#USA #Virginia Beach #Duke's Mayonnaise #Hot Tomato Summer

Duke's Mayo Welcomes Virginia Beach to Its Fifth Annual Hot Tomato Summer

Duke's Mayonnaise is excited to announce that the highly anticipated Hot Tomato Summer is back for its fifth consecutive year, this time with the addition of Virginia Beach. This culinary celebration aims to highlight the creativity of local restaurants as they craft delightful dishes featuring the classic pairing of mayonnaise and tomatoes.

The event will run from July 17th to July 27th and invites restaurants from various cities, including Richmond, Greenville, Charleston, Charlotte, Raleigh, Knoxville, and now Virginia Beach, to participate. This year’s registration is open until June 17th, providing ample time for restaurants to join in on the flavorful fun.

Hot Tomato Summer is more than just an event; it’s a cherished tradition that showcases the unique culinary creativity found in the Southeast. Participating eateries will create signature dishes that highlight how versatile tomatoes can be when expertly paired with Duke's Mayo. From inventive cocktails to mouth-watering desserts, this event encourages chefs to push the boundaries of traditional recipes.

Rebecca Lupesco, Duke's Director of Marketing, shared her enthusiasm, saying, “Hot Tomato Summer has become one of our favorite times of year. Each year, we’re amazed by the creative ways chefs merge tomatoes and Duke’s together. With Virginia Beach joining us this year, we're eager to see what exciting and unexpected offerings will emerge.”

During the event, diners will have the pleasure of experiencing unique menu items that pay homage to this classic condiment. Restaurants might offer everything from a refreshing twist on the BLT to tomato-infused cocktails or even innovative mayo-based desserts.

The benefits of participating in Hot Tomato Summer extend beyond the culinary experience. Restaurants will have the opportunity to connect with their customer base, attract new patrons, and strengthen ties with their local community. This event provides a platform for culinary collaboration and creativity, making it a key highlight of the summer for both chefs and food lovers alike.

Sarah DiPeppe, Duke's Digital Content Manager, emphasized the growth of the event, stating, “Each year, we love seeing how much this celebration expands. Many of our partner restaurants have been with us since the beginning and understand the ins and outs of how it operates. For new participants, our personalized dashboard will streamline the registration process and help them get their specials featured smoothly.”

For chefs like Shuai Wang, known for his exceptional dishes at Jackrabbit Filly and King BBQ in Charleston and a current contestant on Bravo's Top Chef, Hot Tomato Summer represents a unique time of year. He remarked, “When registration opens, I know delicious ripe tomatoes are coming soon. It's also the time when I can enjoy mayo unapologetically on everything!”

For restaurants wishing to participate in this summer's event, registration is currently open and will continue until June 17, 2025. Those interested can visit hottomatosummer.com to secure their place.

Duke's Mayonnaise, established in 1917 in Greenville, South Carolina, has been synonymous with Southern flavors. The company continues to honor its heritage by offering a variety of products, including light, olive oil, and flavored mayo options, along with tartar sauce and Southern-inspired condiments. As the Official Condiment of the Tailgate and the title sponsor of the Duke's Mayo Classic and Bowl, Duke's remains a cherished staple in kitchens across the South.

With the addition of Virginia Beach to the lineup this year, the excitement surrounding Hot Tomato Summer is palpable, setting the stage for a delightful showcase of culinary innovation and community spirit.