Tomato Festival at Chattanooga Market

IF YOU GO¦ What: Tomato Festival at Chattanooga Market.¦ When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, July 27.¦ Where: First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Reggie White Blvd.¦ Admission: Free; $20 for five Bloody Mary tastings.¦ Phone: 423-648-2496.¦ Website: Chattanooga Market.com.ON THE EPB STAGE¦ 12:30-1:30 p.m. Songs from "Shrek: The Musical" by Closed Door Entertainment¦ 2-3 p.m. Sabrina (acoustic soul)

It's all about tomatoes and the divine things that can be derived from their juicy pulps when Chattanooga Market hosts its Tomato Festival on Sunday, July 27, in First Tennessee Pavilion.

In addition to tomato recipe demonstrations and samples given out by Culinard, the culinary institute of Virginia College, market spokeswoman Melissa Siragusa says vendors also will have a variety of tomatoes and tomato products on hand - much more than just salsa.

Fifteen mixologists will compete to be Top Tomato in a Bloody Mary Tasting Contest that will benefit the Blood Assurance Foundation. All will present their best spin on the classic tomato juice and vodka mixture with two prizes to be awarded: Top Tomato and a People's Choice.

Marketgoers can participate in the People's Choice voting by purchasing five tastings for $20. Nonalcoholic tastings also will be available for a $5 donation. Linda Hisey, Blood Assurance executive director of media relations and development, encourages anyone planning to sip and sample to buy their tickets in advance because only a limited quantity of tickets will be available at the market. Tickets may be purchased at www.TopTomato.EventBrite.com.

The 15 restaurants and pubs are: The Flying Squirrel, Terminal Brewhouse, Easy Bistro & Bar, Taco Mamacita, Community Pie, Beast + Barrel, The Honest Pint, Hair of the Dog Pub, Porter's Steakhouse, 212 Market, Boathouse Rotisserie and Raw Bar, Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant, Tupelo Honey Cafe, DoubleTree's H2O Bar and St. John's Restaurant and Meeting Place.

While ticket purchasers will decide the People's Choice, local judges will name the Top Tomato. Judging will be Barry and Kelley Courter, Chloe Morrison, Chip Chapman, Kelly McCoy and Chris Thomas.

Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.

photo As part of a contest, 15 local establishments will offer their spins on a classic Bloody Mary during Sunday's Tomato Festival at Chattanooga Market.

CLASSIC BLOODY MARY

1 quart tomato juice

1 cup vodka

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1/2 teaspoon Tabasco

Lime slices

Celery stalks

Combine tomato juice, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice and Tabasco in 2-quart pitcher. Stir well.

Pour into ice-filled glass, garnish with celery stalk and slice of lime. Serves 6.

Source: Tabasco.com

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