Tomato Recipe Contest Winners

Supported by Lockeland Table and Abode Mercantile

First, we’d like to congratulate you all on your spectacular submissions in the Tomato Art Fest’s 23rd annual Tomato Recipe Contest.

We received 18 dishes submitted by 14 worthy home chefs and culinary creatives, all of whom are deserving of praise.

Your entries continue to surprise and delight us every year! The judges were so impressed by the field that we have added another winner category with third place and still an honorable mention. This year's category was “Tomato Your Way: The Ultimate Flavor Masterpiece.” You all showed exceptional creativity, skill, and thoughtfulness in bringing your favorite tomato-forward dishes to the table—proving once again that when it comes to celebrating summer’s favorite fruit, East Nashville knows how to create a masterpiece.

Thank you to Lockeland Table for hosting and to Abode Mercantile, Hester & Cook, Turnip Truck, and the Nashville Scene for donating prizes for our winners this year.

From our vine to yours,

Mike Smith, Ron Snitker, Doug Alexander and Christopher Lester

TAF Tomato Recipe Contest Community Ambassadors

The judging is complete, and the scores are in!

FIRST PLACE

This year’s Tomato Recipe Contest winner is Kasturi Sahasrabuddhe with her Tamatar Chi Ambat Goad Bhaaji (Sweet and Sour Green Tomato Curry). The judges were in awe over the celebration of diverse flavors and texture in this dish. Kasturi captured its essence perfectly, “Simple yet incredibly flavorful, this curry combines spicy, sweet, and tangy notes in perfect harmony.”

Kasturi’s winning recipe will be featured at Lockeland Table on Saturday, August 8th with Chef Hal's signature spin. Kasturi will also receive glory and a $100 Lockeland Table gift card, an Abode Mercantile Gift Set ($110 value), a $50 Turnip Truck gift card; a Hester & Cook decor set (tabletop runner, napkins, and place cards), and a Music City Food & Wine Festival apron from the Nashville Scene.

Second Place

This year’s second place finisher is Chad Bratschi for his Granny’s Tomato Pie - Twice Told. The judges vocalized their enjoyment after the first bite and we knew that this was a clear contender with Chad’s spin of a cornmeal crust on this Southern summer classic. Chad will receive an Abode Mercantile Gift Set ($60 value), $50 Turnip Truck gift card, Tabletop paper place setting and napkins from Hester & Cook, and a Music City Food & Wine T-shirt from the Nashville Scene.

Third Place

This year’s third place finisher is Elizabeth Slezinger for her Garden Gazpacho. The judges loved the flavor profile that she created in her version of everybody’s chilled tomato soup favorite! Elizabeth will receive a $50 Turnip Truck gift card, "Baked" cookbook (a collection of local chefs' baked goods recipes from the Nashville Scene), and a Music City Food & Wine Festival tote bag.

Honorable Mention

An honorable mention goes to Jacob Stansell for his Tomato Miso Tart. Jacob knows how to impress the judges with his entries and is a repeat competitor. He will receive a $50 gift card to Turnip Truck!