TomatoFeast at La Tavola: Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Here's what you do Wednesday, August 1, 2012.

Try a peach and green tomato tart at La Tavola for Tomato Feast.  Photo by Alli Royce Soble

It's tomato season in Georgia, and the fabulous fruit is on display across the culinary landscape.  On Wednesday night, go check out the TomatoFeast at La Tavola in Virginia Highland.   It's La Tavola's biggest summer event, and they go all out.   TomatoFeast is going till August 4th.  So, if you can't make it Wednesday, you still have a couple nights left. 

Check out the TomatoFeast Menu below.  I haven't been yet, but when I do, I'm gonna try the tomato soup, and the spaghetti.  La Tavola kicks pasta butt on the regular!  So, I can't imagine what they'll do with these heirlooms.    Have a bottle of chianti or red zinfandel with the meal.  And, of course, gotta try the peach & green tomato tart. I'm making myself hungry just writing this!

APPETIZERS
Brandywine Tomatoes peaches, patio herbs, arugula and speck 8
Braised Pork Cheek Crespelle smoked tomato vinaigrette 11
Anson Mills Farro Verde heirloom tomatoes, pickled red onions and radish 8
Pickled Cantaloupe & Tomato Soup mozzarella burrata, mint and black pepper 9
Braised Octopus & Fregola oven-dried tomatoes and taggiasca olives 10
Wild Salmon Crudo cucumber, tomato water and lemon agrumato oil 11

ENTREES
Bucatini all’ Amatriciana house-cured guanciale, local tomatoes, red onion and chili flake16
Grilled Pork Chop roasted tomatoes, fingerling potatoes and tomato salsa verde 21
Roasted King Clip farro, cherry tomatoes, red onions and squid 24
Rabbit Sausage & Risotto Bianco preserved lemon and heirloom tomatoes 17
Spaghetti con Ricci de Mare hot peppers, garlic and heirloom tomatoes 18
Grilled Skirt Steak polenta rustica, pickled tomatoes, Castelvetrano olives and chilies 22
Ricotta & Marjoram Ravioli smoked shrimp, almonds and charred sungold tomatoes 17

DESSERT
Peach & Green Tomato Tart cinnamon semifreddo 6.50

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Here's what you do Wednesday:

First:  It's tomato day.  So, breakfast with tomatoes is in order.  It's a bit unusual, but how about a stuffed breakfast tomato?   Try this recipe.   It's from Pip & Ebby,  a great site with good recipes all round.  ($ - $20).

Try stuffed tomatoes for breakfast.

Second:   Go check out the Titanic Artifact Exhibition at Atlantic Station.  From the exhibition:

" There is no more poignant way to experience Titanic 100 years later than through the authentic artifacts that have been recovered from the wreck site that can only be seen in Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. The Exhibition will be honoring the anniversary throughout the entire year of 2012"

The exhibition opens at 11.  Head on down around then before lunch.  ($ - $30 per person).

Check out the Titanic Artifact Exhibition at Atlantic Station

Third:  Have lunch at the Vortex.  They're famous for their burgers and their attitude.  Check out this quote from the Vortex rules you'll find in the menu:

"CELL PHONE ETIQUETTE

Cell phones are a part of modern life, so we can’t really ban them. And you are free to be as rude to your friends and dining companions as you’d like, but if you expect our staff to serve you, then you need to get off the &*$% cell phone. Vortex employees won’t talk to anyone using a cell phone at our host stand, tables or at the bar. Seriously, we will totally ignore you. In fact, using a cell phone while trying to place an order may result in bodily injury or death."

Don't worry.  The burgers are worth it!  Go for a spanish fly burger, or the blue 'shroom.  Any of the burgers is great.  Have it with Sweetwater 420.  ($ - $15 per person).

Have a burger at the vortex for lunch.

Fourth:  Ok, time to walk off that burger.  Head on down to Piedmont Park and take a little lap around the lake.  Try to find the feral roosters.   They're gorgeous!

Fifth:  Nap.  Gotta get ready for your night with the tomato.  Follow the perfect bed rules.

Finally:  Head on over to Tavola and dine!  Don't forget to make a reservation.  If you can, try to get there a little early (around 6) and you can probably get a seat at the bar and hang out at the bar with Alli or Kris.  They'll treat you right.  ($ - $50 per person).

Book Keeping:

Breakfast:  $20
Titanic: $60
Lunch: $30
Walk: $Free
Nap: $Free
La Tavola: $100

Total: $210.

Day Map:


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