Charleston, SC – The kick-off for the 29^th Annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival will be on Thursday, January 19, 2012.  The Lowcountry Oyster Recipe Contest will be held from 5-7pm at the Culinary Institute of Charleston (CIC), Palmer campus located downtown.  The contest will be divided into three categories: Culinary Students, Industry Chefs and Home Cooks.  Each group will be judged separately and winners from each category will be named.

Two winners from each group will be awarded a cash prize.  First place will receive $300 and second place will receive $200.  This contest is on a first come, first serve basis, so it is important to complete and submit your registration form as soon as possible.  The application can be submitted to:

Charleston Restaurant Association

Attn: Kathy Britzius/Oyster Recipe Contest

423 King Street

Charleston, SC 29403

Each contestant is asked to arrive one hour early in order to prepare for the event.  The dish prepared must primarily be made of oysters.  If you have any questions, please contact Kathy at 843.452.6088 or Monique at 843.364.0971.