Nicholas Krunkkala, chef at The Thistle Inn in Boothbay Harbor, took two top honors at the fourth annual Claw Down at the Ocean Point Marina Boatyard in East Boothbay on Thursday night, Sept. 17.

Krunkkala took both the Judges and People’s Choice Awards.

With his first place finish Krunkkala will go on to the Lobster Chef of the Year competition in October at Harvest on the Harbor in Portland.

On hand was the 2014 Maine winner Stephen Richards from Mine Oyster in Boothbay Harbor.

In all 17 chefs presented their favorite lobster dishes to a sold out crowd of lobster lovers who in part came to support the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce, sponsor of the event.

“It is a cooperative event,” said Master of Ceremonies Kerry Altiero, owner and chef at Cafe Miranda in Rockland.

Altiero said the restaurants in the Boothbay region are in competition, but they also support each other.

“It raises the bar for all of us,” he said.

Also pulling down two awards was first time entry Chef Brittney Meservier of Cod’s Head Fish and BBQ. She won the Chef’s Choice and second place in the Judge’s Choice competition.

Second prize in People’s Choice division went to Ed Yarmosh of the Boothbay Harbor Country Club. Third place went to Dwayne Whitelocke of the Rocktide Inn and Restaurant. Third place in the Judge’s award went Karin Guerin of the Boathouse Bistro & Tapas Bar.

Several items were raffled off during the course of the evening.

Cisco Brewers and Ninety Plus Cellars supplied the wine and beer.

Cherie Scott was the organizer of the event.

Related:

Claw Down 2015 Photo Gallery

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