From falafel to hummus to olive oil, when you’re digging into your favorite dish, you (quite understandably) likely aren’t thinking too much about the history of its ingredients and the story of how it came to be. Feel free to leave that to us!

We care deeply about where the food we’re serving you comes from. We’re not only devoted to bringing you the freshest selections available, we’re also quite fascinated by the stories behind the cuisine, too. It’s all part of being your authentic, go-to option for a healthy Reston and Dulles restaurant.

Whether you’re stopping by our Reston or Dulles restaurant, the recipes you most enjoy have probably taken quite a journey to reach you. Let’s take a look at the rich history behind your favorite menu items.

Vegetables and Herbs

It’s no surprise that Mediterranean cuisine is, of course, heavily influenced by its location and climate. The region’s warm temperatures produce harvests chock full of fresh vegetables.

Whether it’s our Reston or Dulles restaurant, we source our veggies from much closer to home to bring you maximum freshness. However, we still make sure to give a nod to the region by including some of the most common vegetables produced and harvested in the Mediterranean. These include artichokes, tomatoes, eggplants, legumes, mushrooms, onions, and more. We bake, sauté, puree, and grill them — or serve them raw in salads.

The climate of the Mediterranean region is also perfect for growing the world’s best herbs, including rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, and parsley. In another nod to authentic Mediterranean cuisine, we make sure to incorporate them here in our Reston location and Dulles restaurant.

Falafel

The story of falafel is actually quite contested — no one knows for sure where it originated. Some food historians are convinced it comes from ancient Egypt because some ancient Egyptian paintings seem to feature people frying dried beans into ball-like shapes.

Other experts point all the way to India, where chickpeas are perennially popular, and deep-frying is a common mode of food preparation. It’s also possible that Turkish and Arab traders brought the dish into the Middle East.

In 1949 and 1950, 50,000 Yemenite Jews were brought to Israel, and the falafel we know today was born. Yemenites quickly set up falafel businesses in Israel, introducing this fresh innovation by serving the crispy fried balls in fluffy pita bread. (You can enjoy this exact delicacy at our Reston or Dulles restaurant.

However it came to be, falafel is one of our Mediterranean Diet staples.

Did you know a typical portion of three falafel balls can provide over a quarter of our
daily recommended fiber?

Legumes like chickpeas can also improve the functioning of our blood vessels, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Hummus

Hummus is the Arabic word for chickpea — and it’s not your imagination, you’ve likely seen it spelled several different ways.

Because hummus has been popular for so long, many regions around the world lay claim to its origins. We do know for sure that the chickpea, the main ingredient of hummus, has been cultivated throughout the Middle East and India for thousands of years. According to some historical sources, they could even be found growing in the early gardens of Babylon.

To make hummus, the chickpeas are cooked, mashed, and then blended with tahini (a paste made from sesame seeds) — with some olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt thrown in for extra flavor.

These days, hummus is a useful food in vegan, vegetarian, and non-vegetarian diets alike.

Did you know that when hummus is eaten with bread, it serves as a complete protein, similar to other combinations of grains and legumes?

Hummus is also high in iron and vitаmin C, a great, source of protein fiber, and potassium, and has beneficial amounts of both vitamin B6 and folate.

Enjoy our hummus in some of our customer’s favorite dishes including our Hummus and Greek Salad and our Dip Sampler (two hummus flavors of your choice, Red Pepper Hummus, Tzatziki, and Roasted Eggplant).

Olive Oil

With olive trees scattered throughout the region, it’s no surprise that olive oil has long been the main exported ingredient of the Mediterranean. This distinctive oil works perfectly in so many of our dishes, either as a dressing or behind the scenes as a cooking agent that gives your entrees and appetizers that special zing.

Starting off in Asia Minor, olive oil spread from Iran, Syria, and Palestine to the rest of the Mediterranean basin around 6,000 years ago. It’s one of the oldest known cultivated trees in the world — olives were even being grown before the written language was invented! Olives have also been found in Egyptian tombs from 2,000 years BC.

The olive culture was then spread to the early Greeks, and then the Romans. As the Romans grew their empire, they brought the olive with them.

Many religions and cultures have used olive oil for special ceremonies and as a general health measure. For instance:

• 1,400 years ago the Prophet Muhammad advised his followers to apply olive oil to their bodies and used the oil on his own head.
• Christian missionaries later brought the olive tree to California, using it for both food and ceremonial
  use.
• It was used to anoint both the early kings of the Greeks and their winning athletes.
• It’s even been used to anoint the dead in many cultures.

In the past several hundred years the olive has spread to North and South America, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. We’re so glad it made its way to our restaurant, too — you’ll find our signature extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) in our Roasted Eggplant (Baba Ghanoush), Avocado or Tomato Bruschetta, Bianca Insalata (white pizza with arugula salad), and more.

We hope you’re as inspired as we are by the rich journey our Mediterranean cuisine has been on throughout history. Whether you stop by either our Reston or Dulles restaurant location, we hope you’ll join us to dine in, grab your meal to go — or let us cater your next event!

The post Where Did Your Food Come From? The Rich History of Cafesano’s Menu appeared first on Cafesano.

These countries are full of folks who tend to live longer lives and suffer from cancer and cardiovascular issues at far lower rates than the rest of the world.

So, what’s their secret?

They lead active lifestyles and, perhaps most importantly, they naturally adhere to what’s turned out to be the number one diet in the world: the Mediterranean Diet.

A panel of experts assembled by US News and World Report recently scrutinized 41 diets and ranked the Mediterranean Diet first in the world.

To be considered for this study, a diet had to be relatively simple to follow, nutritious, safe, effective for weight loss, and protective against both diabetes and heart disease. It was a tall order!

The Mediterranean Diet took the top spot, with the government-endorsed DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, coming in second place.

It’s no surprise the Mediterranean Diet beat out all the others: weight loss, heart and brain health, cancer and chronic disease prevention, and diabetes control have all been linked back to this fresh, natural way of eating.

And US News and World Report isn’t the only publication singing the praises of the Mediterranean Diet. It’s also one of the healthy eating plans recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to promote health and prevent chronic disease.

