You Say Tomato: Sonoma’s Bounty

It's the best time of the year for tomatoes. Here's where to get 'em.

Photo Illustration: Brian Howlett

Photo Illustration: Brian Howlett
Photo Illustration: Brian Howlett

You Say Tomato: There’s no doubt its the very pinnacle of tomato season. In fact, when Biteclub ran into a certain grocery store tycoon recently, he arched a doubtful eyebrow when we suggested great heirloom tomatoes might be available until the end of September.

If you’re gonna get ‘em, get ‘em right now. Aside from local grocers and farm markets (don’t forget the burrata), you can take the easier route and let a pro help. We’re loving:

Salt cod with tomato jam and Bodega Red potatoes, Backyard, 6566 Front St, Forestville.

SunFed Ranch Burger, thick slab of heirloom tomato marinated in balsamic and garlic, mozzerella, pesto aioli, The Breakaway Cafe, 19101 Sonoma Hwy, Sonoma.

BLT’s with Panache: Green Grocer (Original Santa Rosa Market), Twist Eatery (6535 Front St., Forestville), Jack and Tony’s (115 Fourth St., Santa Rosa).

Brown sugar tomato jam, housemade burrata and heirloom tomatoes: Epicurean Connection (122 W. Napa St., Sonoma).

Tomato and chevre gallette: Patisserie Angelica (6821 Laguna Park Way, Sebastopol).

Potato and cheddar-stuffed chiles Rellenos on a bed of heirloom tomatoes: Undercover Baking Agency (463 Sebastopol Ave., Santa Rosa).

Keep in mind these are seasonal dishes, so if you have your heart set on something, check first.