Another Successful Tomato Fest!
by Sara J. Rosen
photos courtesy of Jason Schwartz, clockwise from top left: Alica Walter & Sam Alberts; Marja Samsom; Naxielly Dominguez's Un-Cookoff "helpers" - Angeline Dominguez and Emma Deutsch; and Teen Battle Chefs Adam Garcia & Lorenzo Gallese
The Great Tomato Un-Cookoff hosted by Food Systems Network NYC and New Amsterdam Market on Sunday, August 26th was a rousing success. Hundreds of tomato enthusiasts meandered through the market sampling awe-inspiring dishes created by an impressive roster of chef participants. Each creation captivated our taste buds in a different way. While we honor all of our chefs for their tomato mastery, the following chefs took home a special prize for distinguishing themselves in the following categories:
- People’ s Choice Award (voted best dish from our attendees): Alexis Delaney for her Tomatoes with Homemade Stracciatella and Anchovy Breadcrumb Salsa
- Judge’s Choice Award (voted best dish by our judges): Naxielly Dominguez for her Tomato Tortilla Soup w/Chipotle Goat Choose & Chimichurri Oil
- Most Creative Use of Tomatoes (selected by our judges): Renee Baumann for her Zesty Gazpacho Granita
- Best Interpretation of Un-Cooked (selected by our judges): Alicia Walter & Sam Alberts for their Tomato Watermelon Salad
These lucky chefs were awarded unrivaled experiences that included a guided tour of a local Greenmarket; lunch at the Green Table; and sunset drinks and snacks at the new Table Green with the Network’s very own culinary and market experts. Our fourth prize was two tickets to New Amsterdam Market’s upcoming Cider Rival and tasting event in October.
Wish you had sampled (more of) the tomato recipes featured at Tomato Fest? Here’s your chance to see if you can re-create some of these dishes at home. Thanks to our chefs for providing the great recipes below!
Renee Baumann - Zesty Gazpacho Granita
Tim Cavaretta - Zapamole
Alexis Delaney - Tomatoes with Homemade Stracciatella and Anchovy, Breadcrumb Salsa
Naxielly Dominguez - Fresh Tomato Tortilla Soup with Chipotle Goat Cheese and Chimichurri Oil
Mitchell Greenberg - BLT S'more
Margrethe Horlyck-Romanovsky - Tomato Smørrebrød with Goat Cheese and Chives
Marja Samsom, the "Dumpling Diva" - Tomato-Basil Dumpling
Teen Battle Chefs - Pico De Gallo & Ricotta on Flatbread
Good luck and happy eating!
