Chef Chas and the National Oyster Cook-off

Chef Chas and the National Oyster Cook-off

August 31, 2001 

Leonardtown, MD. The Fontana Free Press reports "Once again, due to the lackluster appearance of suede chefs in recent years for the National Oyster Cook- off, culinary giant and charismatic leader (next to Al Sharpton) Chef Chas de Petro (a.k.a.  Chef Sal Monella, Charlie Petrocci) will make an emergency appearance to boost consumer moral at this years bake off". After hiding on an island under Marlon Brando's robe, Chef Chas has been called out of semi-retirement, to the thrill of the masses.

Known as the "spin doctor" of oyster cuisine, his entry dish this year remains a mystery. It could be oysters covered with Lucky Stars, flambéed or it could be grilled oysters marinated in shark’s blood - known as surfer’s revenge. Or it

could be his old Italian favorite Oysters Salmonella.  Move over Clams detoxico, oysters a la Parris, the infamous Porto Charles Oysters could be on the menu!

Chef Chas missed the last two years of the Cook-off for unexplained reasons.  Many believe that Mr. de Petro was cooking in a Maryland State prison for his role in the 1999 accosting of the County Oyster Queen.  Petro and his sidekick, Santos, allegedly created a non-culinary stir when they came upon the Oyster Queen following the Chef's award winning performance.  Although it's unclear what exactly happened that day, the Queen did press charges and indictments followed.

Regardless, Chef Chas appearance this year will send pangs of joy

through the stomachs of the crowds and tingles of fear to this years Miss Oyster.

The National Oyster Cook-off is part of the St. Mary's Annual County Oyster Festival.  This year’s festival is scheduled for October 20-21, 2001.  The event is held at the County Fair Grounds in Leonardtown, MD and begins at 8:30 a.m. on

the 20th with the Oyster Cook- off.  For close to three hours each chef presents their oyster masterpiece to judges and then invites, in a non-accosting manner, the audience to sample the stew, appetizer, soup or main dish.

The Fair includes various Southern MD exhibits and foods including oysters on the half-shell, scalded oysters, fried oysters, clams, MD stuffed ham sandwiches, and much, much, more.  Included is music and dancing, an Oyster Shucking Contest, and other quite amazing local activities.