The Story Behind Rustic Roots

At Rustic Roots, we believe that great food begins with one thing: the purity of great ingredients. That belief is at the heart of everything we do — and it starts with Chef Lilly.

Meet Chef Lilly

My name is Lilly, and food has been my language for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Romania, I learned early that the best meals come from the best ingredients — fresh, honest, and full of life. That foundation shaped everything that followed.

I went on to study at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), one of the most prestigious culinary schools in the world, where I honed my classical technique and deepened my love for the craft. My education took me further abroad to Lyon, France — the gastronomic capital of the world — where I had the extraordinary privilege of studying under the umbrella of the legendary Paul Bocuse. Immersed in French culinary tradition, I developed a profound respect for quality, simplicity, and the transformative power of a single exceptional ingredient.

It was through all of these experiences — from my grandmother's kitchen in Romania to the kitchens of Lyon — that I came to understand what I was truly searching for: purity. The purity of a perfectly pressed olive oil. The purity of an ingredient that needs nothing added, nothing hidden.

The Birth of Rustic Roots

Rustic Roots Olive Oils was born from that conviction. I wanted to create a place where home cooks, food lovers, and curious palates could access the same caliber of ingredients that professional chefs rely on — without compromise.

Our store at 400 N Main Street, Blacksburg, VA is more than a shop. It's an invitation to taste the difference that quality makes.

Our Oils — From the World's Finest Groves

We source our premium extra virgin olive oils from some of the most celebrated olive-growing regions on earth: Spain, Italy, Portugal, Peru, and South Africa. Each origin brings its own character — grassy and peppery, buttery and mild, bold and complex — and we carry them all so you can find exactly what your cooking calls for.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Villa Caligiano in Poggibonsi, Italy, where I walked the olive orchards and witnessed firsthand the care and tradition that goes into every harvest. Experiences like that remind me why this work matters — and why I will never settle for anything less than the best for our customers.

Every oil on our shelves is selected for its freshness, authenticity, and flavor. We also carry artisan balsamic vinegars aged to perfection, and French spice blends curated to bring a touch of Lyon into your everyday cooking.

Cooking Classes with Chef Lilly

Food is meant to be shared — and so is knowledge. I teach hands-on culinary classes at Lilly Valley Inn, where I use only the finest ingredients, including the very olive oils we carry at Rustic Roots. Whether you're a beginner finding your footing in the kitchen or an experienced cook looking to refine your technique, my classes are designed to inspire, educate, and delight.

Come cook with me. You'll leave with new skills, new confidence, and a bottle of something wonderful.

Lilly Valley Inn

As the owner of Lilly Valley Inn, I've woven the Rustic Roots philosophy into every aspect of the guest experience. From the kitchen to the table, quality ingredients are at the center of everything we offer. It's a partnership rooted in the same values: warmth, excellence, and a deep love of good food.

Come Visit Us

Our Blacksburg store is open and ready to welcome you. Stop in to taste our oils, explore our collection, and let us help you find your new favorite ingredient. We're proud to be part of this community — and grateful for every customer who shares our passion for the pure and the exceptional.

With love, good food, and the finest olive oil,
Chef Lilly
Founder, Rustic Roots Olive Oils & Lilly Valley Inn
400 N Main Street, Blacksburg, VA