Sixth Annual Maine Potato Dinner At Hugo's

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2007


CONTACT:
Gillian Britt 207-775-2126
gBritt PR


SIXTH ANNUAL MAINE POTATO DINNER AT HUGO'S ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11


PORTLAND, Maine - The humble Maine potato will receive its due during the sixth annual "Maine Potato Dinner," at Hugo's Restaurant, Sunday, November 11, at 6 pm. Hugo's executive chef and owner, Rob Evans, plans to move Maine's most common ingredient to the center of the plate, and the center of attention, in at least eight courses.


"Potatoes are like apples: think of the difference between Macs and Golden Delicious," said Maine farmer and Hugo's potato supplier Jim Cook in a New York Times article about the Hugo's Potato Dinner in 2005. His Grand Isle, Maine farm, Skylandia Farm, is a certified organic family farm in the northern-most tip of Maine. Cook will supply several varieties of potatoes for Hugo's Potato Dinner including Carola and Butte Russet, two of Chef Rob Evans' favorites. Evans' second restaurant, Duckfat, uses Skylandia's Shepody potato "because it's a great frying potato and does not need to be coated with any artificial exterior, as they do at fast food restaurants," explained Cook. The Shepody is likely to make an appearance at the Potato Dinner as well.


Cook has attended the dinner every year, "It is such an honor to see what Rob can do with the humble potato and it never fails to amaze me. In seven years I don't think he has ever repeated a course and he always does 8 or 9 courses. He's very creative and versatile and knows how to work with potatoes. As a farmer, to see what someone what can do with my ingredient, it's just incredible."


Each course during the dinner will be paired with select wines. The cost is $100 per person. Seating is limited, for reservations call Hugo's at 207-774-8538.

Rob Evans and Hugo's was recognized earlier this year when Evans was nominated for Best Chef Northeast in 2007 by the James Beard Foundation. Evans was honored in 2004 with the "Best New Chef Award" from Food & Wine Magazine.

About Chef Rob Evans and Hugo's Restaurant
Hugo's passion lies in its love for creative food, good wine and wholesome Maine ingredients. The culinary team at Hugo's, under the direction of chef and owner, Rob Evans, delivers regional cuisine that is both unexpected yet ultimately familiar. The four-course prix fixe menu is available nightly, Tuesday through Saturday, from the dining room. Hugo's is located in downtown Portland, Maine, at the corner of Franklin and Middle Street. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5:30-9:00 PM and on Friday and Saturday from 5:30 -9:30 PM. Call (207) 774-8538 for reservations. More information is available at www.hugos.net.


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