PORTLAND — Thomas Reagan, a personal chef from Kennebunk, won the title of Maine Lobster Chef of the Year today with dish that fused traditional Maine and Asian flavors.
Reagan won the competition at Ocean Gateway in front of an audience of 200 with his Slow poached Lobster Tail Nipponese, a dish he said could easily be made at home.
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“I think it looks like fireworks on the plate, and I hope it tastes like a celebration in your mouth,” Reagan told the audience, who got to taste each of the three finalists’ dishes and vote on their favorite.
The other chefs vying for the Maine Lobster Chef of the Year title were Kristian Burrin of The Seasons of Stonington Restaurant, who prepared a trio of Maine lobster rolls, and Ryan Campbell of the Lake Parlin Lodge and Cabins, who made a Maine Lobster “Menage a Trois.”
Mary Stocher of Scarborough, who attended the contest with her mother, Cynthia Chase, cast her vote for Reagan.
“All three were excellent,” Stocher said. “I liked the fact that I could sit down and have a whole meal of (Reagan’s dish) and I wouldn’t get tired of it. It was just amazing.”
Her mother voted for Campbell’s dish.
Reagan won a $1,000 grand prize; the other chefs took home $500 each.
“I’m so pleased,” Reagan said after his name was announced. “Thank you all very much. I hope you liked my meal. Make it and home (and) email me if you need help.”
Reagan, who is a Mason, was sponsored in the competition by Arundel Lodge No. 76, which counts among its members many local lobstermen.
The Maine Lobster Chef of the Year event is part of Harvest on the Harbor, a three-day food-and-wine festival that began Thursday.
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