Megan Erickson has joined The Cottage in Bothell to lead the restaurant’s culinary team.

According to a press release, she plans to create an elevated farm-to-table experience.

Erickson combines the foundation of a formal culinary education with years working alongside some of the Seattle area’s most talented chefs, the release states. She has a passion for creating seasonal cuisine that celebrates simple, local ingredients by uniting and balancing them in ways that entertain the palate.

“By using fewer ingredients and not hiding them behind ten other items,” she said in the release, “you can really make them shine.”

According to the release, Erickson’s plans include establishing and maintaining direct relationships with small, hyper-local producers and presenting a continuously evolving menu based on seasonal ingredients.

“The greatest focus will be on changing the menu often and using only what is available from local vendors. Since local farmers aren’t able to grow tomatoes in the middle of winter, you won’t find them on our menu in January,” she explained in the release.

For those who have more affinity for decadent desserts and pastries, Erickson is formally trained in pastry and baking. According to the release, she was the head pastry chef at a well-known Seattle restaurant before working her way up through the ranks on the savory side of the kitchen. Erickson will carry the same philosophy of pairing simple, beautiful seasonal ingredients over to the sweet side of the kitchen.

The addition of Erickson to The Cottage family has also opened up possibilities in other programs, notably the bar, the release states.

“The desire to pair fresher homegrown fruits, vegetables and other selections, with nearby, locally produced craft beer, wine and spirits, is how we celebrate the best our area has to offer,” beverage director Michael Mareck said in the release. “Working alongside chef Megan has helped inspire improved beverage offerings, specifically to match her commitment to these fantastic, quality local ingredients.”

Cottage founder Valerie Quest added, “With chef Erickson joining us, we have everyone in place to create an amazing customer experience from beginning to end.”

The Cottage is a full service farm-to-table bistro with directly traded coffee and live music. They feature a full bar with a focus on local artisan wines, beers, liquors and craft cocktails.