8th Annual CHOPTAG Taste Fest.
 

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]It’s time to start a new thread for the[COLOR=black] 8th annual [/COLOR]CHOPTAG Taste Fest.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[COLOR=black][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]It will be held on Saturday Aug 22nd starting at 1pm. [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=black][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]It will be held at our usual location, Paxton Ramsey Park in the Loveland, Ohio area. (Eastern side of Cincinnati)[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Verdana][COLOR=black][URL="http://www.miamitwp.org/recreation/parks/paxton/paxton.htm"][COLOR=#606420][FONT=Book Antiqua]http://www.miamitwp.org/recreation/parks/paxton/paxton.htm[/FONT][/COLOR][/URL]

[/COLOR][/FONT][COLOR=black][FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]Come prepared to have a good time, share tomato stories, eat good food and enjoy some of the world’s best tomatoes.:yes: [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=black][SIZE=3][FONT=Book Antiqua]Remember, everyone is welcome, with or without tomatoes. If you don't have tomatoes:cry: just bring extra food.:lol: [/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=black][SIZE=3][FONT=Book Antiqua]As your plants start produce and you begin to know what you’ll be bringing post here. [/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=black][SIZE=3][FONT=Book Antiqua]Looking forward to seeing everyone.[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]Directions to the park:[/SIZE][/FONT]

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]If you are coming from the North, Down I-75 or I-71 you’ll want to take I275 East to exit 54 (Wards Corner Rd). Using the CENTER lane turn LEFT off the exit. This will put you in the right hand lane on Wards Corner Rd. Turn RIGHT at the 1st street, Loveland-Miamiville Rd. Go about 7/10 of a mile and turn RIGHT on Price Rd. The park is at the top of the hill, about ½ mile, on the right. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Verdana][COLOR=black]If your coming from the South up I-71/75 take I-275 North to exit 54 (Wards Corner Rd). Turn Right off the exit. Stay in the right hand lane. Turn RIGHT at the 1st street, Loveland-Miamiville Rd. Go about 7/10 of a mile and turn RIGHT on Price Rd. The park is at the top of the hill, about ½ mile, on the right. [/COLOR][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][COLOR=black]For those coming from Indiana on I74 use I-275 through Kentucky continuing to exit 54 (Wards Corner Rd). Turn Right off the exit. Stay in the right hand lane. Turn RIGHT at the 1st street, Loveland-Miamiville Rd. Go about 7/10 of a mile and turn RIGHT on Price Rd. The park is at the top of the hill, about ½ mile, on the right.[/COLOR][/FONT]

Jerry,

I hope you have a great event again this year. And for you
folks that live even within a 2 hour drive of Cincinnati, you
won't find a better place or group of people to spend the
afternoon with. Oh, and remember, there will be lots of
tomatoes, and possibly Earl's BBQ!

How are your plants doing this year Jerry?

Lee

Hey Jerry,

Thanks for inviting me to the forum and the Taste Fest. I hope to make it up there but I'm starting a new job next week and I may have to work that weekend.

I enjoyed looking at the pictures from the past Taste Fests.



Jon

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]Hello. Hello. Earth to CHOPTAGer’s. Earth to CHOPTAGer’s. Is anybody out there?[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]I’m beginning to wonder if anyone is going to show up this year. [/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]We’re 12 days away and no one has said they will be there. The best we have is a maybe from a new joiner down in Lexington.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]Has your tomato lost its flavor on the bedpost over night?[/SIZE][/FONT]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Book Antiqua]Is it something I said? [/FONT][/SIZE]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]Are the contests too intimidating? Is it because I won two categories last year?[/SIZE][/FONT]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Book Antiqua]Are you ashamed because Earl brings more tomatoes and better food than you each year? [/FONT][/SIZE]

[FONT=Book Antiqua][SIZE=3]Come on folks. Let’s post a few posts. Drum up some enthusiasm. After all it is TOMATO time!![/SIZE][/FONT]

I'll be there! I guess I thought you just KNEW that ;)

If I get a bit of luck going...I am hoping to have lots of ripe tomatoes and I'll have sweet corn so the big question is...do you want me to pre cook it or does someone want to grill it? Either way is fine with me, so if we have a super griller out there who wants to stand over the grill I'll just put it in a cooler of ice. Let me know.

I have 3 or 4 people from my area who are planning to come, too. With tomatoes.

FYI, I have a ginormous Burrackers Fav. starting to ripen that I know will win the biggest tomato contest so the rest of you might as well give up the ghost on that category.

Also have a darn ugly Costoluto Genovese sitting out there green as a gourd.

:dizzy: Eyeball squiggling HOT peppers :dizzy:

I'll bring some for those that want to try them. I'll even bring some kleenex for ya :cry:

Sounds like a call to arms from the President! Me and Kathy and her dad Walter will be there. For me it's been a pitiful tomato year taste-wise. Must be the cool summer temps causing it. We may need a new category called "Worst Tasting." :-) I'm not sure what kind of food we'll bring, nothing major like though, palate cleanser type stuff I reckon. Looking forward to seeing all the troops. Hopefully we'll have a short AWOL list.

