Part 2/9:
The foundation of this tomato pie is, unsurprisingly, the tomatoes. The chef laments the poor quality of Florida tomatoes, lamenting the high cost of specialty varieties like yellow heirlooms, which can cost upwards of $5.50 each. He advocates for sourcing high-quality tomatoes from places like New Jersey, praised for their flavor, or at least selecting good ripe tomatoes in local stores.
He underscores the importance of using good ingredients: "At the end of the day you're only as good as the ingredients you're using." Fresh, ripe tomatoes, high-quality olive oil infused with basil, and flavorful cheeses are all critical to achieving an exceptional flavor profile.