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, 509-334-3565 or www.pullman-wa.com)
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)