Today’s Five Finds on Friday come from Holly Hammond of Whisper Hill Farm, whose August tomatoes are worth waiting all year long. The tomatoes will be among the offerings at Tomato Tomato Fest, Tuesday August 26 at The Little Market at Lampo. Tomato farmers, artisans, and vendors will celebrate the Charlottesville area’s tomato harvest, while Lampo makes a special tomato-centric menu for the occasion. Details here. Dress in tomato gear, enter gardening and art competitions, and celebrate this year’s harvest. Hammond’s picks:
1) Basil Tofu at Cafe 88. “Jenny is always at the front counter, ready for my favorite order when I go to Cafe 88. When I asked her for her favorite tofu dish, she did not hesitate -Basil Tofu. Wowee! She sends this bento box out of the park, with crispy tofu fried to perfection, saucy eggplant, and green beans. Everything cooked to perfection. Being a veggie farmer, I am particular about these things, and Jenny nails it with this dish. To be honest, everything she sends out is excellent.”
2) Avocado Toast at Petite MarieBette. “There’s something special about going into PMB on a Sunday morning after a long week farming and a vibrant Saturday sale at IX Farmers Market. The vibe is chill, and the staff is always warm and friendly. Pair that with an iced London Fog and their Avocado Toast with an egg, and life is good. Avocado toast might not be something I would typically order, but theirs is done so deliciously. Perfectly mashed avocado on a slice of their multigrain sourdough topped with corn, cotija, and pickled onion. What’s not to love?”…