Belle Fete worked with a client to create a Maine Farmer’s Market theme party. The client was hosting a conference for scientists from around the country in Portland, Maine. Many of the guests have never to been to Maine before and we wanted to highlight the best that our state has to offer.
We created a menu around what can be found a the local farmers market. We used local
Pineland Farm and State of Maine cheeses and served them with a variety of crackers.
We made a red pepper and roasted garlic ailoli as well as an herb boursin to be served with the fresh vegetable crudite.
Local sausages and cured meats rounded out the menu .
The highlight of the evening was Chef Carter’s lobster martinis. For many of they guests this was their first time eating lobster.
From the proposal process to the execution and then with follow-up, I knew that I had chosen the right firm. Lori responded quickly and kept me informed. She really listened to me—from dietary restrictions to the need for local foods.
I loved the updates on the décor and ideas that she had that made my event so special. I could tell that she was excited and wanted to make my event unique. My clients were happy with the food, impressed with the service, and marvelled at the beautiful presentation. It’s such a pleasure to work with someone who so clearly loves her work. It really shows from the pleasant staff to the attention to detail. I will work with her again—and again!
Michele L. Tremblay, naturesource communications
The Gulf of Maine Research Institute located at 350 Commercial Street in Portland offers several types of meeting/event/lecture space. Facility rentals at the Gulf of Maine Institute are managed through Gulf of Maine Properties, Inc. Rentals are available for corporations, non-profits, government and public sector organizations, with preference given to those activities relating to the fishing industry. The facilities are not available for religious or non-business related functions.
Meeting Rooms
The facility has three traditional conference rooms. All rooms have natural sunlight and are equipped with a white wall area on which to project. Wireless internet is available at no extra cost and there are sufficient tables and chairs for all of the meeting rooms.
- E. Margaret Boulos Conference Room (2nd Floor), seats 10-12 people around a traditional rectangular table
- Gulf of Maine Conference Room (3rd Floor), seats 10-12 people around a traditional rectangular table
- TD Banknorth Board Room (3rd Floor), seats up to 28 people board room style or 50 people theater style. The arrangement of the tables can be customized to fit your needs.
Function Space
The facility has a central atrium section overlooking the harbor, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The atria can be used for larger meetings or transformed into a location for a cocktail reception or formal dinner. The atrium on each floor is available for rent, or they can be bundled together for a larger function. Since they encompass a large portion of the facilities, they are available for rental during evenings and weekends, and not during business hours. Events using the atria which require additional seating will need to make arrangements to rent the necessary tables and chairs.
- Ryan Atrium (3rd Floor), seated dinner up to 75 people, cocktail reception up to 100 people
- Strong/Turner Atrium (2nd Floor), seated dinner up to 75 people, cocktail reception up to 100 people
- Waldron Atrium (1st Floor), seated dinner up to 75 people, cocktail reception up to 100 people
- Cohen Center for Interactive Learning When the Cohen Center isn’t bustling with students, it can be used for lectures or other meetings, utilizing the sophisticated audio-visual capabilities of the space, with seating for approximately 50 guests.
Reservations and Rates
Meeting room and function space is reserved by receipt of a signed contract and deposit. Checks should be made out to Gulf of Maine Properties, Inc., 350 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101. Gulf of Maine Properties, Inc. does not accept credit cards. Funds paid may be refunded with a 72-hour advance notice of cancellation, after that time deposits are non-refundable.
Belle Fete catered an intimate dinner for the executives at one of Maine’s largest private corporations. They were interested in creating an affair where they could have quiet conversation over a fantastic meal.
The Evenings Menu
Stationary Appetizers
Cheese and cracker display
Shrimp cocktail display
Served with three homemade dips: classic cocktail, mustard creme and Maine wild blueberry
Plated Salad
Mixed green garden salad with fresh vegetables and balsamic vinaigrette
Plated Dinner
Filet Mignon with rosemary port reduction and sprinkled with blue cheese, served with roasted garlic whipped potatoes and balsamic marinated asparagus.
Chicken Paillards with toasted almond sauce, served with roasted garlic whipped potatoes and balsamic marinated asparagus.
Dessert
Angel food cake with lemon chiffon and fresh berries
