Tomato Pie Festival brings out all kinds of flavor
Jul. 9—Tomatoes on pizza are a must, but what about in pies?
Well the tomato pies at the first ever Tomato Pie Festival at Boondock Farms on Saturday were so popular they were sold out about an hour after the event began. The festival was the brainchild of Jarrett and Laura Russo, the couple who owns Boondock Farms, with Laura stating the item is very popular in their store.
"We have never heard of a tomato pie festival, never been to one, (but) there's tomato festival," Laura said. "We sell a lot of tomato pies and everybody loves them. We decided we were going to throw together a tomato pie festival."
The event, which took place on Saturday, had three flavors of tomato pies: original heirloom, spinach and feta, and bacon cheddar. The pies could be purchased by the slice or as a whole. There was also a breakfast bake, which was similar to a frittata, along with traditionally fruit flavored pies.
When describing the taste, Laura said the pie has a flavor profile of a pizza with the tomatoes, cheese and basil.
"It's been amazing because some people don't know what a tomato pie is, a lot of curiosity, a lot of excitement, because people who have had our pies (enjoy them)," Laura said.
Christine Cooper of Belvedere loved the slice of pie she purchased.
"I got the bacon one," Cooper said. "(It was worth) every penny. I want to go back and get a whole one."
Traci Wallace, Andrea Graham, Ann Edler and Dotty Bowes all said they came out to the event because it was outside and they could support local businesses. They also love tomato pies and have never been to a tomato pie festival before.
Every month on the second Saturday, the farm holds a vendor festival and decided to give this one a tomato pie theme. Laura added they usually do something in the spring and fall, but also wanted to do something in the summer. So not only could attendees get a tomato pie, they could purchase items in the store, browse vendors, enjoy some food trucks, listen to music and kids could play in an inflatable water slide.
Everything in the store is sourced locally, mostly from Aiken and Augusta, Laura said.
"We have local honey, jams and jellies, salsa, homemade soaps, candles, arts and crafts and more," she added.
Kristi Cook with Heart Pine Farms was selling fresh bread, fresh butter, fresh eggs, fresh seasoning and vegetables.
"It's amazing. We're doing great today ... all the bread is gone," Cook said. "It has been a great day"
As for if there will be another Tomato Pie Festival next year, Laura said it would depend on how this one went. But even before the event, she had already gotten some feedback for next year, including possibly adding a vegan option.