The Mediterranean Diet is renowned by Harvard University and the World Health Organization as a healthy and sustainable dietary plan, too — and that’s just to name a few.

The Mediterranean Diet Actually Isn’t a Diet At All

The term Mediterranean Diet is actually a bit misleading — it’s much more of a philosophy around eating, rather than a structured diet with lots of rules.

Mediterranean-style meals are built on a foundation of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and moderate amounts of cheese and yogurt — with meat used much more sparingly than the standard American diet. You’ll find lean meats and fish, and only small amounts of red meat.

Adherents of the Mediterranean Diet also love their olive oil, nuts, seeds, and legumes.

Diets like keto, paleo, and Whole30 tend to be restrictive, eliminating certain foods and sometimes even banishing entire food groups altogether, while the Mediterranean Diet is generally pretty permissive. It’s an incredibly balanced way of eating that’s sustainable for the long term — which might explain why it’s been so popular for so long.

Because it’s so inclusive, the Mediterranean Diet can be customized to suit your own preferences and health goals, rather than calling for a top-down makeover of how you eat.

These days, many people are combining the Mediterranean Diet with other dietary plans to serve their needs and goals.

Are you a vegan or vegetarian? We’ve got plenty of options for you!

Another reason for the Mediterranean Diet’s continuing popularity comes from its power to fight back against inflammation and inflammatory diseases. Research has connected a Mediterranean Diet to a reduced risk of several age-related diseases that have long been traced back to inflammation, including some types of cancer and later-in-life dementia issues.

Other science-backed studies of the Mediterranean Diet have shown it can:

• Lower your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and high levels of “bad” cholesterol
• Stave off depression
• Lengthen your life
• Improve brain function
• Defend you from chronic diseases
• Keep you safe from diabetes
• Aid in your weight loss and management goals
• Safeguard your brain from Alzheimer’s disease
• Keep Parkinson’s disease at bay
• Improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
• Improve your eye health
• Reduce the risk of certain dental diseases
• Help you breathe better
• Lead to healthier babies
• Lead to improved fertility
• And so much more…

Trying the Mediterranean Diet Out for Yourself

If you’re ready to switch to a more Mediterranean style of eating, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming – you can make gradual, small changes, including:

• Adding more vegetables to each meal
• Using extra-virgin olive oil to replace butter and other fats
• Reaching for whole grains and whole-wheat breads instead of refined carbohydrates like crackers and rice
• Swapping out servings of red meat for beans or lean meats
• Dialing back your intake of sugars and refined carbohydrates

There’s Even More Great News: The Mediterranean Diet is Delicious!

While the Mediterranean Diet reflects a way of eating that’s traditional in the countries that surround the Mediterranean, you won’t need to travel any further than our Cafesano Italian & Mediterranean Bistro in Dulles Town Center or Reston to enjoy a sampling of the fresh foods and delicious, authentic flavors found in the Mediterranean Diet.

Mediterranean Restaurant in Dulles Town Center and Reston, VA

Here at Cafesano, we’ve got a menu full of options that line up perfectly with the world’s number one diet.

If you’re on the lookout for restaurants in Dulles Town Center or Reston that are convenient, healthy, and fun, come in and dine with us — or grab some fresh, healthy options to go.

We specialize in pulling all these fresh, healthy ingredients together, adding in plenty of fresh herbs and spices, and creating a menu packed with made-to-order dishes inspired by traditional Mediterranean recipes.

You might start off with the always-popular avocado bruschetta, falafel, or roasted olives and feta. Your entree might be one of our signature wraps, Greek salad, a kabob platter, or a made-to-order pizza baked in our brick oven – the Mediterranean way!

You can relax and enjoy yourself, knowing you’ve made a responsible health-conscious choice with the assurance that it’s all going to taste amazing.

Be our guest at either of our restaurants in Dulles Town Center or Reston and enjoy the best of what quick-casual dining has to offer. You can relax in our comfortable dining room or outdoor patios or enjoy the convenience of our take-out service (or our customized catering options).

The options are as varied as the Mediterranean Diet. Check out our creative, made-to-order menu options — and come in to see us soon!

The post Why US News & World Report Ranked the Mediterranean Diet #1 appeared first on Cafesano.

Every day, we renew our commitment to cooking with the freshest ingredients available.

Everything on our menu is fresh, authentic, and nutritious. Our goal is to make our meals so good, you might just forget they’re good for you!

Today, we’re sharing our most-loved ingredients that make our flavors pop — and our customers return to our restaurants in Reston and Dulles Town Center, again and again.

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)

If you haven’t yet met the centerpiece of the classic Mediterranean Diet, allow us to introduce you. We know you’re going to love it!

Extra virgin olive oil, or EVOO, is the highest grade of unrefined olive oil. With its signature bold, complex taste that takes you back to the olives of the Mediterranean, you can always be sure it passed a set of high-level tests to be certified as extra virgin.

Customers of our restaurant in Reston (or guests, as we call them) love our EVOO because of its decadent, delicious taste — and it’s also packed with plenty of health benefits to sweeten the deal.

Scientific research has shown that high-quality EVOO is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and brimming with antioxidants. With its strong anti-inflammatory properties, olive oil may even help to prevent strokes and protect against heart disease.

Ready to give it a try? It’s a healthy garnish in many of our most popular appetizers.

• Hummus. Chickpeas pureed with tahini, fresh lemon juice, and garlic. Topped with EVOO.

• Red Pepper Hummus. Spicy blend of our Hummus, roasted red peppers, and jalapeno. Topped with EVOO.

• Roasted Eggplant (Baba Ghanoush). Roasted eggplant puree, tahini, yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic. Topped with EVOO.

• Avocado Bruschetta. A zesty mix of avocado, tomato, basil, garlic, freshly shaved Parmesan and EVOO, served with grilled ciabatta.

• Tomato Bruschetta. A zesty mix of tomato, basil, garlic, freshly shaved Parmesan and EVOO, served with grilled ciabatta.

2. Fresh Lemon Juice

Lemons originated in India, China, and Burma before they entered Europe through Italy, all the way back in the 1st Century, AD. They’ve been a staple of a fresh, healthy way of eating ever since.

