Restaurants In North & South Carolina ‘Duke’ It Out In Unique Mayo And Tomato Contest

Ahhh Duke's Mayo.  It seems the mere mention of the name around Southerners stirs up sentimental attachments and a loyalty the likes of which I saw only around Alabama football fans.  So, the "Duke's Hot Tomato Summer" competition among restaurants in North & South Carolina is sure to cause emotions to heat up.

In the Duke's Hot Tomato Summer contest, a whole host of some of restaurants compete to use the famous Duke's Mayo and its beloved partner, the tomato, in dishes to steal your heart.  Plus, during the match that lasts from now through July 30, we get to vote on our favorite restaurants to win the coveted "Golden Tomato Award."   And, Duke's announces winners in early August.  Not to influence you, but, I saw "Burger Box" ahead currently for the Queen City.

Furthermore, some of these eateries get super creative with their Duke's Mayo and tomato artistry.  We find everything from cocktails to the expected BLTs to mayo ice cream.  Ummm, I can't get on board with that.  The competition includes a big list of  restaurants in Charlotte, North Carolina, plus a handful in Charleston and Greenville in South Carolina and Richmond, Virginia.

So, who among your faves might be included in the Charlotte competitors for the Duke's Hot Tomato Summer?  Well, I saw Blackfinn, the aforementioned Burger Box, Dish, Grinning Mule, Pinky's Westside Grill, The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar and Pepperbox Doughnuts.  They offer the "Doughnut Tomato Sandwich" featuring a toasted savory doughnut bun, sliced heirloom tomatoes and Duke's Mayo.  Another special that intrigues me is from Dish with the "Tomato and Pimento Pie."

And, I like to jokingly say when you move into the Carolinas you have to declare that you pledge allegiance to Duke's Mayo.  Dare I say if you admit to using the mayo that starts with "H" or worse yet Miracle Whip, you might need to start packing.  I admit, although I do like and use Duke's, I grew up on Miracle Whip.  Apparently I lost my way in youth.  Anyway, for the list of restaurants and all their specials, see the Duke's Mayo website.  And, start planning your Duke's Hot Tomato Summer adventure.

In recent years, a new trend has been making waves in the world of weddings: late-night snacks and meals. Gone are the days when weddings were limited to formal dinner receptions. Couples and wedding planners have embraced the idea of adding a touch of fun and excitement to the celebration by offering a delectable spread of snacks and meals in the late hours of the night.

As a matter of fact, there are some McDonald’s restaurants offering $200 wedding packages that include 100 chicken sandwiches and 100 four-piece packages of chicken McNuggets. According to CNBC, the $230 deal would provide a chicken sandwich and McNuggets for $2 per person at a 100-guest wedding.

The late-night snack and meal trend at weddings has gained traction for several reasons. It allows couples to extend the festivities and keep the party going well into the night. And late-night snacks and meals are very practical. Weddings are often full-day affairs; guests can work up an appetite after hours of dancing and celebrating. By providing a variety of tasty bites and heartier fare, couples ensure that their guests are well-fed and energized throughout the evening.

The trend injects an element of surprise and excitement into the wedding experience. It adds an element of novelty to the event, creating memorable moments for everyone involved.

Choosing the right late-night snack or meal for a casual wedding involves a more relaxed and informal approach. When choosing late-night snacks or meals for a casual wedding, there are several factors to keep in mind. For instance, opting for comfort food favorites that evoke a sense of familiarity and satisfaction, such as sliders, chicken wings, or nachos. You may even consider a food truck also allows guests to interact with the chefs and customize their orders, adding an element of fun and personalization. Another great idea is to set up interactive stations where guests can build their own late-night snacks or meals.

Don't hesitate to incorporate personal touches that reflect your tastes and preferences. By considering these factors, you'll create a memorable late-night food experience that perfectly complements the ambiance of your wedding.

Check out six late-night wedding snacks and meals to serve up on your wedding day.

Create a nostalgic spread featuring marshmallows, graham crackers, and various chocolate options. For an interactive twist, provide small gas canisters typically used for buffet food warmers, allowing guests to roast their own marshmallows to perfection.

Regarding late-night snacks, offering full-sized burgers may not appeal to everyone, especially after a filling dinner. However, you can still satisfy your guests' savory cravings with sliders. Serve up mini burgers, or get creative with pulled pork or brisket sliders for a flavorful bite. Expand the options further by including mini grilled cheese sandwiches or mini biscuit sandwiches, providing a variety of burger or sandwich-like options. If you're short on time or prefer convenience, consider pre-ordering mini burgers from your favorite restaurant to save on wedding day DIY efforts.

Guests can customize their hot dogs with various toppings like mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, and more. Whether you opt for traditional all-beef franks, vegetarian or vegan sausages, or specialty gourmet dogs, the possibilities for customization are endless.

Take it up a notch by offering a variety of fry cuts, each with its own unique appeal. From classic shoestring fries to thick-cut steak fries or crispy waffle fries. To enhance the fry experience, provide an assortment of dipping sauces. Think beyond the traditional ketchup and offer flavorful options like garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, tangy barbecue sauce, truffle mayo, or even a spicy sriracha dip. Present the fries and dipping sauces in an attractive display, whether in individual containers or shared platters for guests to enjoy.

Serving pizza as a late-night snack adds a comforting and delicious touch to the festivities. Consider classic favorites like pepperoni, cheese, or Margherita and gourmet options with unique toppings like BBQ chicken, spinach, and feta, or prosciutto and arugula. You can even provide vegetarian or vegan pizza options to accommodate different dietary preferences. To keep things convenient, you can arrange for a local pizzeria to deliver fresh pizzas to your wedding venue. Alternatively, consider setting up a pizza station where guests can customize their slices with a selection of toppings.

These bite-sized treats pack all the flavor of traditional tacos into a compact and easy-to-eat package. Offer a variety of fillings to cater to different preferences and dietary needs. Classic options like seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or grilled vegetables are always a hit. Consider adding unique twists like shrimp with spicy aioli, pulled pork with tangy barbecue sauce, or vegetarian options like black bean and corn salsa. To complement the mini tacos, set up a toppings bar with an array of condiments and garnishes. Include traditional favorites like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese. You can also provide additional toppings like diced onions, fresh cilantro, pickled jalapeños, or even a squeeze of lime to add a burst of freshness.