Lobster Institute to Host Holiday Lobster and Wine Feast to Honor Maine Lobster Chefs of the Year

Contact: Cathy Billings at (207) 581-1443

ORONO — The Lobster Institute at the University of Maine is planning a Holiday Lobster and Wine Feast on Thursday, Dec. 3 in Orono to celebrate a mother and son who are the last two winners of the Maine Lobster Promotion Council’s Lobster Chef of the Year Award.

Margaret McLellan took that honor in 2008; her son, MacKenzie Arrington, won the award this year.  Their award-winning dishes will be served at the Dec. 3, event, which will also feature McLellan and Arrington discussing their creations.

The event will also include Big Claw wine, just released this summer after having been created specifically to pair with lobster.  A panel of wine and food professionals guided the design of Big Claw, created by Steve Melchiskey of USA Wine West (with offices in California and Maine) and Tim Wissemann of Portland’s Mariner Beverages.  Sales of Big Claw benefit the Lobster Institute.

As an additional treat, UMaine’s female student a capella group, Renaissance, will provide entertainment.

The event is a fundraiser that will support the Lobster Institute’s efforts to help sustain a healthy lobster resource and vital lobster fishing communities. It is scheduled at Wells Conference Center at the University of Maine in Orono, starting with a 6:30 p.m. reception, followed by dinner and entertainment.  Cost is $150 per couple or a table of eight for $500.

Those interested in attending can contact the Lobster Institute at (207) 581-1443 or check the Lobster Institute’s website at www.lobsterinstitute.org.