INTRODUCTION

At EVOO, our favorite form of hospitality is to cook with local Northwest ingredients prepared in the style of the Mediterranean cuisines, where olive oil is dominant to butter and vegetables, fruits, and grains are a given status on the plate. While seafood and poultry are frequent menu stars, along with red meats, pork and lamb. The regular use of herbs & spices is essential, and some of our favorite flavors are coriander, fennel, mushrooms, garlic, lentils, nuts, tomato, basil, peppers, cilantro, cumin, and saffron. We strive to inspire our guests to enjoy cooking in the flavorful, healthy style of the Mediterranean that besides the carefully chosen ingredients, also includes gathering around the table with friends & family as we do at EVOO.

Listed in this chapter are the ingredients we use the most and why.