Pie With Tomatoes, from the 2023 Tomato Art Fest Recipe Contest
It’s almost time for East Nashville’s greatest annual demonstration of community and quirkiness — the 21st annual Tomato Art Fest! The big day of the festival will be Saturday, Aug. 10, but a week prior, the festivities will kick off with the hotly contested Tomato Recipe Contest.
If you’d like to take part, all you have to do is drop off your dish at Margot Cafe and Bar at 1017 Woodland St. between 12:30 and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3. To commemorate the Paris Olympics, this year’s theme is “World Tour With Tomatoes” — so basically anything from anywhere, as long as tomatoes are a prominent ingredient.
Think Puerto Rican pastelón or a nice Italian pomodoro dish, or even a Maghrebi shakshuka. A panel of judges — led by Margot chef Hadley Long — will evaluate the entries based on the prominent use of the tomato in the flavor profile, deliciousness, plating and presentation, and uniqueness of the dish. In addition to big-time bragging rights, the winner will see their dish featured on Margot’s menu during the weekend of the Tomato Art Fest, with Chef Long offering his own take on the recipe.
There is no limit to the number of recipes participants may enter. Each entry must be accompanied by a written recipe with all ingredients, which can remain private should the participant choose. Let the organizers know on your entry if you want to keep your secret recipe under lock and key, but Chef Hadley needs to see it so he can prepare if it wins, and the judges need to account for any potential allergy issues. Entrants must register in advance and may do so until Aug. 2 at 3 p.m.
Here’s the link to the official registration form, and best of luck to all of the cheftestants!
