There were 18 local chefs competing for the best “lobster bite” at the second annual Claw Down, which took place at the Ocean Point Marina in East Boothbay last night.

The event was hosted by the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce.

The competition was judged by three industry-renowned professionals and attendees from 18 states and Australia cast their own votes for the Peoples' Choice awards. There were six winners in all, including grand prize and first and second runners up in each judging.

Around 400 people attended the event to sample the bite-sized morsels that all featured lobster provided by local fishermen.

Mike Ham, Executive Chef of Tugboat Inn & Restaurant won the Grand Prize Judges Choice. His lobster bite: Herbed cream cheese stuffed lobster cannoli with blueberry Creme Anglaise.

Kim Martin, Chef/Co-owner of Eventide Specialties won First Runner-up Judges Choice. Her lobster bite: Lobster and brie en petit choux, fig balsamic glaze.

Geoff Cornell, Executive Chef of Boothbay Harbor Country Club won Second Runner-up Judges Choice with a lobster sashimi on crushed ice in an oyster shell, daikon radish, wasabi peas, pickled ginger, cucumber, and wasabi infused olive oil.

Jason Chamness, Executive Chef of Robinson's Wharf & Tugs Pub won the Grand Prize in the People's Choice division. His lobster bite: Deep-fried golden lobster beignet, a savory blend of local lobster, mascarpone, traditional New Orleans house-made remoulade drizzle.

Fiona Dunlap, Executive Chef of Newagen Seaside Inn won First Runner-up People's Choice. Her lobster bite: Savory herb crisp topped with roasted corn butter, Maine lobster, meyer lemon drizzle & sea salt foam.

Geoff Cornell, Executive Chef of Boothbay Harbor Country Club won Second Runner-up People's Choice

Other prizes included: Best Decorated Table: Boothbay Harbor Country Club.