Joya Pavia, Features Editor

If you’re a foodie and want the opportunity to taste test the best tomato pie Utica has to offer, then Tomato Pie Day is perfect for you.

The second-annual Tomato Pie Day will be held at Parkway Recreation Center from noon to 4 p.m. on April 7. Admission for the event is $3 in advance on the website and $5 at the door.

Those attending can learn how tomato pie is made and cast their vote for their favorite.

“Tomato pie is part of my life,” said Jay Sumner, coordinator of the event. “It’s part of the lives of everyone from Utica.”

A Utica staple, tomato pie is served at room temperature and is made on thick-crusted pizza dough and topped with a sweet red sauce sprinkled with Romano cheese.

Sumner said that you can always find tomato pie in Utica.

“If people are celebrating or grieving there is always tomato pie,” Sumner said. “It is the comfort food of the area.”

Bakers competing in the contest are Roma’s Sausage and Deli, Napoli’s Italian Bakery, Tony’s of Washington Mills, Salvatore’s Italian Bakery, Utica Bread, Charlie’s Pizza, Oliveri’s Pizza, Guiseppe’s Bakery and more.