Now, they’ve made their way over to our restaurants in Reston and Dulles Town Center to become one of our healthiest (and most popular) ingredients.

Did you know fresh lemon juice features antioxidants and has been used for centuries to cure many common ailments? It’s rich in vitamin C, boosts your immune system, and aids in digestion.

Here at Cafesano, you’ll find fresh lemon juice featured in many of your favorite dressings, sauces and dishes, including:

• Tzatziki. Cucumber and Greek yogurt dip seasoned with garlic, dill and lemon juice.

• Avocado, Tomato & Mozzarella Salad. Avocado, tomato, mozzarella and fresh basil served on a bed of romaine. Drizzled with EVOO and fresh lemon juice and topped with our Parmesan crisp.

3. Garlic

What a treat: garlic is delicious, flavorful, and incredibly nutritious.

For many thousands of years, garlic was believed to possess medicinal properties. These days, science is confirming it.

Just take a look at the nutritional breakdown for a single ounce of garlic:

• Manganese: 23% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA)
• Vitamin B6: 17% of the RDA
• Vitamin C: 15% of the RDA
• Selenium: 6% of the RDA
• Fiber: 0.6 grams
• And more

In other words, garlic contains a little bit of just about everything you need — and we make sure you have plenty of dishes featuring garlic to choose from:

Give one of these wraps a try:

• Chicken Shawarma Wrap. Marinated chicken, thinly sliced, with romaine, tomato and our garlic sauce, wrapped in a grilled pita.
• Beef Shawarma Wrap. Seasoned steak, thinly sliced, with romaine, tomato and our garlic sauce, wrapped in a grilled pita.

Or, enjoy one of our brick oven pizzas:

• Pollo (grilled chicken). Grilled marinated chicken, sautéed baby spinach, garlic sauce, kalamata olives and caramelized onions with fresh mozzarella and feta cheeses.
• Porcello (bacon, caramelized onions & arugula). Applewood smoked bacon, caramelized onions, fresh mozzarella, and our garlic sauce baked and topped with arugula, gorgonzola cheese, and balsamic reduction.
• Del Mar (shrimp & roasted peppers). Seasoned shrimp, roasted peppers and garlic sauce with fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and our basil pesto, topped with roasted pine nuts.
• And if you’d like to build your own pizza? Be sure to ask for some garlic sauce!

4. Tomatoes

When you take a bite of your favorite dish that contains perfectly ripe, fresh tomatoes, there’s nothing quite like it. We love using tomatoes in our Mediterranean and Italian cuisine — they’re always a huge hit with our guests. And of course, tomatoes are incredibly healthy.

Tomatoes contain vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, and potassium. They have been shown to protect heart health, improve your vision, and boost digestive health.

In the mood for some fresh tomatoes? We have a few recommendations:

• Grilled Chicken Club Wrap. Grilled chicken, Applewood smoked bacon, avocado, tomato, and romaine with our chipotle mayo.
• Hummus & Greek Salad Wrap. Our Hummus wrapped with romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, green peppers, red onion, and feta cheese with our Greek vinaigrette.
• Margherita Pizza.  Fresh mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, tomatoes, and fresh basil with our tomato sauce 

5. Fresh Mozzarella

With its great taste and texture, mozzarella cheese is a go-to favorite in Italian and Mediterranean dishes.

But did you know it’s healthy, too?

It’s packed with calcium to make bones strong, along with vitamin B7, vitamin B2, potassium, antioxidant properties, and so much more.

• Caprese Panini. Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, arugula, and our basil pesto.
• Prosciutto & Mozzarella Panini. An Italian Classic – Imported Prosciutto di Parma, fresh mozzarella, tomato, fresh basil and Italian vinaigrette.
• Arrabbiata Brick Oven Pizza (spicy sausage). Spicy Italian sausage, kalamata olives, caramelized onions, fresh mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese with our arrabbiata sauce.

And of course, don’t forget to add fresh mozzarella to any pizza you can dream up when you create your own!

6. Avocado

Here at Cafesano, we seek out the freshest, healthiest ingredients that also happen to be delicious — and avocados pass that test with flying colors.

With their rich, creamy texture and unique flavor, avocados blend well with many other ingredients in a variety of dishes. We love making the most of this crowd-pleaser!

Avocados are loaded with healthy fats, fiber, and potassium to support healthy blood pressure levels.

They’re rich in fiber, with incredible benefits for weight loss and metabolic health. Eating avocados can improve heart disease risk factors like total, “bad” LDL and “good” HDL cholesterol, as well as blood triglycerides.

Because avocados keep you feeling full longer, you’re likely to eat fewer calories. Combine this with their high fiber and low carb content and it’s clear why they promote weight loss.

Give avocados a try with these dishes (just to name a few):

• Avocado Dip. Our zesty avocado mix with homemade tortilla chips.
• Our Signature Salad. Romaine, artichokes, tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives and red onions, topped with fresh avocado and mozzarella. Served with our house dressing, our Parmesan crisp, and grilled ciabatta.
• Avocado& Lemon Tahini Wrap. Sliced avocado with tomato, lettuce, carrots, shaved Asiago and our lemon-tahini dressing.

7. Chicken Breast

A well-cooked, perfectly-season, high-quality chicken breast is tasty and incredibly versatile. It’s one of the most commonly consumed meats across the world.

Our health-conscious guests at our restaurants in Reston and Dulles Town Center love how it tastes, but also appreciate that it’s a great source of protein — and amazingly low in calories — which can help build muscle and cut fat.

If you’re in the mood for a chicken dish, we recommend taking a look at these all-time favorites:

• Grilled Chicken Pesto Panini. Marinated chicken breast, roasted peppers and grilled zucchini with our basil pesto.
• Grilled Chicken Parmesan Panini. Marinated chicken breast, freshly shaved Parmesan and our basil pesto, topped with our marinara sauce.
• Marinated Chicken Kabob Platter.  Marinated chicken served with rice, grilled vegetables, salad, pita bread and tzatziki sauce. 

8. Pita

In a nod to our Mediterranean roots, you’ll find pita bread featured throughout our menu at our restaurants in Reston and Dulles Town Center.

