FRESH, LOCAL INGREDIENTS

Part of my mission and vision for PESCO is to utilize the local farms in our area to highlight what is available seasonally.  When creating menus that incorporate the seasonality you can expect to experience food at its freshest.  

Many restaurants in Italy utilize the farms only in their area to reflect the bounty of every season.  One of the best examples I can provide was from a customer that once asked me during the heat of the summer “Are you going to have Lasagna Bolognese?” Typically, in Italy, you wouldn’t see this on a menu during summertime, as it is reserved for when it is colder. 

My goal is to provide Hood River with exciting menus that will change with the season and highlight the amazing produce and meat that are grown and raised here in the Gorge.

See the menu →

ELIZABETH M. PESCO, OWNER & CHEF

I came to Hood River from Las Vegas, Nevada, having educated elementary and middle school children for nearly 20 years.  The most memorable part for me was living and working overseas in Italy! 

Although I am not classically trained, I have been immersed in Italian cuisine my entire life. In Italy, the kitchen is the most prominent feature in the home and a good portion of the time is spent there.  As a baby, my father had our kitchen carpeted so my siblings and I were never out of sight!

As I grew up all the memories of being in the kitchen stuck with me, even though I pursued a different career path.  I found myself doing private events as a way of remembering and honoring extended time in the kitchen.  I enjoyed people gathering for a purpose while I prepared a special thematic menu.  Moving to Hood River helped me learn the production side of a very creative industry.  Having a commercial kitchen of my own has always been a dream of mine.  I am very fortunate to be here today and to provide you an unforgettable experience one Italian Region at a time! XX