Local farming influences the culinary culture of each region. Among the rolling hills and vast fields of wheat, the Palouse produces billions of lentils, making it the “Lentil Capital of the World.” Lentil and chicken wraps, lentil pizza, lentil veggie burgers and even lentil ice cream can be found at the National Pea and Lentil Festival in Pullman in late August. Check out the World’s Largest Bowl of Lentil Chili, measuring 1,113 liters! (Pullman Chamber of Commerce, 800-365-6948, www.pullman-wa.com)

One of the top vegetarian restaurants in the country is located in Spokane. Enjoy roasted onion gorgonzola ravioli sauted with arugula, walnuts and olive oil and topped with chilled tomato-fennel gazpacho at Mizuna. (214 N. Howard, Spokane, 509-747-2004)

Just north of the Blue Mountains is Patit Creek Restaurant in Dayton. Start with a smoked salmon cheesecake and escargot bourguignon while anticipating the arrival of the main coursefilet mignon smothered with green peppercorns, cognac and cream. (509-382-2625)

The small town of Odessa expands its capacity from 910 to 15,000 people during the celebration of Deutschesfest in September. All home-made German dishes, including hot-off-the-grill Rueben sandwiches dripping with tangy sauerkraut and cheese as well as sweet and flaky pastry strudels are devoured by eager festival goers just as quickly as they are prepared. (509-982-2632)

“So sweet, you can bite ’em like an apple.” Walla Walla Sweet Onions are mild enough to have as a tasty and refreshing snack! Or wrap in foil with olive oil, then roast, in the oven or on a grill, to soft and sweet perfection. (www.wallawalla.com)