This flat and hollow unleavened bread is split open to hold all your favorite fillings — try it in our regular or whole grain varieties.

• Kabob Platters. Served with rice, grilled vegetables, salad, pita bread, and tzatziki sauce, you’ll have a choice of regular or brown basmati rice, regular or whole grain pita, and a choice of marinated chicken, seasoned steak, seasoned shrimp, Atlantic salmon, or mixed vegetable filling.
• Your choice of regular or whole grain pita bread is available with all our homemade dip appetizers or as a side with any of our menu items.

9. Romaine

From the cuisines of the Mediterranean and Italy to the menus of our restaurants in Reston and Dulles Town Center, simple, fresh, crispy romaine lettuce is a true classic.

And check out these health benefits: vitamin C to support the immune system, antioxidants, calcium, vitamin K, vitamin A, and so much more.

Ready to enjoy some romaine? We recommend any of our salads and wraps! The possibilities are truly endless.

10. Chickpeas

Grown in Middle Eastern countries for thousands of years, chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) have made their way to our restaurants in Reston and Dulles Town Center. A great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, chickpeas can also help with digestion and help you maintain a healthy weight.

Because they’re high in protein, they also make an ideal meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan diets.

They’re a staple in many of our most-loved dishes, including:

• Hummus. Chickpeas pureed with tahini, fresh lemon juice and garlic. Topped with EVOO.
• Falafel Wrap. Finely ground chickpeas seasoned with onions, garlic, parsley and spices, lightly fried. Served with romaine, tomatoes, scallions, radish and our tahini sauce, wrapped in a grilled pita.
• Falafel Appetizer. Served with our tahini sauce.

We’re looking forward to your visit, whether it’s at our Dulles Town Center restaurant or Reston location. Each of our menu options is available for takeout and on our catering menu, too. We hope to see you soon!

The post The Top 10 Ingredients We Use in Our Kitchen appeared first on Cafesano.

Deciding whether you need a caterer is an issue you should ideally work out early on. Your decision will impact your budget and the type of planning you’ll need to do.

Organizing, planning, and hosting an event of any size is never a simple task. You’ll find your list of tasks growing longer as the day of your event approaches.

Here at Cafesano, we love serving food and catering in Northern VA, all day, every day. We believe events should be fun and enjoyable— and that includes the planning process!

Today we’re sharing nine situations that definitely call for a caterer.

When to Hire a Caterer in Northern VA

1. The event is larger (or more complex) than you’re used to cooking for.

We’ve found that everyone has a different idea of what the term “large event” actually means. For you, it may be an event with more than 10 people attending, while others might think 500 or even 1,000 people isn’t especially large.

No matter your definition, if your event could possibly turn into a large gathering, you’ll likely want a Northern VA catering company like us to take all the food-related logistics off your plate, so to speak.

Ask yourself: Can you imagine cooking food for, say, 50 people all by yourself, or with a team of volunteers? Just as importantly: Would you really want to?

Many people are surprised by how much time and thought is involved in providing food for even a smaller gathering. When you’ve got plenty of other to-do items on your list you’ll need to tackle, why not leave the food to the pros?

2. You need to make your budget go as far as possible.

The idea that they’ll be saving money is one of the primary reasons people decide to make the food themselves and skip the caterer.

But the truth is, even if they aren’t paying a caterer, they’ll still be spending a good (often surprising!) amount of money on the food.

If you go this route, you’ll need to buy the food and ingredients, pans, trays to carry it all, eating utensils, plus have some way of keeping the food warm until you serve it. And those are just a few of the costs!

Even if you’d like to stretch a smaller budget for your event, we’ve got plenty of delicious options. For instance, our $29.99hummus platter with pita chips serves 8-12 people, while our popular grilled kabobs served with rice, grilled vegetables, salad, pita bread and tzatziki sauce is just $13.89/person.

And you won’t have to buy all those large serving dishes you may never use again! Take a look at the rest of our budget-friendly Northern VA catering menu here.

3. You’d rather leave the details to someone else.

As we’ve learned from our years of experience, planning and executing an event takes plenty of time and effort. Location, decorations, invitations, food, and beverages – there are many moving parts behind the scenes, all working together to make an event fun and memorable.

A Northern VA catering company like Cafesano can assist you in planning for one of the major to-dos: food. A lot of thought goes into what to serve at an event. If you’re not used to this, it can be stressful.

Our passion is easing this worry for you. Let us do some of the heavy lifting and serve up our delicious dishes for your guests.

4. You’re short on time.

Especially in the Northern Virginia area, life can get incredibly busy. Most people simply do not have the time to plan, cook such a large volume of food, and serve it, all while hosting an event.

When you’re planning an event, your time is precious. Imagine how much time you’ll save when you bring us aboard to do what we love to do most — serve up delicious Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Our full-time job (and passion) is designing the perfect menu for you and your guests. Leave it to us!

5. It’s a corporate or business event.

This one is rather simple: when you’re hosting a business event, your guests will likely be expecting a catered event. We love catering events for our neighboring businesses in the Northern Virginia area and we’ve been doing it for over 13 years!  

6. You’re not sure how to best accommodate dietary restrictions.

What should you serve at your event, that may be attended by vegetarians, vegans, and omnivores alike? Don’t stress about this one — we’ve got you covered!

When we discuss your event and kick off the planning, we’ll review each detail of what we’ll be serving your guests. Our Italian and Mediterranean menu is adaptable and fresh, full of selections with vegetables, steak, shrimp, or chicken, and plenty of gluten-free options to ensure we have menu selections that will satisfy everyone’s dietary requirements.

7. You want your event to stand out and make a statement.

We’re proud of our menu full of fresh, healthy food we prepare daily on-site. When we cater your events, we also take the time to create a beautiful presentation that’s sure to wow your guests.

We easily adapt to your chosen venue, ensuring your food and beverages complement the event and look perfect.
 
When a guest attends a catered event, they immediately sense how special it is. Whether it’s a private birthday party, anniversary celebration, class reunion, or a business function, your guests will recognize you took the time to make the event truly special.

