The Royal American is making mini tomato pies with local heirloom tomatoes. | Photo courtesy of The Royal American
Tomatoes and mayo are an iconic southern pairing. For the fourth year, Duke’s Mayo is bringing back its celebration of that very duo — Hot Tomato Summer.
What is Hot Tomato Summer?
The 10-day event invites local restaurants to whip up their most creative recipes. The 10-day event, happening July 18 through July 28, invites local restaurants to whip up their most creative recipes. The only rule? They must use Duke’s Mayo and tomatoes.
This Crab Salad Sandwich sounds like the perfect summer lunch.
With 70+ participating restaurants in the Charleston area. Here are just a few of our recommendations.
Berkeley’s | Chicken BLT Sandwich | This sandwich features a generous crispy chicken cutlet topped with shredded iceberg, heirloom tomatoes, and bacon served on a potato bun with confit tomato and bacon Duke’s Mayo.
Félix Cocktails et Cuisine | Crab Salad Sandwich | The perfect summer lunch is... a housemade crab salad, topped with tomato, arugula, and pickled red onions served with fries + Duke’s chipotle mayo.
Beautiful South | Bourbon Chicken with Duke’s Fried Rice and Embered Tomatoes | Umami — This wok fried rice with Duke’s Mayo is topped with Jim Beam Bourbon chicken and smoked local cherry tomatoes.
The Pass | The Pass B.L.T. | This sandwich is going to take two hands to contain as it’s stacked with burrata, prosciutto, butter-poached Maine lobster, heirloom tomato, roasted garlic aioli (made with Duke’s Mayo), and benne seed-potato chip truffle crunch.
Check out the other 69 local spots and what they’re offering; just tap the Charleston tab at the top of the page.
Umami — this wok fried rice topped with Chicken and smoked cherry is making our mouths water.
During the event, dine at the participating restaurants and try the mayo + tomato-themed specials. You’ll get the chance to vote online for your favorite dish to win the “Golden Tomato” award.
Psst... there’s also Hot Tomato Summer merch. (Because we all need a mayo jar pool floatie.)
Floating Sound Bath | Wednesday, July 17 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | 1931 Capri Dr., Charleston | $20-$30 | Book a pool spot or yard spot + prepare to relax at this sound bath experience.
Thursday, July 18
Summer Entertainment Series -The Birds of Prey | Thursday, July 18 | 10-11 a.m. | North Charleston Wannamaker County Park, 8888 University Blvd., North Charleston | $5-$7 | This program gives kids ages 5-12 years old a chance to learn about birds from all around the world.
Puzzle Competition Night | Thursday, July 18 | 6-7 p.m. | Two Blokes Brewing, 547 Long Point Rd., Ste. 101, Mount Pleasant | Free | Be the first to complete a 300-piece puzzle and win a gift card.
The Light Show | Thursday, July 18 | 6-8 p.m. | Firefly Distillery, 4201 Spruill Ave., North Charleston | $10-$15 | Charleston’s finest poets will take the audience on a journey with the use of words.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen | Thursday, July 18 | 7-8:15 p.m. | Magnolia Plantation, 3550 Ashley River Rd., Charleston | $47-$68 | Discover the music of Queen, under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Friday, July 19
The Black Door Cafe Birthday Party | Friday, July 19 | 8 a.m.-7 p.m. | The Black Door Cafe, 115 Meeting St., Charleston | Free | Celebrate this cafe’s second birthday with a full day of fun and freebies.
Dancing on the Cooper | Friday, July 19 | 7-10 p.m. | Mount Pleasant Pier, Harry M. Hallman Jr. Blvd., Mount Pleasant | $10-$15 | Dust off your dancing shoes — let loose, breathe in the harbor breeze, and dance the night away under the stars.
The FOOD & WINE Classic in Charleston announced the list of experts for this inaugural event. Locals on the list include Carrie Morey from Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit and Johnny Caldwell + Taneka Reaves from the Cocktail Bandits. The fun will start Friday, Sept. 27, and run through Sunday, Sept. 29.
Number
$1. That’s how much it will now cost you to get inside the South Carolina Historical Society Museum. The discounted entry started as a promotion in January but is now here to stay. Officials say last month they saw ~1,200 visitors, and last year at the same time, they saw ~450 visitors. (The Post and Courier)
Plan Ahead
Let the countdown begin. The Olympics are days away, and starting Friday, July 26, you can cheer on Team USA from The Charleston Place. Live viewings will also be offered on Saturday, July 27 + Sunday, July 28. Check out what other events will be available.
Try This
Charleston Candle Co. renovated its candle workshop at 218 St. Philip St. The building displays an original teller window and vault door from Charleston’s first African-American bank in 1920. Be one of the first to check it out; the next candle-making class is tomorrow, July 18 at 6 p.m.
Sports
College baseball fans, mark your calendars. Thursday, Nov. 7, head coach Chad Holbrook and his College of Charleston Cougars will host the University of South Carolina Gamecocks in an exhibition game. It’s set for 6 p.m. at the Ballpark at Patriots Point. Ticket information will be announced soon. (WCBD)
Watch
Some Lowcountry students had the chance to rock out on the big stage. Stratford High School Choir joined Foreigner on stage at the Credit One Stadium to help perform “I Want to Know What Love Is.” (WCIV)
Drink Up
Drink Up Week — a celebration of our city’s vibrant beverage culture — is coming up quickly from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26. We asked local businesses to join the fun by sharing drink deals; check out this map of promos that are poppin’ just for the occasion.
Eat
Looking to try something new for dinner? Channel summer vibes with dinner on the patio at Five Loaves Cafe featuring their new menu and rotating specials. See the menu + reserve a table.*
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? It’s Christmas in July, and we’re celebrating by gifting new and returning advertisers with special promotions to get your message in front of our readers. Get in touch to learn more (read: open your present).
The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge has been in service for nearly two decades, and to celebrate, we took a look back at the bridge’s history + asked you some questions — here are the results.
How often do you cross the Ravenel Bridge?
Weekly: 64.4%
Daily: 21.3%
Once a year: 11.4%
Never, I avoid it: 3%
Have you ever walked, run, or biked across the Ravenel?
Yes, it’s my favorite place to exercise: 53.7%
No, I’ll stick to my car: 46.3%
What is your favorite nickname for The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge?
Do you have a mayo brand preference or do you just buy what’s on sale? My husband swears he can taste the difference and he prefers Duke’s. Tell me what you think.
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