Credits: Amare La Cucina FB Page
In a heartwarming act of community support, local restaurant chain Amare La Cucina has introduced a special menu utilizing 600 kilograms of cherry tomatoes rescued from farmers in Benguet. This initiative came after a buyer cancelled a large order, leaving the farmers with a surplus that was at risk of going to waste.
Edmark Bustos, founder of Amare La Cucina, shared the story on Facebook on July 3, detailing a conversation with one of their regular farmer suppliers, Sherly. She revealed that due to the cancellation, the farmers were being forced to dispose of the tomatoes, with more expected to go to waste until the end of August.
“The thought of these hardworking farmers losing their income and seeing their beautiful produce go to waste is truly heart-wrenching,” Bustos 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.”
In response, Amare La Cucina purchased the remaining 600 kilograms of cherry tomatoes and integrated them into a special menu, launched on July 5 at their main branch in Baguio. The menu, called the “Cherry Tomato Series,” features a variety of dishes incorporating cherry tomato confit and fresh cherry tomatoes, from appetizers and salads to pasta and pizza. Customers can also purchase fresh cherry tomatoes at the restaurant.
Speaking to GMA News Online, Bustos mentioned that the restaurant plans to continue supporting the farmers by purchasing the highland cherry tomatoes throughout August.
Amare La Cucina, known for its Neapolitan-style brick-oven pizzas, started in Baguio City in 2013 and has since expanded to 16 branches. The restaurant’s name, a portmanteau of the Bustos siblings’ names—Alvin, Marianne, and Edmark—also means “to love the kitchen” in Italian, reflecting their passion for creating delicious, authentic dishes.
By introducing this special menu, Amare La Cucina not only highlights the exceptional quality of local produce but also underscores the importance of supporting the farming community during challenging times.