8. You want to serve a cuisine you don’t often cook.

We’re so incredibly proud of each item on our menu, full of fresh and bold flavors straight from Italy and the Mediterranean. Many experts tout the Mediterranean Diet as the healthiest in the world, overflowing with fresh vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats (like our buzzed-about olive oil).

Every day, we combine these ingredients right in our kitchen. We then mix them with plenty of fresh herbs and spices to provide flavorful, custom dishes inspired by traditional Italian and Mediterranean recipes.

We’ve spent years perfecting our recipes that have been handed down for generations. The Mediterranean Diet is very popular —after all, there’s something for everyone. However, it might not be the easiest to prepare for large groups on your own. Let us cook for you and your guests!

9. You want to kick back and enjoy the event yourself.

Is this event you’re planning your anniversary, birthday, or milestone class reunion?

This might not be the time to try to plan the menu, cook, serve, and enjoy the celebration all at the same time.

Even if you have a trusted friend or loved one handling the food for your special event, they likely won’t want to miss any of the fun, either. You’ll have to decide if it’s really worth the accompanying stress, or if it would be easier (and more fun!) to have your event catered.

Final Thoughts

These are just a few reasons we’ve seen our customers hire us to cater their events over the years — there are many, many more.

Are you hosting an event in Northern Virginia?

We’re located in both Reston and Dulles Town Center, and we’d love to collaborate with you on the menu. We’re standing by to prepare, deliver, and serve delicious and affordable Mediterranean cuisine everyone will enjoy.

We’d love for you to explore our catering menu and contact us today. Let us take care of the food— you take care of the fun!

The post 9 Good Reasons for Hiring a Caterer in Northern VA appeared first on Cafesano.

We love talking with our customers, and we’re often asked about our most popular dishes.  When everything on the menu looks so tempting, a new guest wonders where to begin.  It’s such a great question!

Today we’re giving you a peek behind the scenes.  We’re sharing the healthy go-to classics that both our new guests and returning customers rave about.

But first let’s zoom out a bit: what makes Cafesano’s menu so healthy – and so incredibly delicious, too?  We’re proud to say our menu was created with a focus on the world’s healthiest way of eating, the Mediterranean Diet.

What Is The Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean Diet is a heart-healthy eating plan that incorporates the building blocks of healthy eating.  It emphasizes mostly plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts.

Butter is replaced with healthy fats like olive oil.  The diet also encourages swapping out unhealthy salt with herbs and spices and limiting red meat.

Think splashes of rich, flavorful olive oil and perhaps a glass of red wine.  The principles of this diet harken back to the traditional cooking methods of the nations along the Mediterranean Sea.

Again and again, research has shown that the Mediterranean Diet reduces the risk of heart disease.  It’s also been associated with a lower level of the “bad” (LDL) cholesterol – the kind that often builds up deposits in your arteries.

Throw in a reduced risk of cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, depression and even lower overall mortality, and there’s no reason not to give it a try.  You may find it’s just what you need.

But does this way of eating actually taste good?

The answer is yes!

Making delicious, nourishing food for you is our passion.  Next time you come in to see us at our Dulles Town Center restaurant or Reston location, give one of these fan favorites a try.

Our Top 5 Most Popular Menu Items

1. Hummus Appetizer

Why not kick things off with a Mediterranean classic?

Our hummus appetizer is created right in our kitchen from fresh chickpeas pureed with tahini, fresh lemon juice and garlic.  It pairs perfectly with our warm whole grain pita bread or fresh lavash chips.  And of course, it’s topped off with extra virgin olive oil.

Wondering what extra virgin olive oil actually is?

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the fresh, natural juice squeezed from olives exactly one day after harvest.  The olive oil is extracted without the use of heat or chemicals.

The “extra” designation means it’s the highest grade there is for the best, unrefined and unprocessed oil.  Not just any olive oil gets to be graded “extra” – it must exhibit the very best taste, aroma, and even color!

Did you know olive oil is also linked to lower incidences of many forms of cancer?

It can help your system guard against other issues like ulcers, gastritis and gallstones, too.  It reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis by reducing your blood cholesterol levels.  Olive oil can reduce the risk of diabetes and, possibly, a delayed onset of complications in established diabetes.

Simply put, the “extra” in extra virgin olive oil means premium, or only the very best.  It reflects our philosophy not just in relation to our olive oils, but our menu, ingredients, and your experience when you visit us.  Only the absolute best is good enough for our guests.

2. Signature Salad

Who doesn’t enjoy a lovingly-prepared fresh salad that’s bursting with flavor? 

One of our biggest crowd-pleasers features romaine, artichokes, tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives and red onions, topped off with fresh avocado and mozzarella.  Enjoy your salad with our homemade house dressing made fresh each day, our parmesan crisp and grilled ciabatta.

Studies show that eating a large serving of fresh, raw vegetables every day comes with huge health benefits.  These include disease prevention, an easier time maintaining a healthy weight and a sense of youthful energy and vitality.

Try your salad as a side to complement any of our main dishes or make it into its own meal when you add a grilled skewer.  Pair your signature salad with any of our skewer selections: marinated chicken, seasoned steak or shrimp, Atlantic salmon, falafel or even keep the veggies coming with our mixed vegetable skewer.

3. Grilled Chicken Pesto Panini

This panini is packed with mouthwatering marinated chicken breast, roasted peppers and grilled zucchini and served with our homemade basil pesto.  It’s amazing on either a regular or whole grain ciabatta.  Be sure to pair it with our baked lavash chips or Terra Chips©.

A toasted sandwich with Italian bread, the panini as we know it today became trendy in the bars of Milan in the 1970s.  Office workers were on the hunt for a quick lunch option that was also fresh and delicious – a quest that still resonates with our customers today.  The panini fit the bill perfectly!

Soon, stateside restaurants started serving them, and their popularity skyrocketed.  The panini craze moved along to U.S. cities, each producing slightly different variations of the sandwich.

We’re proud to continue spreading the panini love here at our Dulles Town Center restaurant.  Try ours and tell us what you think!

4. Margarita Brick Oven Pizza

The simplest variety of our thin-crust 12″ and 8″ brick over pizza hits a home run with our guests time after time.

