International students serve cuisine from their homeland in Southport

Stefan Popedi and Moti Bogdan spent Sept. 6 doing something they probably could've have done in their native Romania. The two grilled mici, a meat combo ratio of 70% beef and 30% pork with spices and garlic mixed in, outside Southport General Store. Mici is a staple of Romania barbecues and the two J-1 VISA program international students prepared it as their contribution to Southport General Store's "International Dinner." "Everybody in Romania loves mici and everybody around the world loves mici," said Popedi about why he and Bogdan chose the meat as their contribution. For the past couple years, the store has honored its J-1 VISA student workers with a special day featuring cuisine from the homelands. General Manager Bonita Johnson began the event a couple years ago to thank the J-1 workers and the store's customers for their patronage. This was Popedi's first summer working in Southport, but he worked in the western U.S. last year. "Modi worked here in Southport last year. He encouraged me to join him this year," Popedi said. Popedi said working in the U.S. was an opportunity to travel and experience a new culture. This year, the store welcomed international students from Romania, Egypt, Dominican Republic, Lithuania and Jamaica. Elliot Schwartz of East Boothbay is a repeat guest of the annual dinner. He is accustomed to foreign travel and enjoys eating a foreign menu served close to home. "I came last year and really enjoyed it," Schwartz said. "I met some new people and am looking forward to eating some good food this year and meeting more new people." Carole Zalucky of Southport also attended last year's meal. She was eager to attend this year's. "I came to support the store and I love having the international students here," she said. The dinner began around 4 p.m. and ended after 6 p.m.