Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/856465
Wor ld Tomato Society Foundation Hosts Tomato Har vest Event B Y M I C H A E L C H AT F I E L D W hat started as a gathering of friends to celebrate an heirloom tomato har- vest in Gary Ibsen's Carmel Valley backyard grew into the Carmel TomatoFest, a shindig that still makes lovers of tomatoes misty-eyed with nostalgia. Sadly, it bid adieu in 2008. "At the end, the event was attended by 3,100 people, 50 wineries and 50 to 60 chefs from around the Central Coast," recognized heir- loom tomato expert Ibsen recalls. "People trav- eled from all over the world. It was a great event while it lasted." Good news, "love apple" lovers: Central California has a new tomato harvest festival, the Heirloom Tomato Harvest Celebration. Under the auspices of the World Tomato Society Foundation, the event will take place in Los Gatos Plaza on September 17. "We decided to break the Guinness Record for most heirloom tomato varieties—175—in one place," Board President Helen Pastorino says. "Our thinking evolved: 'Well, if we're going to get people together, let's have a party.'" The Heirloom Tomato Har vest Celebration will feature wine and tomato pairings, a Bloody Mar y contest and an al Fresco dinner for 85 guests. "We intend for it to be intimate, but we antic- ipate it will be quite popular," Pastorino adds. Learn more at www.worldtomatosociety.com. SHORTCUTS EVENT Dagma Lacey and Gary Ibsen of the World Tomato Society Foundation are excited for the Heirloom Tomato Harvest Celebration which takes place September 17. 76 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 7