Restaurants offer heirloom tomato dinners galore

Lovers of that favorite summer fruit, the tomato, will want to make their reservations now for one of several heirloom tomato dinners at Triangle restaurants.

• Raleigh’s 18 Seaboard is offering its annual heirloom tomato dinners July 16 and 18.

The menu includes a trio of tomato gazpacho, wood-fire grilled Pamlico Sound prawns with sweet corn succotash and tomato hollandaise; smoked tomato-glazed pork loin with Spanish manchego risotto, tomatoes and housemade chowchow; and for dessert, tomato cheesecake. Wine pairings included. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $55.

For a reservation, call 919-861-4318. For more information about the restaurant, go to 18seaboard.com

• Raleigh’s Zely & Ritz is offering five-course heirloom dinners on July 18, 24 and 26, as well as Aug. 1, 7 and 9. Dinner costs $49 with optional wine pairings. To make a reservation, call 919-828-0018.

• Durham’s Piedmont restaurant also is offering heirloom tomato dinners starting July 12. (No other details were available online.) For a reservation, call 919-683-1213.

Canning and fermenting demos at the market

The Western Wake Farmers’ Market in Cary is offering demonstrations for those interested in preserving fruits and vegetables.

On Aug. 4, Ginger Zucchino will teach a canning class. On Aug. 25, Alice Lloyd will teach about fermenting fruits and vegetables.

The demonstrations will occur all morning during market hours from 8 a.m. to noon. For more information, go to www.westernwakefarmersmarket.org.

Save the date for Terra Vita

Terra Vita, the third annual sustainable food and beverage celebration in Chapel Hill, will be Nov. 3.

The event offers food by more than 30 chefs and artisan food producers. as well as 80 microbrews, wines, coffee and spirits. Tickets for the grand tasting and this year’s sustainable classroom event will go on sale July 30. For more information, go to www.terravitaevent.com.