Boothbay Harbor, June 14, 2024 – The annual Claw Down event once again showcased the finest culinary talents in our community, celebrating the art of lobster cuisine. The event drew an enthusiastic sold-out crowd to Boothbay Harbor, where local chefs competed fiercely for top honors.
And the Winners Are…
We are thrilled to announce the winners of this year's Claw Down:
- Chef's Choice and Judges 1st Place: Boothbay Craft Brewery, Tavern & RV Resort. Chef Lori Mitchell - who will advance to compete at Harvest on the Harbor in October!
- Judges 2nd Place: Topside Inn - Chefs Mark Osborn & Buzz Makarewicz
- Judges 3rd Place: Harborside 1901 Bar & Grill - Chef Hakan Anlar
- People’s Choice 1st Place: Mine Oyster ~ Raw Bar & Gathering Place - Chef Ralph Smith
- TIE for People’s Choice 2nd Place: The Whale's Tale & Seafarer's Pub - Chef Brandi Willis and Topside Inn - Chefs Mark Osborn & Buzz Makarewicz
- People’s Choice 3rd Place: Marcel’s Submarine Shop - Michael Morrissette
- Best Table Presentation: Coastal Prime - Chef Justin Doyle
Congratulations to all our winners and a huge thank you to all the chefs who participated and made this event memorable!
Special Thanks
We extend our gratitude to everyone who made Claw Down possible. We want to give special thanks to our judges:
Local Lobsterman, Corey Pottle of Brandy’s Girl
President of the Maine Tourism Association ,Tony Cameron
The two-time Lobster Chef of the Year, Chef Stephen Richards
Acknowledging Our Sponsors
We are deeply grateful to our sponsors for their support:
- Presenting Sponsor: The Carousel Marina
- Legacy Sponsors: First National Bank, Tindal & Callahan, Bangor Savings Bank, And Bristol Marine - The Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor.
- Affiliate Sponsors: Bath Savings, Knickerbocker Group, A Maine Wedding, House of Logan, Boothbay Craft Brewery, Harbour Towne Inn on the Waterfront, and Footbridge Brewery
Additional thanks to:
- Atlantic Edge
- BBH Apparel
- Bob Mitchell Photography
- The Boothbay Register
- BRTV
- Central Distributors
- Conley’s Garden Center
- Country Coach Charters
- Downeast Candy
- Gudroe Technology Group
- Hannafords
- Josh Winery
- JWM Electric
- Knickerbocker Group
- Mine Oyster Catering and Rentals
Our Volunteers and Staff
A massive THANK YOU goes out our 50 amazing volunteers and friends of the Chamber, and The Shipyard Staff for getting us *literally* ship-shape! As well as the participating restaurants and chefs. Your countless hours of hard work and dedication have made this year’s Claw Down event an outstanding success.
The community spirit and collaboration shown by everyone involved is what makes Claw Down such a special event each year and draws folks from all over! (Including Australia this year!) We look forward to seeing you all again next year for another round of exceptional seafood, entertainment, and community spirit.
Until then, congratulations to our winners and heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this event possible!
Chef Lori Mitchell with her winning bite: V-Notched Pretzel Bite -An egg-baring V-Notched, soft Pretzel smothered in garlic & lemon butter, stuffed with Maine’s best lobster meat sautéed in supreme cream sauce. Finished with sea salt, sprig of dill, chive blossom, lemon zest & roe.
“Gin & Tonic” was the inspiration flavor profile for Topside Inn’s bite - Maine lobster with juniper berry cured salmon gravlax, tonic gel, diced cucumber, dill & rye crisps.
Chefs gather for a winner's photo.
Mine Oyster won People’s Choice First Place –Their people-pleasing bite? Hot Honey Butter Poached Lobster saffron-creamed corn, crispy prosciutto, cilantro lime oil, queso fresco cheese, served in a fried corn tortilla bowl
VIPs Champagne reception
Members of the Board and staff of the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of commerce gather for a photo at the Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor.
