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 Oyster Festival Saturday, nine 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 three expert judges. The 2010 judges were:
- John Shields, Owner Gertrude's Restaurant, cookbook author and MPT cooking show star, Baltimore, MD
- Vicki Milburn, Editor, Southern Maryland - This is Living Magazine, Leonardtown, MD
- Betty Wrenn Day, Food Editor, Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal, Mathews, VA
The fresh oyster cooking categories include:
- Hors D'oeuvres,
- Soups and Stews, and
- Main Dishes
- Outdoor Cookery/Salads. (This Category was discontinued in 2004)
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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. 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 10:00 AM in building 16 on the festival grounds. |