The ingredients are strikingly simple:

• Fresh mozzarella and parmesan cheeses
• Tomatoes
• Fresh basil with our tomato sauce

Your pizza is baked to order, right in our brick oven.  We’re also happy to make it with gluten-free crust.

What makes brick oven pizza especially delicious? 

Our ancestors started cooking in brick ovens around the beginning of civilization.  Extremely hot temperatures of 800 degrees mean your pizza is baked in a much shorter amount of time, too.  The flow of air and heat inside the brick walls allows for crispier toppings and veggies that stay rich in both flavor and nutrients.  Brick oven pizzas are both healthier and tastier.

And as a bonus, our guests also love the look of the brick oven.  It’s a nod to the timeless cooking methods we embrace here at Cafesano.

5. Kabob Platter

Rice, grilled vegetables, salad, pita bread and tzatziki sauce – what could be better (or healthier)?  Choose between regular or brown basmati rice, and regular or whole grain pita.  You can also substitute extra salad for rice.  Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong!

Our customers rave about each one of our kabob platter varieties:

• Marinated Chicken (our most popular!)
• Seasoned Steak
• Seasoned Shrimp
• Atlantic Salmon
• Mixed Vegetable

Another delicious option you’ll love: our kabob wrap.  Enjoy a grilled chicken or steak skewer wrapped up with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, romaine and our tzatziki sauce.

We’re looking forward to your visit, whether it’s at our Dulles Town Center restaurant or Reston location.  And don’t forget: each of these customer favorites are available for takeout and on our catering menu.  Choose your location and come on in!

The post Eat Healthy in Dulles Town Center: Our 5 Most-Popular Menu Items appeared first on Cafesano.

Elevated Fast Casual Dining Without an Elevated Price at Dulles Town Center

With the wide variety of restaurants in Dulles Town Center, it can be difficult to decide where you want to eat. However, if you want a fast casual restaurant that serves healthy, fresh, and delicious food full of bold flavors and wonderful aromas, then the choice is easy.

It’s Cafesano.

But, when you’re choosing among restaurants in Dulles Town Center you might also be looking to relax, unwind, have fun, and share great food – all in a great atmosphere.

When you choose Cafesano in Dulles Town Center, you get all of that!

• Order Takeout – Cafesano Dulles Town Center
• Order Takeout – Cafesano Reston

5 Unique Qualities You’ll Love About Cafesano in Dulles Town Center

1. The Menu

Our menu at Cafesano is different from any other restaurant in Dulles Town Center.

We have created a menu that offers the best in both Italian food and Mediterranean food to create a dining experience you’ve never enjoyed anywhere else.

The food we serve is never too rich or spicy but, instead, is food that you can eat two, three, and more times a week. It’s light, it’s flavorful, it’s healthy and it tastes great!

Our Mediterranean dishes include our very popular Hummus, a Chicken Shawarma Wrap, and several Kabob platters.

Flavorful Panini sandwiches, Fettuccini Alfredo (and other pasta dishes), and our unique Brick Oven pizzas are among our favorite Italian menu items.

Add a Kids’ menu, a wide selection of beverages (wine and beer included), and dessert options and you’ve got something for everyone at Cafesano in Dulles Town Center.

The wide variety of foods we offer makes our menu larger and much more diverse than other quick casual restaurants.

And, did we mention that most of what we offer is healthy?

In fact, the Mediterranean Diet is one of the healthiest diets in the world.

We use only the freshest vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats – including olive oil.  Add in lots of fresh herbs and spices and you have a menu that’s full of flavorful, made-to-order dishes inspired by Italian and Mediterranean recipes.

The diversity of our menu, with almost all items made-to-order, combined with the number of healthy options is unparalleled in other fast-casual restaurants in Dulles, VA.

2. The Environment

Many fast casual restaurants aren’t especially warm and inviting since they focus more on getting guests in and out.

Cafesano is different.

We understand the importance of a dining environment, whether you’re staying for 10 minutes or two hours, and have worked to create an atmosphere in our restaurants that is warm and welcoming to our guests.

Here are a few things we do to ensure your dining experience is a memorable one. 

• Our lighting is natural and bright — no fluorescents to blind you here. At nighttime, we turn down the lights and bring out the candles. This creates an inviting and warm environment. No matter what time of day you’re in Cafesano, you’ll notice how the lighting makes a difference in your experience.
• Our restaurant offers diners plenty of space to enjoy their meal. Even when Cafesano is packed during a busy lunch or dinner hour, you will not be scrunched in next to someone else. Even the stools at the bar are spread out enough so you’re not invading someone’s personal space.
• Counter seating. If you don’t have enough time to sit and enjoy your meal in our restaurant, you can at least enjoy waiting for your to-go order at Cafesano. We offer counter seating that has plug-ins for laptops and phones, so you can recharge and get some work done while you’re waiting for your order. Or, if you prefer, you can wait in our to-go order dedicated seating area for extra comfort.
• Interior design. The decor at our restaurant in Dulles is the perfect mix of modern and classic. Between the reclaimed wood, the partially-open kitchen, the brick pizza oven, and more, you will feel welcome at Cafesano, and fall in love with your surroundings.
• Our fast-casual dining experience makes sure that your meal is delivered to you quickly, but not so fast that you feel rushed to eat in a hurry and leave. Our approach to dining allows you to truly savor and enjoy your food.
• Outdoor dining. Our Dulles Town Center restaurant offers the option to dine on our beautiful outdoor patio. There are two fire pits outside that provide great warmth and comfort, and the walk-up window to the bar makes getting a drink outside fun and easy.
• Our priority is to ensure you feel comfortable while dining at Cafesano. With the way that we have structured our dining space and your dining experience, we know you’ll feel completely comfortable, and have a great time.

3. Table Service

Typically in fast-casual restaurants, you have to pick up your food from the counter when it’s ready.

However, at Cafesano, we deliver the food right to your table.

We want you to start relaxing as soon as you walk through our doors.  And, by bringing your food to you, you can do just that and not have to worry about when your name will be called or when your buzzer will go off.

