The chief executive of a California company specializing in gourmet tofu products says to "forget that white lump you tried to eat in 1986."

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John Scharffenberger, 59, who became chief executive officer of Oakland company Hodo Soy Beanery in July, said he wants people in the United States to see tofu as a gourmet item, the way it is regarded in Japan, USA Today reported Monday.

"I don't want people to start eating tofu instead of hamburger. I want them to start adding some of our tofu nuggets to their Caesar salad at lunch," Scharffenberger said.

"Forget that white lump you tried to eat in 1986," he said.

Scharffenberger said the tofu made by his company "tastes good, it's good for you and it's easy."

Hodo products are now only available in northern California but Scharffenberger said he plans to expand to Los Angeles, Seattle and other West Coast locations during the coming seasons.