MAKE FRIENDS and BUILD COMMUNITY over food.
One meal at a time.
Members are invited to EXCLUSIVE EVENTS
at public venues and in private homes.
A TASTE OF SOME
UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE GREATER PORTLAND, MAINE AREA
February 10th
CASCO BAY ARTISANS
The 'Art of Life’ in Old Port, Portland. Serving high end cheese, hors d’eouvres and wine as we learn about art!
Date TBD
BOOK RELEASE AND BRUNCH
Come listen to Leigh Kellis talk about her newly released book "The Power of a Donut" while indulging in a delicious brunch with quiche, mimosas and donuts! Ticket price includes a signed copy of the book! Scarborough
March 14th
BITE INTO MAINE
Join us for a lobster roll tasting with a surprise new flavor created just for Friends with Forks guests!
April 6th
VEGAN PRIX FIXE
April 19th
SIP 'N SUSHI
Come eat gourmet sushi, drink beer, and listen to a Belleflower Brewery founding member tell us stories about the history of the brewery. Portland
What is FRIENDS WITH FORKS?
Making friends and building community over food is the core mission of Friends with Forks.
We create monthly events in a variety of restaurants, and smaller intimate events in private homes, on farms, on boats, etc.
Come have a drink, share a meal, learn about wines, foods and about each other.
Become part of a communal dining experience.
SELECTED RECENT EVENTS
MEMBER HOSTED
PRIVATE CHEF DINNER
A Mediterranean multi-course meal prepared and served by a local chef.
MEMBER-HOSTED
LOBSTER ROLL PARTY
Make your own lobster rolls at at private home on Peaks Island!
MEMBER-HOSTED
BLIND WINE TASTING CONTEST
Bring a covered bottle of wine and join the contest. Your wine could win.
MEMBER HOSTED
GOURMET POTLUCK
A gourmet pot-luck with a twist
Theme: FRENCH!
MEMBER-HOSTED
CRÊPE PARTY
Learn the French secret for how to make perfect crêpes
BROKEN ARROW
Back by popular demand! A multi-course Chef Tasting Menu specially curated for us. With optional cocktail and wine pairing.
CHEZ ROSA
French comfort food influenced by their local seafood, farms and pastures.
MAKER'S GALLEY
Portland’s most unique restaurant and marketplace located on Portland’s waterfront.
MEMBER HOSTED
OYSTER SHARING AND GYOTAKU DEMO
A private oyster talk and tasting and art demonstration.
MEMBER-HOSTED
NEW ORLEANS GUMBO PARTY
Members have teamed up to host a special dinner featuring a New Orleans theme.
SUR LIE
We return to one of the top rated restaurants! Eclectic tapas style serving local food. Truly delicious!
Why join?
It is never just about the food, but about sharing meals together and creating sustainable and lasting connections with new friends.
As a member you get first access to all the exclusive events at the lowest price.
You are not just going to a one-off meal, but you become a part of the Friends and Forks community!
Come for the food. Stay for the friends.
The Back Story
Hello there. I'm Laurel Chiten, the founder of Friends with Forks.
I was an award winning independent filmmaker and made films for over 30 years. (Blind Dog Films) I am also a foodie and lived in Manhattan.
One summer day in 2019, I walked into a restaurant around the corner from me, and I had a vision of people in my neighborhood sitting around a table eating together.
That was it! The idea was born! I dropped my film career, made a 180 degree turn to make this dream come to life.
Originally launched in January 2020 in New York City as Dinner Mates. We took off like a rocket! All our events sold out.
Then, the pandemic happened...
I left NYC, moved to South Portland, and relaunched Dinner Mates here. A year later I renamed it Friends with Forks.
ox Laurel (and my pup Sprout)