The Salt Exchange

For your reading and web-browsing pleasure:

• The Boston Globe ran a story on the lobster industry, which focuses on how lobstermen are working to stay afloat. They discuss the Crate to Plate program, a model that operates like a CSA.
• Becky's Diner and the Porthole won't be the only Maine establishments to appear on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives (as we touched on last month.) Kittery's Bob's Clam Hut will also appear on the show, reports Foster's Daily Democrat.
• Maine potato advocates have launched a campaign to get the food on a good foods list for a federal nutrition program.
• Saving Seeds posted a statement from the People's Movement Assembly on Food Sovereignty from the US Social Forum 2010.
• Maine Food & Lifestyle takes a look at cooking mussels.
• An important fact to consider: A Feeding America study finds that Maine ranks 8th in the nation with regard to children at risk of hunger.
• And finally: It's a little bit down the road (October), but it's never too early to start thinking about Harvest on the Harbor.

The Portland Press Herald reports that Becky's Diner and the Porthole will both be featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, the Food Network's serial tribute to three classic American culinary institutions.

The article, which you can take a look at here, is well worth checking out, though this excerpt is a nice testament to Becky's:

Allison Page, vice president of programing for the Food Network, said Becky's has everything the show looks for -- great characters and great food.

The episode on which the restaurants will be featured is not yet scheduled. Many congratulations to Becky Rand and Oliver Keithly, owners of Becky's Diner and the Porthole respectively, on this much-deserved coverage of these Portland, Maine institutions.

[Photo Credit: Gordon Chibroski / Portland Press Herald]