Some farmers in Benguet are facing a dilemma after two tons of ordered cherry tomatoes just got cancelled, endangering their income.

But the news quickly got into the ears of a Samaritan, who was ready to help save the day. To help local farmers, Amare La Cucina, a restaurant chain popular for its Neapolitan-style brick-oven pizzas, decided to introduce a special menu that integrated the cancelled orders of about 600 kilos of highland cherry tomatoes. 

Benguet farmers' cherry tomatoes

Amare's new menu

Amare founder Edmark Bustos mentioned that the new menu will be out in its 16 branches on July 12.

"Three days ago, we had a heartfelt conversation with one of our cherished farmer suppliers, Sherly, that struck a deep chord with us. She shared the heartbreaking news that they are forced to dispose of 600kg of cherry tomatoes, with even more expected to go to waste until the end of August," Bustos wrote on the Facebook page of the food chain.

"At Amare+, we decided to take immediate action. We’re introducing a special menu that shines a spotlight on the incredible flavor of our highland cherry tomatoes. These tomatoes are more than just an ingredient; they are a testament to the love, dedication, and tireless effort of our farmers," he added.

The restaurant is also offering fresh cherry tomatoes.

"When you buy these tomatoes, you’re not just bringing home a delicious ingredient; you’re also supporting the farmers who work tirelessly to bring these to your table," Bustos emphasized.

The Italian restaurant started in Baguio City back in 2013 at Bustos' first house. According to Amare's official website, what inspired Bustos and his wife to learn creating flavorful dough was also a fellow restaurateur.

The restaurant's first branch in Manila opened in 2017 at Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

Amare is a portmanteau of the Bustos’ siblings names (Alvin, Marianne and Edmark), and the whole "Amare La Cucina" title means “to love the kitchen” in Italian.