Amare La Cucina launches special menu to help rescue tomatoes from Benguet farmers

Local restaurant chain Amare La Cucina just introduced a special menu that utilizes the 600 kilograms of cherry tomatoes they helped rescue from farmers in Benguet.

Edmark Bustos, a restaurateur and founder of Amare La Cucina, took to Facebook on July 3 where he shared the dilemma of the farmers.

He said that one of their cherished farmer suppliers, Sherly, had shared to him that she and the farmers "are being forced to dispose" 600 kg of cherry tomatoes, with more tomatoes set to go to waste until the end of August.

Edmark told GMA News Online, Friday, that a buyer initially ordered 800 kg of cherry tomatoes from the farmers, but only pushed through with purchasing 200 kg.

In Edmark's post, he wrote that the news saddened them, so Amare took action and purchased the remaining 600 kg of cherry tomatoes that would otherwise go to waste.

"The thought of these hardworking farmers losing their income and seeing their beautiful produce go to waste is truly heart-wrenching," Edmark wrote.

"These tomatoes are more than just an ingredient; they are a testament to the love, dedication, and tireless effort of our farmers. By featuring them in our dishes, we aim to showcase their exquisite taste while supporting our local farmers during this difficult time."

On July 5, Amare La Cucina's main branch in Baguio launched its special menu utilizing the rescued cherry tomatoes.

Edmark also told GMA News Online that they thought of turning the cherry tomatoes into confit for the menu. He added that they will continue helping the farmers by purchasing the highland cherry tomatoes throughout August.

Amare La Cucina's special menu, called the "Cherry Tomato Series," features various mouthwatering dishes incorporating cherry tomato confit and fresh cherry tomatoes, from appetizers and salad to pasta and pizza.

Customers may also purchase fresh cherry tomatoes at Amare La Cucina's branch in Baguio.

Courtesy: Amare La Cucina/Facebook

Beginning July 12, patrons may now try Amare La Cucina's Cherry Tomato Series special menu in all of its branches nationwide.

Those who wish to help may also contact Sherly Biase (farmer) at 0995 4546 148.

Beyond Baguio, Amare La Cucina has branches in Makati, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Tagaytay, La Union, Calasiao in Pangasinan, Bantay and Vigan in Ilocos Sur, and Bacoor in Cavite.

A favorite among the locals, Amare La Cucina traces its roots in Baguio City and is known for its authentic Neapolitan-style wood-fired brick-oven pizza, steaks, pasta, and more. Amare La Cucina is a play on the Bustos siblings' names (Alvin, Marianne, and Edmark) and also means "to love the kitchen" in Italian.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News