Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Earlier this week, we got some tips from farmers about this season’s tomato crop in Georgia. Now that you’ve got the scoop from the farms, let’s turn to the dining scene and see how chefs are tossing together tomatoes. La Tavola’s “TomatoFeast” is under way, where executive chef Brent Banda was able to use many techniques with the tomato while keeping its essence.
"The inspiration for the Tomatofeast menu comes from the ability to bring Italy to Atlanta and feature our local farmers. It gives the kitchen a chance to showcase southern Italy, which is extremely understated and underappreciated in my opinion, such as pasta shapes the guest haven't heard of and dishes that are truly inspiring as a chef."
La Tavola
992 Virginia Avenue, Atlanta
404-873-5430
www.latavolatrattoria.com
TomatoFeast runs from July 30 to August 9. Chef Banda’s favorite feature on the menu is the tomato crostata. “The crust is made with Parmigiano and baked with meaty red tomatoes. The tomatoes are acidic and concentrated and pair great with our savory olive oil gelato.”
The Pig & The Pearl
1380 Atlantic Drive NW, Atlanta
404-541-0930
www.thepigandthepearl.com
This newly opened spot sources their tomatoes from Mayflor Farms. Their salad of heirloom tomatoes, smoked mozzarella, red wine vinegar, cucumber, olive oil and basil is reminiscent of a caprese salad. The dressing laces through a smoky pillow of cheese to accentuate the tomato's natural acidity.
The Bishop
124 N. Avondale Road, Avondale Estates
404-692-5454
Vegans can rejoice with the hearty main “grilled cauliflower” coated with olive tapenade and tomato ragu. You won’t even notice each tender bite is a vegetable, but that’s the beauty of this dish. The flavorful tomatoes cling to the cauliflower, begging to join the joyride to your mouth.
The Real Chow Baby
782 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta
404- 671-4202
www.facebook.com/realchowbaby
When you’re looking for a quick tomato fix, the fast-casual Real Chow Baby on Ponce is a quick stop. The chef sources tomatoes from Georgia, and August’s special is a crispy tomato and basil quesadilla with mozzarella cheese and balsamic reduction.
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
South City Kitchen
1675 Cumberland Parkway SE, Atlanta
770-435-0700
www.vinings.southcitykitchen.com
TomatoJam! celebrates a tomato-centric menu. From August 7 through August 16, try out small plates and mains that celebrate this red devil. Our favorite is the contrasting colors of the watermelon and heirloom tomato salad with field arugula, sheep's milk feta, red wine vinegar, Georgia olive oil, and Bulls Bay sea salt. It's a juicy, salty fresh salad that tastes hydrating in the heat of August.
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