The Tomato Tasting.........
 

Gary here to say that friend, Cathy, and I will be present on the 22nd. She is driving me again as we have the last several gatherings.

In addition [B]John Logan[/B] of Frankfort, Ky will be there. John and I met on Tomatoville when he was searching for Yellow Cherry. I couldn't help myself so sent him other varieties as well. Then John appeared at the Thieneman's Heirloom Tomato plant sale and took home more tomatoes.

Friend,[B] Maria(blueribbontomatoes.com) and her mother[/B] plan to go to Cincinnati and spend the night and be at the Tomato Tasting.

[B]Roger Postley[/B] mentioned he might attend the Tasting. I will check with him in the next day or so.

My tomatoes are slow, slow slow. I don't know if I will have anything to share but hope to have a few. I'm creating some new dishes I hope all of you will enjoy! May even repeat something we have had before.

[B]Larry [/B]talked about driving up but he has not mentioned that to me in the last week or so.

Soooo looking forward seeing my 'mater friends!!!
Gary

I will be there with bells on...should have some maters too ;) ...I will have a few guests as usual although not sure how many...the banner has been located and is in a safe place...can't wait to see everyone!

Ray

I will be there Jerry! I'm not sure about Tony. We have already enjoyed all of our first giants, so don't worry all of you who want to beat me this year! We have lots to bring though...see you then,
Amy

Hello Went out to the garden last night. I have lots of beautiful big ones. Just hope they show some color this weekend.No Chocolate Chrekee or Kentucky stamper will be ripe. I picked ripe ones and started saving seeds. But my husband and I will be there. See you next Saturday. I am bringing zuckini bread and pepperoni salad.
Susan

I am happy to report that many tomatoes are ripening up and I will have several varieties to taste on Saturday. If you are worried about coming without tomatoes, don't be! I will have plenty to go around. The corn appears to be ready as well. Now if I can just keep the raccoons and crows out of the corn patch, we'll be in good shape!

I will also bring my hot peppers, and if anyone is interested, we can have a pepper tasting/heat rating, too. I've got Craig's experimental peppers, plus a few 'take the head off ya' varieties of my own.

My monster Burracker's got too ripe and I was forced to eat it on a BLT ;) So the game is back on!

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday!

I can't make a firm committment to being there or not. I have lost quite a few plants to the blight so if I came it would be just to visit you all. No tomatoes :cry:
I won't know for sure if I can swing it or not until pretty much last minute but I am going to try.

Hello, Will bring "Lonely Lost Lawn Chair" again this year. Don't know about tomatoes, they are starting to ripen, but the birds are getting lots of them. Will see you Sat. Ron

OK, the corn is looking iffy at this point. So I'm going to plan B which is I don't know yet, but it'll be good ;)
The raccoons are nice and full though:evil:

Tomato Tasting and Living History Interview
 

I’m so looking forward to the [B]CHOPTAG Tomato Tasting[/B]; this is one of the highlights of the year for me. In addition, I thought I would share something about the Living History Interview I will be having the first of next week. It will involve my experience with gardening, garden stories, and stories about heirloom tomatoes, I am sure! Following the interview, we have planned a light Lunch with some of the things from the Kentucky Garden I helped get started at Blackacre Nature Preserve.

Some weeks ago I received a letter from Kate Black who is the [I]archivest[/I]. of the [U][B]Appalachian Collection[/B][/U] at the University Of Kentucky. Her project is to interview gardeners in a living history context by recording the interview, picture taking and any printed matter shared. This information will become a part of the [B]Appalachian Collection in the University Of Kentucky Library[/B] which is available for information and research. She is also considering it as a possible book publication. The interview date is set for August 25th. I have made arrangements to do this with friends at[B] Blackacre[/B], a Homestead from the 1700s here in Jefferson County. It is now a State Park and has lots of acreage. I spoke there in the spring to the Master Gardeners. June who is MG in charge of some projects discussed with me the possibility of a Kentucky Garden. I shared about 40 KY Heirloom Tomato varieties with them and some other heirloom seed/plant materials. I have the privilege of bagging blossoms there and marking for seed saving which pleases me so much. A friend who lives several miles distant from there lives on property which also was part of the original homestead; her family was related to the homesteaders. I have the same arrangement with her for bagging and seed saving.

Blackacre Nature Preserve
[URL]http://www.jefferson.k12.ky.us/departments/environmentaled/blackacre/blackacre.html[/URL]

Gary, I think it's great that you're being recognized as a valuable resource by many folks for your experience and research on Kentucky heirloom tomatoes.
Your time and efforts are to be applauded !!!!!!
COGRATULATIONS !!!!

