There’s nothing much better than a sticky bun in the morning — or really any time of day. And you’ll have a hard time finding a sweeter one than the pastry served at Home Kitchen Café (650 Main St., 207-596-2449) in Rockland. The breakfast and lunch joint features delectable buns, with or without nuts, that are buttery blocks of sugar and spice. At nearly four bucks a piece (and worth every penny), these buns make a great appetizer to split, or a veritable meal for one.

Some Maine businesses begin under the best of circumstances, others under the worst.

The owners of Cleonice (112 Main St., 207-664-7554, www.cleonice.com) in Ellsworth, Rich and Cary Hanson, are taking local to the next level. They’ve converted several acres of their own property in Bucksport into an organic farm called Artisana. Fresh vegetables, eggs, and pigs are making their way from the farm to the restaurant’s menu. Some of the pork products from the farm that are being used in dishes include homemade coppicola, pancetta, and prosciutto, along with smoked and cured jowls.