Another unforgettable evening of lobster bites, coastal charm, and culinary excellence is in the books.

The Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce is proud to share the results of this year’s Claw Down Lobster Bite Competition, where ten incredible chefs wowed judges and attendees alike with their inventive takes on Maine’s most iconic ingredient. Each dish was a testament to the talent, heart, and creativity that make our local culinary scene so special.

A heartfelt thank-you to our esteemed judges, who brought expertise, heart, and a discerning palate to this year’s competition. We were honored to welcome Corey Pottle, a local lobsterman and owner of Brandy’s Girl, whose deep connection to the Maine coast brought authenticity to the judging table. Tony Cameron, President of the Maine Tourism Association, offered industry insight and enthusiasm for all things Maine. And Vanessa Santarelli, founder of Your Maine Concierge and contributor to Maine Life, brought her keen eye for hospitality and appreciation for local flavor. Thank you for lending your time and taste buds to Claw Down 2025!

2025 Claw Down Results

Table Presentation
Linekin Bay Resort

Chef’s Choice (selected by competing chefs)
Coastal Prime 1901

People’s Choice
3rd Place – Coastal Prime 1901
2nd Place – Harborside 1901
1st Place – Linekin Bay Resort

Judges’ Choice
3rd Place – McSeagull’s Restaurant
2nd Place – Footbridge Brewery
1st Place – Mine Oyster Raw Bar & Gathering Place - Chef Ralph Smith, will go on to compete at Harvest on the Harbor and the coveted "Lobster Chef of the Year" award in October. 

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s winners and a standing ovation to every chef who participated. Your creativity, dedication, and flavor combinations blew us away.

This year’s participating chefs:

• John Asendorf III – Brady’s

• Ercan Sahin – Coastal Prime 1901

• Dan Pangburn – Footbridge Brewery

• Berat Nacar – Harborside 1901

• Stan Hornsby – Linekin Bay Resort

• Jacob Dushuttle – McSeagull’s

• Ralph Smith – Mine Oyster

• Michael Whitney – Ocean Point Kitchen

• Shawn Wagner – Spruce Point Inn – Whiteclover

• Brandi Willis – The Whale’s Tale & Seafarer’s Pub

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to our Presenting Sponsor: Carousel Marina, for their continued and generous support, and to the employees and staff of our legacy host, The Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor - Bristol Marine.

We also wish to recognize our Legacy Sponsors:
First National Bank
Tindal & Callahan
Bangor Savings Bank
Down East Magazine
J. Edward Knight Insurance
Spruce Point Inn

And thank you to our Affiliate Sponsors:
Pier 1 Pizza & Pub
Bath Savings Institution
Newcastle Realty
Renewal by Andersen
Northern Jet
Rising Tide Co-op
House of Logan
Lazy Acres Farm
BBH Apparel
Conley’s Garden Center
JWM Electric

Bar Sponsors:
Boothbay Craft Brewery
Footbridge Brewery
Sebago Brewing Co.
Damon's
Josh Wines

Behind every successful event is a team of generous, hardworking contributors. We’re especially grateful to:
Atlantic Edge Lobster
BBH Apparel
The Boothbay Register
BRTV
Conley’s Garden Center
Country Coach Charters
Downeast Candy
Gudroe Technology Group
Hannaford
JWM Electric
The Boathouse Bistro
Mine Oyster Catering and Rentals
Social Graze Charcuterie
And our Emcee for the evening: Michael Maxim

Finally, to our volunteers, Chamber employees, chefs, restaurant teams, and all who attended—thank you. The countless hours you poured into this event brought it to life in the most delicious and meaningful way.

On behalf of the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce, thank you for supporting local chefs, local businesses, and the spirit of this extraordinary coastal community.
We’ll see you next year at the Claw Down!