Complementing our focus on freshness and presentation, we are proud to serve a cuisine that has many health benefits. Modern research studies have validated Mediterranean cooking and eating practices can significantly improve one's health. For thousands of years, residents of the Mediterranean coastal region have enjoyed a delicious diet -- high in plant foods and monounsaturated fats (like olive oil). A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, and seeds provides thousands of micronutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help protect against cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease, among other conditions, experts say. Mediterranean cuisine emphasizes minimally processed, fresh, and preferably local foods.