by Lauren Kruchten | Jun 30, 2022 | Eat, July 2022/August 2022
Experience peak summer produce at chef Sean Fowler’s Tomato Dinner this summer.
Mandolin chef/owner Sean Fowler is bringing the concept of “farm to table” to a whole new level with his Tomato Dinner on Aug. 14 and 15. The menu will focus on—you guessed it—peak summer tomatoes, which Fowler grows a variety of on his own Mandolin Farm. Taste the season’s bounty through several courses, including a sungold tarte tatin with whipped mozzarella, basil gel and herbs; grilled quail with dirty rice, okra and tomato gastrique; and, for dessert, a tomato hibiscus sorbet—each course served with wine pairings to boot (!).
Here, Fowler shares his recipe for pickled cherry tomatoes, which you can—and should—add to everything this summer, from salads to toast to grilled meat and seafood. mandolinraleigh.com
Pickled Cherry Tomatoes
INGREDIENTS
- 1 qt. cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 sprig of basil
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- 1 pint white balsamic
- 1 pint of water
- 2 Tbsp. salt
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
DIRECTIONS
Poke holes in each of the cherry tomatoes and place them in a quart-size pickle jar with the herbs. Bring all other ingredients to a boil. Pour the liquid over the tomatoes and seal the jar. Keep refrigerated for up to 12 months to enjoy your summer harvest year-round.
by Emma Brennan | Nov 30, 2021 | December 2021/January 2022, Eat
’Tis the season for a cozy cup of hot cocoa—whether you believe in chocolate before breakfast or spiking the classic (holly jolly, indeed!) for a pick-me-up (hey, get chip-faced… no judgment!). Here, we drop knowledge like it’s hot… chocolate—and dare you to ace it.
1. Which local sweet spot serves up a history lesson in each sip with hot cocoa selections dubbed Spain, 1631; Xochiaya; and Italy, 1670?
a. Lucettegrace
b. Videri Chocolate Factory
c. Escazu Chocolates
d. The Chocolate Boutique
2. La Farm Bakery offers a scratchmade hot chocolate mix (inspired by owner Lionel Vatinet’s dad, George) that includes Belgian chocolate, sugar, spices and cream imported from what country?
a. Peru
b. France
c. Germany
d. Chile
3. Which Raleigh chef features a decadent chocolate souffle on its menu that’s pretty much hot chocolate in dessert form?
a. Scott Crawford
b. Ashley Christensen
c. Sunny Gerhart
d. Sean Fowler
4. For some farm-fresh holiday feels, which local farm is hosting a Winter Lights celebration complete with hot cocoa and s’mores, outdoor holiday movies, and a photo op with Santa Claus himself?
a. Cathis Farm
b. Page Farms
c. Raleigh City Farm
d. Phillips Farms
5. What year did iconic sweet spot Videri Chocolate Factory open its doors and start making us melt by serving up such sweet selects as its sipping chocolate (aka its single-origin chocolates in a rich 2-oz. pour—literally melted chocolate for sipping!)?
a. 1998
b. 2006
c. 2011
d. 2013
6. Which local cocktail spot serves up an adult version of your childhood favorite with its boozy hot cocoa drink?
a. Bittersweet Raleigh
b. Killjoy
c. Atlantic Lounge
d. Foundation
7. Which local distillery sells a Damn Fine Chocolate Liqueur that, when combined with hot chocolate mix and fernet, makes a mean boozy and sweet bev that’s ideal for sipping around the fire on cold winter nights?
a. Young Hearts Distilling
b. Pinetop Distillery
c. Durham Distillery
d. Olde Raleigh Distillery
8. So seedy! Harmony Farms in-house cafe features a raw hot chocolate made with cacao, dates and what other superfood?
a. Chia seeds
b. Flaxseeds
c. Pumpkin seeds
d. Hempseeds
9. Escazu Chocolates offers eight different varieties of hot cocoa (!), so you’re guaranteed to never bore your sweet tooth this season. Which of these varietals cannot be found on its menu?
a. Spicy hot chocolate
b. Pumpkin hot chocolate
c. Peanut butter hot chocolate
d. Choco-chai hot chocolate
Answers: 1. C; 2. B; 3. D; 4. A; 5. C; 6. A; 7. C; 8. D; 9. B
