TOMATOES NOT ONLY FOR GARNISHING

FROM CHIANG HEE TZE

TOKYO, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- When we talk about tomatoes, there is a general
perception that it's only use is for garnishing or just a common vegetable in
our dishes.

But do you know it can be developed as a theme restaurant that brings about
culinary surprises?

"Celeb de TOMATO,Co. Ltd", is a well-known theme restaurant that offers a
tomato-centered menu of dishes. This unique restaurant was established based on
the owner's firm belief, and cemented over a 15-year career as an agricultural
consultant.

"The perception of the public is that tomatoes are only for salads, plate
decoration or as a seasoning like ketchup, but we are trying to make it
different so that consumers find it amazing," the restaurant owner's wife Mrs.
Yoshimoto told the media here Wednesday, in conjuntion with the Japan Food
Business Meeting organized by the Japan External Trade Organizaition (JETRO).

The theme restaurant can be found in two of Tokyo's trendiest areas, Aoyama
and Jiyugaoka. Here, tomato "fans" can enjoy a variety of tomato products and
dishes, such as tomato juice in variety of sweetness, appetizers, main course,
dessert like pudding, tiramisu, swissroll, cakes and cookies, even a special
salad dressing called "tomato honey".

When asked about the target market, she said most of the restaurants which
offer vege-based menu emphasized the importance of health, but for Celeb de
TOMATO, the restaurant emphasized delicious food rather than the health dishes
concept.

She said research studies had shown tomatoes were beneficial in reducing the
risk of prostate cancer.

She added that Celeb de TOMATO planned to set up overseas branches and was
looking for joint-venture partners with the same principles and ideas.
-- BERNAMA