[COLOR=black]OK folks - here's what I'm bringing. If you want to know what they are you’ll have to show up tomorrow. :P [/COLOR]

Here's my loot. 21 varieties. Woot!


[URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29884556@N03/3843085789/"][IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2438/3843085789_075ae627e3_m.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Mine are bagged up and ready to go.See you tomorrow. Susan

I will be picking tommorow for maximum freshness :)... the Lemon Salsa is ready to roll tho..How about a picture of Earl smokin' up a big pork butt for some pulled pork?..See everyone manana...

Ray

Tony and I are unable to make it. I double booked us and am in Louisville for the state fair....argh! Will miss you all. Can't wait to hear of the goodies you experience!
Amy

I will be there in spirit only I'm afraid. I miss all of my Choptag friends! Have a wonderful time and once you think you have ate all of the tomatoes you think you can.....take a deep breath...and eat some more!

HAVE FUN EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!

Duane

oh man. Thank you everyone! It was great to see Barbee, Gary, Jerry, Earl, Susan, Ray, the youngest tomato grower/prettiest contest winner, and everyone else! sorry, im on tomato-brain overload!

Thanks so much to Barbee, Earl, and the younger dark haired couple at the left back for the leftovers!

We visited my dad on the way home, and I bought a bag of ice to put over the cut tomatoes.... we got home and I threw the cut ones in pans in the oven with onions, garlic, roasted peppers, fresh basil and oregano.

Most of the larger whole tomatoes went into juice- I saved seeds from a number of them. Ill be bugging Barbee for her abbreviations list!

Gary said his friend in Appalachia does distribute seeds, but mostly of KY heirlooms- Barbee, do you have any place youd like the seeds donated or would you like them?

I dont grow a lot else, but ive got salad burnet seeds, and ill have borage, as well as seeds for the Romanian tomatoes. Let me know if I can do anything in return!

Cossak Pineapple ground cherry is one tasty fruit! im still processing thoughts on the large tomatoes, but we both like Stump of the World. my Jerry says thanks too!

Hehe, came home and took a little nap! What a fun day :)
Garnet, the seeds are yours to do whatever you like. Donating them sounds great to me, if it's not too much trouble to do so. If Gary's friend doesn't want them, maybe the wintersown lady would like them. I believe she distributes free seeds to others but not sure. Maybe someone reading this can chime in on where to send them.

OK I pulled out my notes. I always write down standout tomatoes or I forget. Old age I guess ;) Here's my standouts. These will all be in the running for garden spots next year:

[B]Stump of the World[/B]- Wow! Very tasty tomato and early to boot. I need a few earlier varieties but have never been impressed with the taste. This one definitely has taste!
[B]Grandfather Ashlock[/B]-Pure goodness. Pretty to look at, wonderful taste. I loved it.
[B]Spears Tennessee Green[/B]- Outstanding green tomato.
[B]Lescana[/B]- My kinda tomato. Big and tasty.
[B]Graveau Romania from the village of Lisa[/B]- Excellent tomato. Gorgeous to look at. It's a winner. I definitely want on the list for seeds ;)
[B]Sweet Meat from WV[/B]- I have this written down, but no info. I'll have to figure out what it means later LoL

I had a great time seeing all the familiar faces and enjoyed all the new faces there, too. My sister and I laughed about Gary's hat all the way home :)). And Susan, I don't know what you're doing, but you have some monster tomatoes!

Thanks to Dwight for the Striped Romas, Gary for the onions, and Earl for the Garlic. Ray for the fabulous hot dip recipe, and all the brave folks who rated Craig's peppers. For those of you who took home a squash pepper, they are HOT! So you've been warned.

oh Jerry even made ristras from the thin-walled smaller peppers!

Thanks for sharing your seed for a worthwhile cause.....
 

[FONT=&quot]Thanks to those of you who shared your excess sliced tomatoes with me at the end of the Tomato Tasting – Earl, Jerry, Ray, Mark, Maria, Dave, Susan and Kelli.. This was almost three gallons of seed to process; it the most of any I have ever processed at one time. Most of these were medium to large varieties and will go to my [B]Appalachian Heirloom Tomato Project [/B]and to Trudi at [B]WinterSown [/B]if she would take them. No doubt, these seed are some of the Best Of The Best. They will be shared with elderly/poor in the mountains. Regardless the mix being unnamed varieties, they will feed many folks. What’s in a name when you are hungry? Others who have good varieties of mixed medium/large varieties who would care to share seed
for this project are welcome.
Gary
[/FONT]

hello All It was so good seeing everyone and meeting new people. Of course trying to decide on the best tasting tomato was a joy. But the one thing I relized is that I was able to try tomatoes I grown in the past againest ones I have yet to grow.I now feel I am able to look to the past for my favorites instead of just the ones out in the Yard.
Hope to hear from you all as the season winds down. Susan