Efisio Farris, a native Sardinian, is the chef-owner of two restaurants--Arcodoro, in Houston, and Arcodoro & Pomodoro, in Dallas.

His Sardinian cooking has garnered acclaim from Gourmet, Saveur, Food & Wine, Southern Living, USA Today, The New York Times, and Wine Spectator.

His first book, Sweet Myrtle & Bitter Honey: The Mediterranean Flavors of Sardinia (co-authored with Jim Eber) was published by Rizzoli in 2007. About the book, Mario Batali wrote: "It's simply an enchanting read but also a delicious invitation to discover this little-known gastronomic culture."

In its review of Sweet Myrtle..., the New York Times wrote that "Mr. Farris's thoughtful essays on local ingredients and traditions (wild asparagus, household sausage-making) bring to life things that may be untranslatable. His carefully presented recipes try to translate them anyhow, with love and intelligence."

Farris also runs GourmetSardinia.com, a mail-order company specializing in traditional Sardinian products.