Saturday: Local restaurants to compete in annual Farmers Market Tomato Sandwich Taste Off

TRAVELERS REST, S.C. — Now in its fifth year, the locally acclaimed Travelers Rest Farmers Market's annual Tomato Sandwich Taste Off is scheduled for Sat., July 28 at Trailblazer Park.

(Advance tickets can be purchased online here.)

Vying for the coveted "Big Tomato" title, this year's competition will feature eight local restaurants, including: Upcountry Provisions Bakery and Bistro (the defending 2017 and 2016 champion); Rocket Surgery; Farmhouse Tacos; Hare and Field; The Cafe @ Williams Hardware; Shortfields; Duke's Sandwich Company; and Soby's.

Pictured: The 2017 Tomato Sandwich Taste Off at Trailblazer Park.

For the competition, restaurants use local, freshly harvested tomatoes and usually choose a local bakery to make bread especially for the event. Entries can range from classic to crazy.

The winner is determined by a public vote. Tickets are purchased for $10, with each person receiving a portion of each competitor's entry. After sampling, you cast your vote. The sandwich with the most votes wins. 

"The Travelers Rest Farmer's Market's Tomato Sandwich Taste Off has become a celebrated tradition," said Market Director Valerie Richardson. "Our region boasts some of the best tomato crops around, so it's no wonder that we get such a big crowd of people who come to sample local restaurant's renditions of the Southern staple."

The taste-off will run from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The winner will be announced at 11:45 a.m. The market will operate during its regular time, which is from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

The annual competition is a fundraiser for the Travelers Rest Farmers Market, with all proceeds benefiting the 501c3, non profit organization.

Advance tickets can be purchased online here.

Learn more about the Travelers Rest Farmers Market here.

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