WILLIAMSBURG — Three Historic Triangle restaurants are in the running for a golden tomato prize as they compete in the Duke’s Mayonnaise Hot Tomato Summer contest.
The contest, in its fifth year, works to highlight tomato season at restaurants in the Southeast.
“Hot Tomato Summer is our favorite time of year,” says Rebecca Lupesco, Duke’s Brand Manager. “We love how the simplest things — tomatoes and mayo — can inspire such passion and creativity. It’s kind of like a tomatoey summer camp for restaurants.”
From July 17-27, Amber Ox, Cook’s Burger Bar and Dominion Dogs will be competing in the Virginia Beach restaurants category. Each location will be offering a unique menu item involving mayonnaise and tomatoes.
- Cook’s Burger Bar is offering two specials:
- Duke’s Mayo Burger: Duke’s Seared Brioche, Duke’s Mayo-Crusted Fried Green Tomato, Whipped Dukes Cheese Spread, Reckon Acres Baby Arugula, Charred Pimento Dukes Aioli.
- Cook’s BLT: Duke’s Mayo-Seared Rye Bread, Black Pepper Bacon, Mayo-Fried Patty, Reckon Acres Bibb Lettuce, Pair-a-Dice-Acres Heirloom Tomato, Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho.
- Dominion Dogs is offering a Lowcountry Dog: All-beef (or veggie) hot dog with fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese (made with Duke’s Mayo), pepper jelly and hot honey.
- Amber Ox is offering two specials:
- Sundried Tomato Deviled Eggs: Panko Crust, Duke’s Mayo plus Sundried Tomato Whipped Yolks, House-Cured Pork Belly.
- Fried Green Tomato Steak Tartare: Panko-Breaded Green Tomato, New York Strip Steak Tartare, Pickled Green Tomato Chow Chow, House Dilly Pickles, Duke’s Mayo, Pickled Red Onion.
Throughout the 10 days, fans will have the chance to vote online for their favorite Hot Tomato Summer dish once a day. The restaurant in each city with the most votes will be awarded the coveted Golden Tomato trophy.
Specials will only be available for a limited time during the contest.
“The combination of fresh local tomatoes and Duke’s is just what summer tastes like to me. We’re excited to pay tribute with dishes rooted in comfort and seasonality,” Ileana White, Executive Chef at The Amber Ox, said.
For more information, visit hottomatosummer.com.