4. Beer, Wine, and Cocktails

Some days call for a glass of good wine or cold beer and when those days happen, Cafesano has you covered.

We offer beer, wine, and cocktails at our Dulles Town Center restaurant for patrons to enjoy alongside their tasty meals. We also have a bar area with big-screen TVs for watching your favorite sports. Enjoy our happy hour, too!

5. No Plastic Utensils Here

Many restaurants serving people on the go or those who are looking for a fast-casual experience opt for plastic utensils and disposable dishes.

But not at Cafesano!

We’ve stepped it up and choose to use standard flatware. It goes back to that dining “experience” thing – we don’t want plastic utensils breaking in the middle of your meal and we also don’t want you cutting through a disposable plate or bowl!  We want you focused on the food – not the utensils!  And we promise – you’ll be sure to taste the difference!

So if you’re looking for a unique and special fast-casual restaurant experience that will satisfy not only your taste buds but all your senses, be sure to visit Cafesano.

Both our Reston and Dulles Town Center locations offer the best food, the best customer service, and the best environment to create the best restaurant in Northern VA to ensure that you do, indeed, have a memorable dining experience.

The post What Makes Cafesano Stand Out Among Restaurants in Dulles Town Center? appeared first on Cafesano.

If you’re a vegetarian in today’s world, you are quite fortunate.

Because vegetarianism is growing exponentially in popularity, it is becoming easier and easier for those who want to stay away from meat to still be able to get really good, quality food.

While you can always cook a vegetarian meal at home, it’s fun to go out to restaurants in Dulles Town Center and still be able to follow your vegetarian diet.

At Cafesano, we make that incredibly easy.

Our menu has a wide variety of vegetarian options that will give you all the nutrition that you need, without sacrificing flavor and quality.

Read on to learn about how our menu at Cafesano provides vegetarians the ultimate Dulles Town Center dining experience.

How Cafesano Fulfills All Your Vegetarian Needs

Whether you’ve already made the decision to become a vegetarian, or are considering dropping meat from your diet, this is no easy decision.

Whatever your reason for becoming a vegetarian — food allergy or sensitivity, animal rights, health benefits, etc. — it takes not only dedication to be a vegetarian, but also some research and planning.

When you cut out the protein and the fat that animals provide in the human diet, you want to make sure you’re replacing those nutrients.

So, let’s take a look at some of the ways vegetarians can stay healthy without eating meat.

Protein

Protein is one of the biggest concerns for vegetarians. Since meat is packed with protein, meat-eaters don’t really have to think about making sure they’re getting enough protein.

That’s not the case for vegetarians. And protein is absolutely necessary to have in your diet — it is required for your muscles to grow.

But getting protein as a vegetarian is actually quite easy.

Foods such as nuts and nut butters (think almonds, cashews, almond butter) are great ways to get protein.

Additionally, legumes are key to a vegetarian diet (think beans, hummus, lentils).

Thankfully, Cafesano’s Dulles Town Center restaurant provides plenty of protein options for vegetarians.

Our popular Hummus appetizer is full of chickpeas pureed with tahini, fresh lemon juice, and garlic.

Our Hummus & Greek Salad Wrap takes our protein-packed hummus and wraps it up with tomato, cucumber, kalamata olives, green peppers, and more!

Or try our Falafel as an appetizer or a Wrap. Falafel is made of finely ground chickpeas seasoned with onions, garlic, parsley, and spices, lightly fried, and served with tahini sauce.

Fat

Meat typically comes with some fat attached to it — more for things like steak, less for things like chicken and turkey.

Fat is something everyone’s body needs.  Fat feeds your body essential fatty acids and also helps it to absorb other nutrients it needs.

Be sure you know the big difference between good fat and bad fat. Bad fat is what you’ll find in greasy food, and that type of fat is not what your body needs.

Rather, as a vegetarian, you want to feed your body healthy fats.

Great sources of healthy fat include nuts, nut butters, olives, olive oil, and avocados.

At Cafesano, you’ve got more sources of healthy fat than you could ever imagine.

As an Italian and Mediterranean restaurant in Dulles Town Center, we pull the best foods from both cultures to create a menu that is full of healthy food, including good fats.

If you’re a vegetarian in search of healthy fats, try our Avocado Dip appetizer. The healthy fat of the avocado paired with our homemade tortilla chips is a great way to start your meal.

Then, follow that up with our Bianca Insalata pizza, made with fresh mozzarella, caramelized onions, and EVOO and topped with arugula, tomato, red onion, and kalamata olives..

Consider pairing your pizza with our Signature Salad.  Full of romaine, artichoke, tomato, cucumber, kalamata olives, and red onion, this special salad is topped with fresh slices of avocado and comes as either an entree or side salad.

Calcium and Vitamin D

Calcium is something that your body needs in order for you to maintain strong teeth and bones. And vitamin D is required for your body to absorb the calcium you need.

So, as a vegetarian, you want to make sure you’re incorporating plenty of calcium and vitamin D into your meat-free diet.

Dark greens, milk, and dairy-based foods are all great sources of both calcium and vitamin D.

Try our Greek Pizza made with fresh baby spinach, kalamata olives, red onions, tomatoes, arrabbiata sauce and fresh mozzarella and feta cheeses, which actually offers a triple dose of nutrients — calcium, vitamin D, and healthy fat.

Or, you can always count on pasta for calcium.  When you’re at Cafesano, order the Fettuccini Alfredo for a plate full of delicious, calcium-rich Alfredo sauce over fettuccini!

Iron and Vitamin C

Iron is something everyone needs in order for their red blood cells to remain healthy.

However, according to the Mayo Clinic, “iron isn’t as easily absorbed from plant sources.” Thus, it is recommended that vegetarians take in twice as much iron as meat-eaters to ensure they’re getting a sufficient amount.

Foods rich in vitamin C are great for helping your body absorb iron, so, as a vegetarian, try working a lot of citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, cabbage, and broccoli into your diet. You want to do this while also eating iron-rich foods such as peas, lentils, whole grains, and dark leafy green vegetables to get the most benefit.

While it may sound complicated to find pairings of both, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered at Cafesano.

