Summer may be coming to a close, but we’re entering the best season of the year (in my unbiased opinion)—tomato season! Whether you slice or dice, bake or fry, serve on a plate or pluck right off the vine, there’s nothing like a fresh tomato to liven up any dish.
We’ve searched the borough to bring you our favorite tomato dishes in West Chester:
Carlino’s Tomato Pie
The award-winning tomato pie is made daily by Carlino’s team of pizza artisans. Its hand-kneaded dough is the perfect vehicle for a classic, chunky tomato sauce sprinkled with fresh basil. Serve either as a show-stopping main dish or complement one of Carlino’s artisanal Italian products. The Carlino’s crew loves their tomato pie so much that they’re giving away free pies every week on Facebook! 128 West Market St., (610) 696-3788
The Couch Tomato Cafe’s Santorini Salad
After one bite you’ll see why the Couch Tomato Cafe was named “Best Healthy Lunch” by PHL17. The only thing we love more than Couch Tomato’s commitment to sourcing fresh, local and organic items is its Santorini Salad, with grape tomatoes, chickpeas, quinoa mix, feta, falafel, toasted almonds and lemon vinaigrette over your choice of greens. It’s the perfect starter to one of the cafe’s award-winning pizzas or beautiful stand-alone dishes. Grab a seat on the roof deck to enhance your dining experience. 31 West Gay St., (484) 887-0241
Jaco Juice & Taco Bar’s Tinga Chicken
Head to Jaco Juice & Taco Bar to soak up the shore vibes without the beach traffic. One of our favorites from Jaco is the Tinga Chicken, in which chicken is slow-roasted with stewed tomatoes and served in a homemade corn tortilla with sauteed onions, shredded lettuce, peppers, cotija cheese, roasted poblano crema and tomatillo salsa. Pair it with a Jaco salad or wash it down with a nourishing smoothie. 8 W. Gay St., (610) 436-4177
Penn’s Table’s BLT
Sometimes you want a complex dish with a long ingredient list, while other times you crave classic fare with simple ingredients. And this is the time of the year for simplicity! There is nothing more satisfying than layers of crisp bacon, fresh tomatoes and lettuce served with chips and a pickle. Head to Penn’s Table Restaurant for a taste of home, just like Mom used to make it. 100 W. Gay St., (610) 696-0677
West Chester Growers Market
With over 11 produce vendors, you’ll have plenty of options for selecting the finest tomatoes of the season. While you’re at the market, ask the farmers about their growing practices or favorite ways to prepare tomatoes. To celebrate PA Produce Month and tomato season, WCGM is serving up complimentary Caprese salads to the first 200 customers this Saturday, August 20, starting at 9 a.m. Corner of N. Church and W. Chestnut Streets
- Tomato pie photo: Carlino's
- BLT photo: Penn's Table
- Tomato pints: West Chester Growers Market
- Remaining photos: Leslie Hudson
