Poulsbo’s MorMor restaurant turned five years old in June, and owner/chef John Nesby said the anniversary was a good occasion to review what the business has done well, and find new ways to grow.

“Our goal five years ago was to have a restaurant for the locals from the locals,” he said. That goal continues to be the primary focus of the establishment, which Nesby owns with his wife, Laura.

When the restaurant opened, one of the unique aspects was the menu that changed daily, depending on the best local bounty available on the market. That idea has since evolved into having seasonal menus with daily specials, and Nesby said being flexible is still an important part of being able to use local ingredients.

MorMor uses produce from local farmers, when possible — for example, salad greens and tomatoes come from an organic Poulsbo farm.

Another way to be flexible, according to Nesby, is by responding to the economy and the local community. Which is why MorMor’s newest thing is “a stimulus package menu,” a three-course menu (from several selections) for $19.50. “It’s been very popular,” Nesby said. “We definitely want to remain flexible and make sure our prices and menu are representative of how our community is doing as a whole.”

Nesby said he has tried to stay competitive by trying to be unique. For example, he scaled back on his Italian menu after a new Italian restaurant opened in Poulsbo. “What we really want to do is focus on a solid, seasonal menu but still offer some of the ‘spur of the moment’ items.”

One of the new offerings at the restaurant is a “chef table.” For $100 per person, a party of six can reserve the table placed right inside the kitchen and watch the back of the house in action. They receive a six-course dinner and are served personally by Nesby.

For more information about MorMor, go to www.mormorbistro.com.