Chef Delroy “Dice” Bennett from the Rocktide Inn in Boothbay Harbor won the first place judges award in the fifth annual Claw Down competition held by the Boothbay Region Chamber of Commerce at the Ocean Point Marina Boatyard on Thursday, Sept. 15.

“I am speechless. This is my first competition and I am the winner,” said Bennett.

Bennett hales from Jamaica and has worked on cruise lines, and at hotels and golf clubs from Florida to New York and now at the Rocktide Inn, according to the Chamber’s Facebook page.

Over 450 people attended the event which featured bite-sized lobster specialties from a dozen chefs, desserts and beverages. Raffle items raised additional funds for Chamber operations, according to event organizer Patricia Royall. 

In other awards, Chef Ralph Smith and the crew of Mine Oyster won the best presentation and table display as well runner-up in the People’s Choice awards.

Chef Michael Morissette of Herringbone’s won a second place in the People’s Choice category.

“This mean’s more to me than anything,” said Morissette.

Topside Inn Chef Mark Osborn won the second runner-up award in the judge’s competition. Boathouse Bistro Chef Karin Guerin was the first runner-up by the judges and took first place in People’s Choice Award.

Judges were Mathew Ginn of EVO in Portland, Pamela Laskey owner of Maine Foodie Tours, and food author Malcolm Bedell. Kelly Altiero of Cafe Miranda in Rockland was the master of ceremonies.

The Atlantic Clarion Steel Drum Band provided the entertainment.

The participants’ entries

Boothbay Harbor Country Club: Lobster Bisque Beggars’ Purse

Boothbay Harbor Inn: Lobster Arancini

Herringbone’s Grill Pub & Grill: Crispy Piece of Chicken Skin, Poached Maine Lobster With Black Garlic & Preserved Lemon

Lobsterman’s Wharf: Lobster Grill Cheese Topped With a Cheese Sauce and Blueberry Jam

Mine Oyster: A Unique Twist on Lobster Rockefeller

Oliver’s at Cozy Harbor: Latino Spiced Sauteed Lobster Over a Corn Arepa With Avacado & Cilantro-Jalapeno Aioli

Ports of Italy: Prosciutto & Puff Pastry Wrapped Lobster, Honeydew Melon & Maine Blueberry Sauce

Spruce Point Inn: Duck Fat Poached Lobster Taco With White Truffle Foam, Jicama Slaw, Osetra Caviar

The Boathouse Bistro & Tapas Bar: Asian Inspired Lobster Crepe

The Carriage House Restaurant: Sous Vide Lobster Salad, on a Geechie Boy Blue Cornmeal Cake With Lobster Roe Creme Fraiche, Lobster Bisque Dip and Seaweed Crispies

The Rocktide Inn: Taste of Boothbay Paradise - Caribbean Lobster With a Citrus Sauce

Topside Inn: Jalapeno Cornmeal Waffle With Spicy Lobster Creole Sauce, Topped With Nasturtium Butter, Poached Lobster and Cilantro Creme