National Oyster Cook-Off Contest

 DESCRIPTION   SHUCKING CHAMPIONSHIP   OYSTER COOK-OFF    LINKS
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Oyster Festival Saturday, twelve finalists representing several states compete for the $1,000 top prize in the National Oyster Cook-off contest.  Their recipes are chosen from over 150 entries submitted by contestants from many states, and Washington D.C.  The finalists cook their fresh oyster specialty dishes against a time limit for a panel of five expert judges.  Recent judges have included:
  • Betty Wrenn Day, Food Editor, "Gloucester/Matthews Gazette-Journal" , Matthews, Virginia.
  • Rob Kasper, "The Happy Eater", The Baltimore Sun.
  • Anne Mackenzie, Retired Food Columnist, "The Aegis", Bel Air, Maryland
  • Sandra Martin, Editor, "Bay Weekly", Deale, Maryland
  • William Taylor, Leonardtown, Maryland

The fresh oyster cooking categories include: 2006 Entries

 2004 contestant Shirley DeSantis from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania prepares "Oyster with Pancetta and Gorgonzola Cheese"  

  • Outdoor Cookery/Salads. The 2002 Winner (This Category was discontinued in 2004)

A special award is given for Presentation of the finished dish.

First, second and third place cash prizes are awarded in each category.  The recipe deemed best overall takes home the Grand Champion prize totaling $1,000 cash plus a silver platter. The Cook-off begins at 9:00 AM in building 16 on the festival grounds.

Early visitors are encouraged to watch the preparation of the dishes and later sample the contestants' entries. Votes cast for by the spectators determine the people's choice award. 

   DESCRIPTION   SHUCKING CHAMPIONSHIP   OYSTER COOK-OFF    LINKS
ENTERTAINMENT   GREAT FOOD    DIRECTIONS   CONTACT US   EVENTS