• Orginality and Creativity (25 Points)
• Clarity and Professionalism of Written Recipe (25 Points)
• Use of Maine Lobster as a Primary Ingredient (25 Points)
• Appearance and Plate Presentation (photo required) (25 Points)
• Taste and Aroma (voted on by People’s Choice)

Clarity and Professionalism of Written Recipe – Recipes must be clear and easy to follow, they should have a title and include type of course. Recipes must also include a complete list of ingredients in order of preparation, with exact U.S. measurements, and step-by-step preparation instructions. Plating, serving size, prep time, cooking time and temperature must be included. (25 Points)

Use of Maine Lobster as a Primary Ingredient – Maine lobster must be present in the recipe as the primary ingredient, which is then complimented and accompanied by all other ingredients. All recipes must be considered nutritionally responsible. (25 Points)

Appearance and Plate Presentation (photo required) – All written recipes must be accompanied by a photograph. Recipes must be presented beautifully on the plate, and have an appetizing appearance, making the eyes want to eat the dish before you smell or taste it. Plate presentation must match description in written recipe. (25 Points)

Taste and Aroma (people’s choice) – Judging for taste and aroma will take place at a cook-off event, after the three finalists with the highest scores in the written recipe phase have been chosen. The taste-test will include the three finalists preparing 250 samples of their dish for a People’s Choice cook-off at the Harvest on the Harbor event, where a final winner will be selected. Judges may consider perceived taste and offer 10 bonus points

PRIZES
Maine Lobster Chef of the Year Contest Winners will recieve:

• Prestigious Title: Maine Lobster Chef of the Year
  
• Prize Money: $1,000 Grand Prize, $500 for runners up
  
• Publicity for you and your restaurant: All finalists recieve exposure in top newspapers, consumer and industry magazines, and television, as well as a spotlight on the Maine Lobster Promotion Council website
  
• Customer Recognition: Finalists will recieve commemorative plaques to display in their restaurants
  

NOTIFICATION
Finalists will be notified by the Maine Lobster Promotion Council, using the contact information provided with recipe submissions. Dates and times for press events, Harvest on the Harbor cook-off,  and other details will be posted as they are finalized.

CONDITIONS
By submitting a recipe, the entrant agrees to the use of his/her name, photo, and recipe submission in any form of publicity or trade promotion proposed by the Maine Lobster Promotion Council, and by their submission, authorizes and agrees to such publication without compensation other than the winning prizes. Personal contact information will not be sold or shared for any other purposes.

Taxes are soley the responsibility of the winning parties.