Tomato season starts now

A sweet tomato salad from China that perfectly highlights one of summer’s best ingredients

My friends, how are you doing this week? More importantly, you made a Pisco Sour yet?

I want to take you to the other coast from Monday’s pisco post to Vegas, where we have China Poblano. Instead of Peruvian cuisine, at China Poblano, we have the most magical combination of Chinese and Mexican foods…noodles AND tacos, dim sum AND ceviches. If you ask members of my team, they’ll tell you that…while of course they love all JAG restaurants…they really love China Poblano. I told you the story about China Poblano last year, and shared a recipe for their Quesabirria Tacos, which were one of the most popular recipes we shared last year…and one of the most popular dishes at any of our restaurants, thanks to the amazing chefs Laura Vargas and Carlos Cruz!

But let’s look at the Chinese side of the menu today! In the United States, we think of a Chinese meal as lots of big dishes that swallow up the table, but that’s only one side of the story. On one of my first trips to China with my family, we went to a place that was well known for its dumplings, which were light and delicate, with many different fillings…but what struck me most about the meal was the array of tiny dishes—almost like tapas—that began it. The thing I remember most was a little plate of tomatoes covered in sugar. Sugar! The sweet, crunchy granules played off the tomatoes beautifully, making them the unlikely hero of a memorable meal that helped expand my understanding of Chinese cuisine.

This tomato recipe is simple, but it shines a light on one of summer’s best ingredients. As tomatoes start to show up at farmer’s markets, it is a perfect side dish for a hot day, especially if you plan to fire up the grill.

What are some of your favorite ways to prepare the first tomatoes of summer?

China’s sweetest tomato salad
Serves 4

4 large heirloom tomatoes (about 2 pounds)
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes