2008 MAINE LOBSTER CHEF OF THE YEAR COMPETITION CALLS FOR ENTRIES
Competition at Blaine House to offer premium prizes and publicity for winners--
Back by popular demand, the “Maine Lobster Chef of the Year” contest is calling for Maine lobster recipe entries from all of the state’s chefs, sous chefs, foodservice owners and operators, and culinary educators. This year’s competition is open to culinary students living or working in Maine, as well.
Maine Food & Lifestyle magazine and the Maine Lobster Promotion Council are co-sponsoring the 2008 competition, which will include multiple categories for recipes made with the state’s signature shellfish: Appetizers, Soups and Stews, and Entrées, with prizes awarded in “Best Overall,” “People’s Choice” and the “Maine Lobster Emerging Talent Award” (to recognize the best lobster dish submitted by a Maine culinary student).
“The publicity generated by winning the ‘Maine Lobster Chef of the Year’ title is certainly worthwhile for aspiring and established Maine chefs alike,” according to Dane Somers, Executive Director of the Maine Lobster Promotion Council. “This year’s ‘Best Overall’ winner will earn an exclusive feature in Maine Food & Lifestyle magazine which has subscribers throughout the country, articles in top newspapers and consumer and industry magazines, and coverage on our website (www.lobsterfrommaine.com) The winner will also receive a set of great prizes, including a premium getaway package at the Balsams Grand Resort Hotel in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Five finalists will be awarded publicity and prizes, as well.”
“We’re all really excited to begin seeing this year’s wonderful Maine lobster recipes,” said Merrill Williams, Editor/Publisher of Maine Food & Lifestyle (www.mainefoodandlifestyle.com). “This great contest highlights not only our state’s delicious ‘signature crustacean,’ but the amazing pool of culinary talent Mainers now are enjoying throughout our state.”
The deadline for recipe submissions is midnight, May 31. Five finalists will be chosen by an independent panel of judges in June, based on a review of printed recipe submissions. Recipes will be awarded points for originality, simplicity and health/nutritional value. A cook-off event among the five finalists named then will take place at The Blaine House in Augusta on July 22. Judges at the Blaine House event, which will be attended by press, will score the finalists’ dishes based on presentation, flavor, taste and texture.
The 2008 contest is presented with the enthusiastic support of the Maine Restaurant Association (MeRA), as well. “With the amount of attention Maine’s dynamic food scene is earning on the national stage recently, this year’s Maine Lobster Chef of the Year contest falls at an optimal time for entrants,” according to Dick Grotton, President and CEO of MeRA. “What better way to not only showcase one of Maine’s best food items, but to shine the spotlight on Maine food professionals, as well.”
For a full description of eligibility requirements, prizes, and entry and judging rules, visit www.lobsterfrommaine.com or call (207) 287-5140.
