AT FOURTH ANNUAL TOMATO FESTIVAL
Moneymaker, Copia, Red Fig, Black Sea Man, Green Zebra – while they may have odd names there is nothing that beats the rich, sunshine-infused flavour of heirloom tomatoes. Provence Chef/Proprietors Alessandra and Jean-Francis Quaglia are passionate tomato lovers, “Heirlooms have such intense flavour, there isn’t any ingredient that says ‘summer’ more to me than the tomato,” says Provence born and raised Chef Jean-Francis. “With so many heirloom varieties now available, we are like ‘kids in a candy store’ when it comes to creating dishes and designing the menus.” adds Chef Alessandra.
For the entire month of August, Provence Restaurants celebrates all things tomato with its Fourth Annual Tomato Festival featuring special three-course table d’hôte menus that will satisfy even the most addicted tomato-holic. Menus differ slightly at each location (Point Grey’s Mediterranean Grill and Marinaside in Yaletown) but both have the same delicious price – $45. At Marinaside, Sommelier Rachelle Goudreau has also created an optional wine pairing for an additional $20.
Chef Alessandra’s famed Heirloom Tomato Tarte makes an appearance on both menus as a starter as does a refreshing Chilled Tomato Soup. At Mediterranean Grill (P1) it is garnished with goat cheese relish and truffle honey while at Marinaside (P2), the soup features Yellow Campari tomatoes and is garnished with black garlic vinaigrette.
Other inventive tomato pairings include: Smoked Tomato Glazed Coho Salmon (P1), Tomato and Nectarine Salad (P2), Dungeness Crab and Heirloom Tomato Stew (P2), Strozzapreti and Buffalo Mozzarella in Rich Plum Tomato Sauce (P2) and even a tomato dessert – Rhubarb and Candied Grape Tomato Tarte (P1).
Whether you go balmy for Black Krims, crazy about Cherokee Chocolates or just adore Aunt Ruby’s German Greens, it’ll be easy to yield to temptation at Provence’s Fourth Annual Tomato Festival on now through August 31st at both locations.
Mediterranean Grill Tomato Fest Menu
Marinaside Tomato Fest Menu
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