine’s state apiarist, works tirelessly to support the health of the state’s bees, ensuring their survival and productivity. In honor of Jennifer and the many female beekeepers tending to Maine’s hives, we’re featuring three honey-inspired recipes that showcase the magic of this golden ingredient.

🛒 Some places to Find Local Honey:

Swan’s Honey – Family-run apiary in Albion, offering pure raw honey in Albion.

Nervous Nellie’s Jams and Jellies – Handmade jams and locally sourced honey from Deer Isle.

Barter’s Island Bees – Family-owned apiary offering raw honey in Trevett.

Backwoods Bee Farm – Quality honey and beekeeping supplies in Windham.

Shipmast Farm – Small-scale apiary producing raw and unfiltered honey in Machiasport.

Red Brook Honey – Local honey sourced from healthy, happy bees in South Berwick.

Spicer Bees – Sustainable honey production and pollination services in Whitefield.

Sparky’s Honey & Maple – Producing delicious honey and maple syrup in Hope.

Behind every great coffee roastery, there’s a story—and at Coffee By Design, that story is all about empowerment. Founded in Portland by Mary Allen Lindemann, Coffee By Design has spent decades uplifting women in the coffee industry, from supporting female-owned coffee farms in Burundi to ensuring fair wages for women in coffee-producing countries.

🛒 Support Women-Owned Maine Coffee Roasters:

Tandem Coffee Roasters – Co-founded by Kathleen Pratt, known for small-batch roasting and killer pastries.

Bard Coffee – Portland-based specialty coffee shop sourcing from women-run farms.

Carpe Diem Coffee Roasting Company – Woman-owned coffee roaster in North Berwick.

Coffee Hound Coffee Co. – Female-run small-batch roastery in Bar Harbor.

Greenwood Bean Coffee Roasters – Woman-owned, sustainable coffee roastery in Greenwood.

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The seafood industry has long been a male-dominated space, but in Maine, women are making waves—literally. From lobster fishers to oyster farmers, women are stepping into leadership roles, proving that the ocean belongs to everyone. This story explores the challenges and triumphs of one of Maine’s women fishers and the future of gender equality on the docks.

 

🛒 SOME Women-Owned Seafood Businesses:

Lady Shuckers – Maine’s first all-women traveling raw bar.

Emily’s Oysters – Sustainably farmed oysters from Freeport, run by Emily Selinger.

Nauti Sisters Sea Farm – Woman-owned oyster farm in Yarmouth, dedicated to sustainable aquaculture.

Mosher’s Seafood – Female-led seafood market in Farmington, committed to providing fresh, local seafood.

Southern Maine Crabs – Jillian Robillard’s business specializes in more than just Jonah crab; now expanding Maine’s seafood offerings by offering lobster, scallops, haddock, cod, grey sole, tuna, clams and much more!

Maine’s culinary scene is rich with exceptional women-owned and women-led restaurants that offer diverse and delectable dining experiences.

Here are some of the many
standout establishments to explore:

 

Nestled in Portland’s West End, Chaval is a brasserie co-owned by the dynamic duo Ilma Lopez (interview here) and Damian Sansonetti. The restaurant offers a menu inspired by Spanish and French cuisines, showcasing dishes crafted from the freshest local and seasonal ingredients. Beyond its delectable fare, Chaval is known for its creative cocktails and a thoughtfully curated wine list, providing a dining experience that is both distinguished and unforgettable. The warm, inviting atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

 

Owned and operated by self-taught chef Erin French, The Lost Kitchen has garnered international acclaim for its intimate dining experience and farm-to-table philosophy. Set in a restored mill, the restaurant offers a seasonal menu that reflects the bounty of Maine’s local farms and artisans. Reservations are highly sought after, with guests from around the world vying for a seat at Erin’s table.

 

At the helm of Primo is Chef Melissa Kelly (interview here), a two-time James Beard Award winner. Since its opening, Primo has been a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement, boasting its own extensive gardens and greenhouses. Chef Kelly’s Italian-inspired menu emphasizes sustainability and showcases the freshest ingredients right from their backyard.

 

Chef Devin Finigan brings a refined touch to coastal cuisine at Aragosta. Nestled in the picturesque Goose Cove, the restaurant offers a menu that marries Maine’s seafood traditions with Chef Finigan’s international culinary experiences. Her commitment to local farmers and foragers is evident in every thoughtfully crafted dish.

 

A staple on Portland’s waterfront since 1991, Becky’s Diner is owned by Becky Rand. Known for its hearty, classic diner fare, Becky’s offers a welcoming atmosphere where locals and visitors alike can enjoy a taste of Maine’s comfort food traditions.

 

Located in the heart of Camden, Franny’s Bistro is celebrated for its cozy ambiance and a menu that highlights locally sourced ingredients. The woman-owned establishment offers a range of dishes that reflect Maine’s seasonal flavors, making it a must-visit for those seeking a delightful dining experience.

 

This cake studio,founded by Chef Gabrielle “Gabby” Cote (interview here), specializes in creating bespoke cakes and confections that transform celebrations into unforgettable experiences. With over a decade of culinary experience in renowned Kennebunk-area restaurants, including roles as Sous Chef at The White Barn Inn and Chef de Cuisine at Earth at Hidden Pond, Chef Gabby brings a wealth of expertise to her craft. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America with a focus on French pastry, she combines classical techniques with artistic flair. Located in the historic Saco Island mill complex, Big Fish Cake Studio offers personalized creations for weddings and special occasions, each confection reflecting Chef Gabby’s commitment to quality and creativity. Her work has been featured in various publications, and she continues to collaborate with local vendors to bring sweet visions to life.

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This International Women’s Day, let’s raise a glass (or a coffee mug!) to the women who fuel, sustain, and inspire Maine’s food community. Whether they’re running oyster farms, roasting coffee beans, or running world-class kitchens, these women are proof that Maine’s food scene is richer, stronger, and more innovative because of their work.

 

Support them, celebrate them, and, most importantly, keep their tables full. Until next week—cheers to strong women!

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