From the wall of over 40 different olive oils and vinegars to select herbs and spices, Ampersand Oil and Vinegar Tap House has the ingredients needed to make a meal gourmet, including instructions on how to do so.
The tap house opened in November, 2014. Ampersand owner Keely Garrity, said her inspiration for the store came from her time in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Ampersand aims to reach out to students and community members alike and inspire a culinary expansion.
“There was an oil and vinegar stores all over the plaza,” Garrity said. “When I moved back to Moscow, we didn’t have anything like that here. I really missed real olive oil.”
Ampersand connects with the Moscow community by bringing in local chefs to teach a variety of cooking classes throughout the week. The classes are an educational experience, taught demonstration style.
“We focus on teaching how to properly use oils and vinegars in food,” Garrity said. “There is a lot of misinformation about oil and vinegar out there, and we want to address that.”
During the class, chefs work with the numerous oils, vinegars, spices and depending on the class, gourmet pastas made in Italy.
The point of the classes is to show how quick and easy it is to make delicious gourmet meals both on a budget and for beginners in the kitchen.
Class participants receive a copy of the recipe and dinner. The featured chef prepares enough food during the demonstration to provide participants with a hearty portion for dinner after the class and the perk of getting 10 percent off their entire purchase that night.
The specialty store provides a unique experience for all customers. Alongside various oils and spices the store sells tasteful kitchen items and several different dishes perfect for entertaining.
“Often people get in a rut with cooking,” Garrity said. “We hope to inspire people, to let them know it’s not hard to cook gourmet food that tastes good and is good for you.”
Class topics vary from authentic Mexican cuisine to easy at home pasta meals.
Classes are $35 a person and are offered several times a week — a schedule is on the Ampersand website. Classes are offered at both the Moscow and Lewiston locations and are open to everyone.
Destiny Alvarez can be reached at [email protected]