Annual Tomato Sandwich Taste-off returns to Travelers Rest

TRAVELERS REST, S.C. – Now in its eighth year, the locally acclaimed Travelers Rest Farmers Market's annual Tomato Sandwich Taste-off is scheduled for Sat., July 29 at Trailblazer Park.

Vying for the coveted "Big Tomato" title, this year's competition (so far) will feature seven area restaurants, including: Rise Bakery (the defending 2022 champion); Fireforge Crafted Beer; Camilla Kitchen; Urban Wren; Sunflower Sandwich Shop; Humble Roots Pimento Cheese; and Good Vibes Juice Bar.

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 $20, which buys you sample-sized renditions of each of the chefs’ best attempts at a tomato sandwich and a vote to choose the winner.

"The Travelers Rest Farmer's Market's Tomato Sandwich Taste Off has become a celebrated tradition," said Miranda Williams, market director. "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 this 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 here.

Learn more about the Travelers Rest Farmers Market here.