Our food fest series continues with the Tomato Fest as we celebrate one of the Midwest's favorite summer flavors. Sample one of nearly 40 varieties of tomatoes growing at Powell Gardens, gather gardening tips, shop for tomatoes to take home and learn new serving ideas from Master Chef Jasper Mirabile.
Activities 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.:
Tomato Tasting Tent-Savor the aroma, beauty and flavors of multiple varieties of tomatoes and basil fresh from the garden, paired with fresh-baked bread from Meadowlark Acres. A $5 Taste Tester Ticket is required; purchase at shop.powellgardens.org or buy on site.
Tomato Sale-Purchase locally grown tomatoes fresh off the vine to enjoy at home.
Children's Activities in Fun Foods Farm
Kids can play Tomato Bingo, "Is it Tomato?" and participate in a ketchup taste test.
11 a.m.:
The Bug Detector with Barb Fetchenhier. Barb is a horticulturist in the Heartland Harvest Garden and will teach you about good and bad bugs in the garden.
Noon and 2 p.m.:
Tomato Safari Tours with Powell Gardens' horticulture staff. You'll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions as you enjoy a guided tour of the numerous tomato varieties in the Heartland Harvest Garden.
1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.:
Chef Jasper Mirabile of Jasper's Restaurant and Marco Polo's Italian Market demonstrates his fresh tomato sauce and panzanella, a tomato and bread salad.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.:
Fresh: A Garden Cafe-Savor new flavors with a Tomato Fest special at our new outdoor cafe.
Regular Garden admission applies: $9.50 for adults, $8.50 for seniors and $4 for children 5 through 12. Members of Powell Gardens and children 4 and under get in free. Enjoy!
