Savor Summer at Portofino's 55th Anniversary Tomato Dinner!

Virginia Gardens, USA - The SummerSupperSomm event series is back, bringing with it an explosion of flavors and community spirit to the culinary scene. This highly anticipated series, now in its fifth year, promises a delightful celebration of heirloom tomatoes and Virginia wines. Kicking off on June 30 and running through August 25, 2025, the events will shine across a tapestry of locations, from the lush Lowcountry to the scenic mountains of Southwest Virginia. As noted by PR Newswire, there will be a total of 22 unique dinner celebrations designed to tantalize the taste buds with multi-course meals crafted from local ingredients.

Among the standout events is the Portofino’s 55th Anniversary Summer Supper Somm Tomato Dinner, scheduled for Sunday, August 10, at 6:30 PM. Set in the cozy ambiance of Portofino Restaurant, the evening promises a memorable culinary journey that starts with a refreshing Aperol-Tomato Spritz and a vibrant appetizer of Watermelon and Colored Tomatoes drizzled with Feta Cheese, Vidalia onions, and mint. ARLnow details that the main course will be Bucatini Pasta with Cherry Tomato Butter, ‘Nduja, and Crab, paired elegantly with Petit Manseng from Michael Shaps Wineworks. There’s something to be said for the meticulousness of such pairings!

Culinary Collaborations that Nourish

This year, SummerSupperSomm will also feature the culinary expertise of 13 returning restaurants and nine newcomers, providing a splendid showcase for regional chefs. Interestingly, the series is supported by The Virginia Wine Board, which ensures that attendees will savor high-quality wines alongside their tomato-infused dishes. Besides Portofino, one notable highlight includes a first-ever cidery dinner at Troddenvale in Warm Springs. Attendees can expect to broaden their palates with unique tasting experiences while learning about the heirloom vegetables that make this series shine, as emphasized by Investors Hangout.

Art also plays a pivotal role in this year’s event, with local artist Molly Reeder contributing artwork that will be sold to support Greater Richmond SCAN, a nonprofit dedicated to combating child abuse. Since the series began, over $10,000 has been raised for this important cause. This collaborative effort highlights the community-centered mission of the project and the impact it aims to have beyond the dinner table, aligning perfectly with the greater good of nurturing children in need.

For those eager to join in on this seasonal celebration, reservations can be made by calling 703-979-8200 for the Portofino event, with limited seats ensuring an intimate dining experience. It’s advisable to act fast; past events have sold out quickly, and this year’s lineup is expected to follow suit. Interested diners can stay in the loop by following the series on Instagram at @SummerSupperSomm and @villagegardenrva for updates and further details on the culinary offerings ahead. Don’t miss out on the chance to indulge in this vibrant wave of flavor while contributing to a noble cause!