Two From Rockland, NYC, 'Lobster Chefs Of The Year'

Both chefs who won the "Maine Lobster Chef of the Year" competition yesterday are from Maine, one just doesn't live, or cook, here now. Boothbay Harbor native Mackenzie Arrington, executive chef at The Dutch (named Eater NY's Restaurant of the Year 2011, one of numerous accolades) won the sold-out crowd of 200's "people's choice" award with his ricotta gnudi and Maine lobster with truffle, chanterelle mushrooms and chervil. Arrington also won in 2009, according to The Portland Press Herald. Kerry Altiero, chef/owner of Cafe Miranda in Rockland, was chosen by the judges panel for his lobster salad presented on a square of homemade pasta. The dual awards were new this year, so was the "all-star" criteria — Arrington, Altiero and the third competitor, Melissa Bouchard of DiMillo's on the Water in the Old Port had all been in the contest before.

· Two Honored As Maine Lobster Chefs Of The Year [PPH]

[Photo: Mackenzie Arrington (left) and Kerry Altiero/Boothbay Register]