Winston’s annual heirloom tomato dinner set for three nights in August

John Castro, the clever and creative chef instructor at Winston’s restaurantat Sullivan University, will host his annual tomato dinner on the nights of August 2, 3 and 4 beginning at 6:30.

Braised beef cheek.

The much anticipated six-course meal (which used to run just one night) centers on the use of heirloom tomatoes as ingredients and solo players.

Castro pulls the pommes d’amour from local producers and twists them in ways both predictable and perplexing, yet with fun and flavorful results. Trust me, it’s a treat.

Price for the dinner is $65 per person, $90 with wine pairings (tax and gratuity not included).

Lea Ann Vessels, owner of Oliva Bella (www.olivabella.com) in Lexington, will join the fray on Aug. 2 to take part in the Naked Tomato Discussion (raw slices served only with a variety of salts) and discuss the use of her olive oil and balsamic vinegar. She’s an engaging and informative speaker who loves audience participation, so you might want to choose that night.
Here’s the evening’s menu:

• Amuse: Tomboy with Dragon Lady Corn Dog
• Soup: tomato, melon, cucumber and shaved fennel ghost gazpacho
• Fish course:“Not Brown:” shrimp, crab, fried green tomato, Father’s Bacon and mornay Sauce
  

  Tomatoes and Ghost Gazpacho.

• Intermezzo: Naked Tomato Discussion
• Entrée: braised beef cheek with olives, celery, spices, preserved lemon and tomato
• Dessert: tomato Brown Betty with saffron, cardamom and corn kulfi

Make reservations by calling 502-456-0980.