Tomatoes are all the hype right now with ‘Tomato Girl Summer’ trending on TikTok. From Mediterranean fashion trends to Mediterranean dishes on the table, this late-summer produce is the ‘it girl’ right now. Here’s a look at some tomato-based dishes to check out in NYC.
Aquavit
Chef Emma Bengtsson’s two-Michelin-starred take on a classic Chilled Tomato Soup at Aquavit is nothing short of summertime produce perfection.
Delicately arranged fresh cucumber, sliced heirloom tomatoes, yogurt and sourdough pieces are drizzled table-side with a perfectly balanced tomato emulsion.
Not only is this dish a seamless addition to the Aquavit lunch menu, with all of Chef Emma’s Scandinavian influence and flair, it’s one certain to beat the heat without sacrificing on flavor.
Barbounia
Chef Amitzur Mor is ever-creative with the fare at Mediterranean hotspot Barbounia.
For tomato season 2023 he is serving Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes with fresh oregano, garlic scapes, and green olives, in a sherry vinaigrette with grilled sardines.
Aficionados of sardines will appreciate the zesty combination of this dish which covers the six taste categories: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, bitter and astringent.
Jack & Charlie’s No 118
Chef Ed Cotton’s Jack & Charlie’s Woodfired Bloody Mary is an exquisite interpretation of the timeless brunch cocktail. Succulent sun-kissed tomatoes that have been wood roasted to perfection are the star of the drink, infusing the essence of the open flame into every sip.
The wheated vodka achieves smoothness that dances effortlessly with the rich tomato notes and the Calabrian peppers unleash a kick that captivates the tongue.
On the savory side, Chef Ed is also serving a fun twist on a classic stuffed tomato dish: Duo of Stuffed Tomatoes with Mexican style Spiced Ground Beef, Spanish Rice, Black Bean & Queso Fresco, and Mushroom & Herb with Wild Mushroom-CousCous, Fire Roasted Corn & Pine Nuts.
The Lambs Club
Classic American cuisine with a New York global influence is at the epicenter of Chef Jack Logue’s menu at The Lambs Club.
A lover of everything uber-seasonal, for tomato season, Chef Jack is serving Heirloom Tomato and Watermelon Tartare with burrata, basil, and garlic.
Red beefsteak tomatoes are blended with watermelon and a little basil, making a tomato water.
The remaining dried pulp is then sauteed in olive oil with garlic and shallots and deglazed with white wine seasoned with soy sauce, tobacco, a little bit of salt, sugar and black pepper and some freshly chiffonade basil leaves.
This mix is spooned onto a bowl and topped with a rye crouton, seasoned burrata and heirloom tomatoes that have been peeled and marinated in olive oil with basil and garlic crushed into it.
Fragrant and flavorful, this is a tomato lover’s dream.
The Mary Lane
Chef Andrew Sutin features farmer’s market produce for his light and elevated take on classics at The Mary Lane.
The summer’s bounty of the juiciest Heirloom and Sungold tomatoes are the delicious base for his Seasonal Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho accented with cantaloupe marinated in extra-virgin olive oil, lime juice, and fresh spearmint.
And with the first crop of green tomatoes, he crafted a fried cornmeal-crusted green tomato special, the sweet tartness playfully topped with a spicy shrimp dip.
Vestry
Visit Michelin-Starred Chef Shaun Hergatt’s SoHo hotspot, Vestry to taste the ultimate summer dish: imported burrata, fresh colorful tomatoes and olives tossed with olive oil and a hint of pesto.
