What can be larger than a hand, smaller than a thumb, comes in an array of colours and tastes like sunshine?
Throughout the month of August, Provence Marinaside celebrates all things tomato with its annual Tomato Festival. A special prix fixe menu designed to satisfy even the most addicted tomato-holic. “I love creating the Tomato Menu every year. Tomatoes are the taste of the sun, and remind me of long summer days when I was a child in Provence,” says Provence Marinaside’s Executive Chef/Owner Jean Francis Quaglia. “Heirloom tomatoes have a more intense flavor profile. They could not be more different from the tasteless tomatoes you find at the large grocery stores. We are fortunate to work with producers who supply us with amazing, locally grown varieties.”
There is also an optional wine pairing for each course which has been thoughtfully selected by Assistant Wine Director Ryan Johnson. “The Languedoc Roussillon is probably France’s oldest wine region, so pairing heirloom tomatoes, which have been seeded for more than 50 years, seems like a perfect fit. Heirloom tomatoes are unique in character and filled with flavour. The sweet-tart balance found in the 150 different heirlooms plays perfectly with the abundance of varietals and styles found in the Languedoc and Roussillon, ranging from vibrant rosés and bubbles, to textural whites, elegant reds, and exotic sweet wines,“ says Johnson about his choice of wine pairings.
The three-course seasonal menu (below) is priced at $75 and the wine pairing is $40. Both the individual dishes and the wines are also available à la carte should as well.
Provence Marinaside – Yaletown is located at 1177 Marinaside Crescent, visit provencemarinaside.ca for restaurant hours and reservations