insalata di cavolo/coleslaw

The last few weeks have been pretty great!  Part of the greatness has been all the delicious, fresh foods with which I have indulged, both at home and while out and about. Peaches, blackberries, and heirlooms tomatoes to name have been a few of the freshness I have consumed! And, I love that my family of friends have enjoyed the good eats with me!

This last Saturday was tomato day. Connie and I went to an heirloom tomato tasting at La Tavola on Saturday, a preamble to their Tomato Feast starting today.  “Wow” is all I can say. Interestingly, as long as I have been in Atlanta, and for the number of times I say I am going to head back into town, this tasting was the first time I have been in La Tavola.  Shameful, I know. But, if I was going to be introduced to the restaurant, I chose a wonderful day.

Immediately upon walking into La Tavola and being greeted by a friendly hostess, Connie and I were handed a glass of Prosecco.  Needless to say, La Tavola “has me at hello”.

After securing our seating, we headed to the back patio (complete with amazing misting fans) to try the different kinds of heirlooms tomatoes. The tomatoes were labeled and Executive Chef Craig Richards graciously distributed a description of the 20+varieties Bill Yoder from Farmer D Organics, provided for the tasting.

Down the line we went…oohing and ahh-ing at each plate.  Once we reached the end, there were various oils and sea salts, including a smoked sea salt, rosemary sea salt and two types of Italian salts I didn’t catch the name of, but one was much finer than the other.

To be honest, I didn’t want to put anything on the tomatoes because they were so “melt in your mouth” good by themselves.  So at first, I put the salt on the side of the plate.

Then, as great minds think alike, Connie and I decided to put the salts on one plate and oils on the other. While she and I loved each tomato we tried, I did have my favorites.  Come to find out, I am a zebra girl, as I enjoyed the Zebra varieties most of all.

The entire outing, which landed on a sunny (and scorching hot) day in Atlanta, was so relaxing for both me and  my friend. Thanks La Tavola, Chef, and the whole staff for a wonderful tasting and small glimpse into what I am in store for at Tomato Feast.  It will be delicious, for sure, and I will be hanging out with Tami, Erin and Maura. Thanks for the invite, Michael!

Speaking of fresh, local foods, I mentioned that I visited a farm stand while driving through South Carolina.  I still have to post about the dishes that were baked as a result of that experience, and trust me… I have been baking!  Part of my purchase there was a peck of peaches. Even after giving some to friends, that peck as contributed to mini pies, ice cream, dessert pizza, and this slaw.  Yup!  Slaw.  The peaches were so sweet and the flavor combined with the vinaigrette brought (in my personal opinion) a flavorless BBQ staple to another level.