Put your Duke's up for Hot Tomato Summer — we had to say it, so it's out of the way. Now, let's get down to (local) business.

Richmonders are serious about their tomatoes, thanks to Hanover's rich agricultural history — see the Squirrels' special Hanover Tomato jerseys and last week's annual Hanover Tomato Festival as evidence.

Plus, we already know Richmonders are willing to get Duke's Mayo tattoos as true testaments of loyalty.

Starting Thursday, July 17 tomorrow in NL, Duke's Hot Tomato Summer returns to Richmond (+ six other cities). The ten-day fest continues through Sunday, July 27.

How the event works

Now in its fifth year, Hot Tomato Summer invites local restaurants to get creative with tomato + Duke's Mayonnaise-themed specials. The public then votes to help determine the winner of the coveted Golden Tomato Award. See last year's winners.

Seven cities will participate in Hot Tomato Summer this year. The collab started with Richmond in 2021, but has since expanded to include Charleston, Charlotte, Greenville, Raleigh, Knoxville, and Virginia Beach.

Mosaic chefs took this opportunity as a culinary + art challenge, *and we’re in total awe*. | Photos by Mosaic Restaurant

10 Richmond specials:

There are 100+ restaurants participating in the River City. We've wound it down to 10 unique specials we've got our eyes on, from crab cakes and vegan sandwiches to "to-mayo" ice cream:

Coco + Hazel (last year's Golden Tomato winner)
Duke's Curd + Cloud: a basil lime curd tart in a Duke's Mayo scratch-made crust, topped with cloud-like tomato meringue
Baltik's Bagel
Pomo-D'oro: a "tom-AGEL" with a la vodka cream cheese, Hanover tomatoes, speck, basil, Duke's Mayo, and a drizzle of 25-year-old balsamic from Emilia Romagna
Get Tight Lounge
RVA Tomato Pie: fresh tomatoes, Duke's mayo, cheddar cheese, and Italian spices — topped with a spicy tomato chutney
Mama J's
Mama J's Crab Cake Sandwich + Potato Salad: thick lump crab meat sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and scratch remoulade sauce — served with homemade potato salad (sauce and potato salad made with Duke's Mayo)
Millie's Diner
Opa!: grilled lamb burger on a brioche bun with feta cheese, red onion, mixed greens, harissa Hanover tomato jam, and Duke’s Mayo tzaziki aioli
Mosaic
Heirloom Pesto Toast: heirloom tomato, Duke's Mayo basil pesto, feta, bacon crumble, and balsamic drizzle
Ruby Scoops
Hanover Tomato "Sandwich": Duke's Mayo ice cream topped with sweet and spicy Hanover tomato jam — sandwiched between two slices of all-butter pound cake
The Continental Manchester
The Smoke Stack: house-smoked brisket, smoked gouda, tomato jam, guajillo Duke's Mayoli, and an onion ring — served on a La Bella Vita bun
(Bonus drink) Garden Martini: basil-infused gin, tomato water, vermouth, and olive juice
Union Market
The Mazie: marinated tofu with tomato marmalade, pickled green tomatoes, frisée greens, and harissa-lime Duke's Plant-Based Mayo on vegan ciabatta
Zorch Pizza
Old Time Jamboree: pizza with smoked pork belly, tomato jam, mozzarella, parmesean + Romano cheese, green goddess dressing, and arugula

Note: Specials are subject to change. Follow your faves on social media for the latest menu updates.

Get Tight plans to serve up its Hot Tomato Summer specials all month long. (Duke's BLT and Tomato Pie shown above.) | Photos by Get Tight Lounge

Hot 'n ready events:

Nominate your favorite

Which Richmond's restaurant won you over with its tomato-mayo special?

You can now submit your pick for the Golden Tomato Award. Add your email, phone number (optional), and favored restaurant. Then, sit back and see if your fave harvests the award, announced by Duke's after the event wraps.