Photograph by Greta Rybus.

“The Maine Course” is a brand new culinary program where food and storytelling intersect.

Inspired by the exhibition Stories of Maine: An Incomplete History, we invite Maine-based chefs to cook a favorite dish and share the story behind it with our audiences. Join us for this exciting program with Vien Dobui from CÔNG TỬ BỘT, and afterwards you will receive a recipe so you can try your hand at creating a special dish from home.

$10, free for members

Vien Dobui (he/him) is a co-owner of CÔNG TỬ BỘT, a Vietnamese restaurant located in a gentrifying neighborhood on occupied Abenaki land. At CTB, Vien is working to improve the quality of restaurant jobs while existing in a racist, inequitable society. The restaurant was nominated for James Beard awards in 2018, 2019, and was a finalist in 2020 before the awards were suspended for being too racist. Vien is one of the worst chefs, but best managers to be acknowledged for such an award.