Tomatoes at the Trotter

Dr. Stark welcomes guests to Tomatoes at the Trotter

The UAM School of Agriculture hosted their annual Tomatoes at the Trotter dinner Thursday, June 25, at 6:30 p.m.  The program began with a welcome from Dr. Kelly Bryant, Dean of the UAM School of Agriculture, Director of UA Southeast Research and Extension Center.

Prior to the meal, guests sampled a variety of heirloom tomatoes provided by Terry and Julie Donnelly Deepwood Farms.  The guests voted for their favorite heirloom tomato.

Following the welcome, patrons of the event dined on a delicious meal planned by Chef Thomas Bedward of Aramark Food Service.  The menu began with  Carolina Gold and German Pink Marinated Tomato and Avocado Salad.  The entree was Roasted Flank Steak with Arkansas Travelers Chutney.  Side dishes consisted of Baked Zucchini/Squash and Red Zebra Au Gratin and Cherokee Purple Tomato, Gorgonzola and Prosciutto Polenta Cakes.  For dessert guests enjoyed Nyagous Tomato and Goat Cheese Cheesecake with Fresh Aromatic Berries.

Innkeeper Lisa Kelly manages the Trotter House and also welcomed the attendees to the event. A program about the "Market in the Park", "Monticello Community Gardens", and "Master Gardener Program of Arkansas" was presented.

At the conclusion of the evening the winning heirloom tomatoes for best taste were:

Amana Yellow Take 1st Place

5th Place - Cherokee Purple
4th Place - Arkansas Traveler
3rd Place - Dr. Wyche Yellow Tomato
2nd Place - Redfield Beauty
1st Place - Amana Orange Tomato

Funds raised through the event are used to support tomato research and development.