Duke’s Mayo ‘Hot-Tomato-Summer’ Starts Today In Charlotte And You Can Try Some Yummy Dishes
There are two things that are a constant when it comes to summer in the South. First, home grown tomatoes are one of the best things to eat, no matter how hot the weather gets. Second, there’s no substitute for Duke’s Mayo when it comes to a tomato sandwich. I was raised using Hellman’s Mayo and when I tell people that they’re horrified! LOL! Duke’s rules in our area which is why you have to hit one of the many local restaurants that are taking part in Duke’s Mayo ‘Hot-Tomato-Summer’.
Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer is a week-long celebration of summer’s iconic duo: tomato & mayonnaise. During the week of July 24-30, you can taste specials ranging from mayo ice cream, unique cocktails, and juicy BLTS at participating restaurants in participating cities – Richmond, VA; Charlotte, NC; Charleston, SC; Greenville, SC. Luckily, Charlotte is one of the cities participating and there are a ton of places to check out.
There are so many restaurants taking part this year here in Charlotte, that I can’t list them all. I’ve checked out some of the specials from a few restaurants and some are wild! If you’re a fan of a tomato sandwich or a BLT, numerous local spots will offer them. In addition to traditional dishes made with tomatoes, there are some that are not so traditional.
For example, Pepperbox Doughnuts is one of the local spots taking part in the event and their offering something I’ve never heard of. It’s a ‘Doughnut Tomato Sandwich’ using a toasted savory doughnut, which I’ve never tried, with sliced heirloom tomatoes and Duke’s Mayo. A tomato sandwich with a twist. I’ve tasted lots of doughnuts, but I’ve never heard of a savory one. Although if you say ‘heirloom tomato’, I am in! I love them! If you’ve never tried an heirloom tomato you’re missing out. They have a natural sweetness to them and they’re amazing plain, in a recipe, or on a sandwich. Last summer I ate so many I messed up my stomach! They’re that good!
The Teal Turnip is another local spot that is offering an interesting dish. I’ve never eaten there, but Phil has, and he says it’s good! There are a few tomato dishes you can try here, but the dessert is what caught my eye. They’re offering ‘Grannies Secret Chocolate Cake’ that’s made with Duke’s Mayo. I’ve seen recipes for chocolate cake that call for mayo, and it makes the cake moist. The wild part is the icing! It’s a roasted tomato buttercream icing. Odd, but I’d definitely try it!
One of the dishes here in the South that’s common is tomato pie. A friend of mine makes it and it’s so good! Recently, I purchased a small dessert pie and a veggie pot pie at the Charlotte Regional Farmer’s Market. The company that makes them is Thoughtful Baking Co. Amazing!!! When I saw they were participating in this event, I had to check out their special. They’re offering ‘Tomato Pimento Cheese Pie’: Seasoned and layered local NC heirloom tomatoes, baked in a from-scratch butter crust, layered with house-made pimento cheese (made with Duke’s of course!) Although I’ve had tomato pie, I’ve never eaten one made with pimento cheese. Sounds delightful! And I promise you, you will not be disappointed with their pies. They’re delicious!
You can see all the restaurants participating in Duke’s Mayo ‘Hot-Tomato-Summer‘ this week here in Charlotte. If you love fresh tomatoes, make sure you hit one or all of the local spots!
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