My favorite festival, Attack of the Killer Tomato, celebrated its 5th year July 21 with all the pageantry and aplomb that a beloved gathering of chefs, mixologists, farmers, and tomato enthusiasts could possibly muster. All for the beloved tomato and to help Georgia Organics advocate for our local farmers.
44 Chefs representing 38 restaurants paired with 27 local farms and their bounty of summertime tomatoes, many of them those ripe heirloom beauties that have us scoffing at grocery store imposters. It is astounding to me how each year there are so many new and interesting creations from our bevy of talented Atlanta chefs all relying on the same ingredient for inspiration.
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| Jeff Jackson of Rosebud |
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| Jeff''s "Paint it Red" |
Add to the chefs 17 mixologists grouped with both local farms for tomatoes and one of the following: Crop Harvest Earth Vodka, Farmers Botanical Gin, Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine, Troy and Sons Moonshine, or Paqui Tequila. Again, the mixtures never seem the same and are the biggest treat of the usually very steamy Sunday fest.
People's choice winner Local Three with Caprese Ice Cream with basil, ricotta, and tomato flavors.
My favorite cocktail from Andy Minchow of the much anticipated Ration and Dram. Confession time; I had three. The Tajin seasoning on top was so unexpected and perfect.
Hector Santiago's slider. He is now with Abattoir and I cannot wait to see what he brings to the table.
Arianne Fielder of Seven Lamps and her Nest Egg: gin, strawberry-tomato granite, rosemary, and a green chartreuse "egg" floater.
Kara Hidinger with Abattoir's Gandy Dancer (loved the tomato foam). Cannot wait for Staplehouse to open. Kara, Ryan Smith, and Ryan & Jen Hidinger is a dream team of goodness in so many ways.
Did I mention the dunk tank? Watching Ron Eyester get repeatedly dunked was a laugh riot. He was such a good sport.
Until next year...
Speaking of tomatoes, The Red Gold Summertime Grillin' Party is now live on their Facebook page. There will be a grand prize give away of a Big Green Egg. To enter: click Here. I use their lime and cilantro tomatoes to make a quick and delish chicken burger.
Caribbean Chicken Burger
1 lb. ground chicken
1 14.5 oz can of Red Gold Lime Juice & Cilantro
Salt & Pepper
Mix ground chicken and Red Gold tomatoes (drained). Form into patties. Salt and pepper. Grill
Serve on a toasted H& F bun or lettuce. Add guacamole or avocado or even a roasted pineapple slice. Top with Emily G's chutney.
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