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Carmel TomatoFest
Quail Lodge Resort
Carmel, Ca.

 


Attended with The "Let's Dine Out" 
am 590 - KTIE Contest Winners Sept. 16, 2007 

16th Annual Carmel TomatoFest

Carmel TomatoFest
Several months before Let’s Dine Out announced their “TomatoFest” contest I had lunch with Allan and discussed his new radio show. Allan mentioned they were planning a contest to Carmel’s 16th annual “NatureSweet Carmel TomatoFest,” and I was left wondering just how good an idea a “Tomatofest” was? Just how much can one do with tomatoes?How many people would be interested in tasting tomatoes, let alone pay almost $90 to attend? The idea that they were going to introduce me to over 500 varieties of tomatoes left me wondering if I did not already have that many already growing in my own backyard vines! On the surface the name seemed to do nothing for the execution or marketing of the idea. Carmel’s famous Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club, wine tasting, olive oil and balsamic vinegars tasting combined with many of the areas Chefs presenting Culinary creations helped improve the idea… but TomatoFest?  Well little did I know!

Let me go on the record as saying it is discoveries like the “TomatoFest” that has built Allan Borgen’s Let’s Dine Out Show into one of Southern California’s best kept secrets.

The Let’s Dine Out Group arrived at "America's Favorite Tomato Harvest Festival" in chauffeur driven style courtesy of “Arrow Luxury Transportation Company.” We were met at The Casa Munras Hotel by “Arrow Luxury Transportation” in their new Stretched Cadillac Escalade Limousine. Can we say Impressive? Very Cool… You should have seen the looks our Let’s Dine Out Group received stepping out of that Limousine to the “TomatoFest!” Trust me; It was at that point I knew tomatoes had arrived! The Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club is no strangers to Stretched Limousines, but I was surprised at the number of others also arriving in chauffeur driven style. Surely is the responsible way to arrive at a wine tasting in style!

TomatoFest Background
Founded in 1990, Gary Ibsen’s Carmel TomatoFest, held in Carmel, California, to celebrate heirloom tomatoes with other gardeners, chefs, and the community-at-large, has become an international culinary event and fund-raiser for children’s charities. What had begun as a simple excuse for a backyard party has now grown into an annual fund-raiser that attracts chefs, wineries, tomato growers and 3000 tomato lovers from across the United States and other nations. The experience of Gary Ibsen’s Carmel TomatoFest, reaches as many as 11 million households per year with news about heirloom tomatoes, through national television, radio, magazines, newspapers and the internet.

Needles to say this much media coverage about heirloom tomatoes over the years has helped support the current interest and demand for heirloom tomatoes, but the “TomatoFest” is much more than just tomatoes! The Let’s Dine Out Group agrees with all the other press releases; “The TomatoFest is the best food and wine event of the year for Central California” … and would add, a great excuse to enjoy a weekend trip to Carmel!

The Let’s Dine Out Group was treated to an unforgettable display of more than 350 different heirloom tomato varieties from around the world for the tasting. Tomato dishes created by over 60 of America's Top Chefs; all exceptionally delicious and innovative. Combine this with over 100 premium wines  available for tasting and purchase, plus; an amazing "Salsa tasting Showcase" featuring countless commercially available salsas, and you have just a small taste of Gary Ibsen’s Carmel TomatoFest!

Also included with admission, at no extra charge was an old-fashioned country BBQ, buffet style, plus an "International Olive Oil Tasting" area. Toss in a liberal number of Celebrity chef and gardening demonstrations combined with everything tomato-related. Add Specialty foods, sales of hard-to-find fresh heirloom tomatoes, and heirloom tomato seeds mixed with live music under Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club’s oak covered hillsides. It just does not get much better for Foodies!

Unlike many food festivals the “TomatoFest” ticket price includes all foods, wines and activities. Children under 12, with parent, are admitted free. Come bring the whole family! We have delights for the kids too. Net proceeds benefit youth charities. So far the Carmel TomatoFest has donated more than $210,000.00 to local, regional and national charities to benefit children.

Please note: TomatoFest promoters limit the attendance to assure the best experience for guests. And to say the TomatoFest is an Event is an understatement! Tickets to the TomatoFest sold out 1-month before the event for the past several years. The Let’s Dine Out Show, Allan Borgen and The Wright Gourmet can heartily recommend Gary Ibsen’s Carmel TomatoFest. Our Let’s Dine Out Group thoroughly enjoyed the event. We can confirm promoter’s recommendations that attendees plan to be at the event location before the 12:30 opening. The waiting line tends to be long, but is a social event in itself! TomatoFest attendees are fed and entertained even while in line. Foodies will simply love the TomatoFest.

Click Here to Read Article  About The "Let's Dine Out" Contest Trip to Monterey... This is a sub-article about one of the trip activities.
Full Copyright 2007 Ed Wright, and/or submitting content provider(s); All Rights Reserved