We recommend starting off with the Tomato Bruschetta appetizer with tomato, basil, garlic, and more atop a grilled ciabatta. You’ll cover both your iron and vitamin C requirements.

Or, give the Pasta Marinara over whole wheat penne a try — this dish is certainly not short of tomatoes or whole grains.

Rest assured that the above menu recommendations are only a small sampling of the vegetarian options available at Cafesano.  Best of all, you can decide whether you want to dine in or use our convenient take-out service.

Last, if you’ve got an upcoming party or business event, Cafesano offers vegetarian catering.  You can opt for a fully vegetarian menu or a regular menu with plenty of vegetarian options, so you’re sure to have something for everyone.

The post Are You a Vegetarian? Here’s Why You’ll Love Cafesano appeared first on Cafesano.

And, if you picked the top new year’s resolution for 2017 like 21.4% of the population did, then your eating habits have more than likely turned a lot more healthy. You probably  spent the month of January focusing heavily on your health — cutting back on sugars, exercising more, shrinking your portion sizes, and more.

Now, you’re ready to transform your resolution into a new lifestyle of healthy eating habits.

All of the things mentioned above (lowering sugar intake, working out, downsizing portions, etc.) play a big role in maintaining your health.

But did you know that the environment in which you’re eating also plays a big role in your health, as well as your overall dining experience?

If you’re feeling a bit skeptical about this, read on to find out why your eating environment is vital to the enjoyment, and health of your meal.

The Role Eating Environments Play in Restaurants

When choosing a restaurant in Dulles Town Center, chances are you’re picking it based on a few things:

• The quality of the food
• The nutritional value or “healthiness” of the food
• Convenience
• Atmosphere

Does the food taste good? Is it healthy? Is the restaurant easy for me to get to? Is it loud or quiet inside? Is the restaurant dark or bright?

These are some of the things you’re probably considering when choosing a Dulles Town Center restaurant to dine in.

But do you realize the importance people place on eating environment?

According to a Cornell University School of Hotel Administration study, it was found that food and decor are more important to restaurant patrons than service!

Pretty wild, right?

Cafesano is definitely tuned in to the importance of dining environment, and took that knowledge to create an atmosphere at its Dulles Town Center Mediterranean restaurant that was certain to welcome and attract their potential guests.

Let’s get into the details of Cafesano’s dining environment and how that benefits their guests’ overall experience.

1. Restaurant Lighting

The lighting at Cafesano during the day is bright and welcoming, which helps people feel happy about eating there. The focus is on natural and focused light, not intense overhead fluorescents that leave your head buzzing.

At night, the lights are turned down and supplemented with candles at every table, creating a warm and cozy environment. At the same time, Cafesano makes sure it’s not too dark inside the restaurant at night. When the lighting is too dark, restaurant goers tend to not eat as much food, and leave feeling unfulfilled.

But, when the lighting is unnatural and too bright (think a fast-food restaurant), then people tend to eat too much, and leave feeling as if they’ve overdone it.

Cafesano knows how to balance natural and bright lighting during the daytime hours with subdued and more intimate lighting at night, which provides their guests with two very different dining experiences.

2. Interior Design

Before people visiting a Dulles Town Center restaurant even taste the food, they judge the dining spot based on its decor.

At Cafesano, the decor is modern, yet classic. Reclaimed wood and neutral paint colors on the walls, a pleasing blue carpet, a nicely lit bar area, a partially open kitchen where guests can see displays of fresh food ingredients, colored bottles and Italian oil and vinegar carafes hanging above the food line, a brick pizza oven with an inviting flame that shouts “welcome!” You get the picture…

All these touches come together to create a warm and inviting environment. Add a large, easy-to-read menu board, an express take-out counter, and digital displays that scroll photos of freshly prepared food and provide information to guests about catering services, take-out, gift cards, wines and beer and more – and you also have a dining  environment that shouts convenience.

Cafesano knows how to create a dining environment that welcomes those who want to linger, while at the same time facilitates those who are in a hurry and need to eat and run.

3. Space

In order for diners to feel relaxed when eating, they need to have ample space. The more packed in a diner feels, the more rushed they will feel.

We all know that eating slowly is crucial to maintaining health. The faster you eat, the more you’re likely to eat. When you eat too fast, you don’t give your body a chance to recognize that it is full before filling it with more.

Thankfully, you won’t have this problem at Cafesano.

Diners can choose from comfortable table or booth seating big enough to hold parties of 12 or small enough for two to four diners. The tables and booths are generously spaced so you’re not on top of your fellow diners even when the restaurant is packed during a busy lunch or dinner hour. Likewise, bar stools at the bar are spread apart, allowing guests some privacy.

For guests who are in more of a hurry, counter seating is available with plug-ins for laptops and phones. And there’s also a comfortable dedicated seating area for guests who are waiting for take-out orders.

Cafesano has the bases covered with a variety of seating to meet everyone’s needs with the ultimate goal of insuring everyone has the dining experience they want and need at any particular time.

4. Speed

Fast-food restaurants are known for their fast service.

But do you ever feel calm and relaxed when eating fast food?

We’re guessing your answer to that question was a big “no.”

Most people eat fast food because they’re on the go. The food is ordered quickly, made quickly, and eaten quickly so the diner can go on their busy day without any fuss.

However, taking the time to enjoy your meal is great for your physical and mental health.

But, there is a fine line between slowing things down to enjoy your meal, and slowing things down to a crawl.

The staff at Cafesano has mastered “fast casual dining” — the sweet spot of timing that ensures your meal is delivered at a pace that allows you to relax before you truly savor and enjoy your food, but not spend half of your day waiting for your meal.

5. Option for Outdoor Dining

There’s something invigorating and refreshing about eating outside on a nice day. The sun beaming on your face instantly elevates your mood, and makes your meal taste even better.

It’s tough to find outdoor seating in Northern Virginia restaurants but Cafesano has a beautiful outdoor patio at Dulles Town Center that boasts both lounge seating and table seating. Two outside fire pits add warmth on brisk spring and fall evenings and fun lighting adds a festive feel.   Attractive potted plants and landscaping around the patio make you forget about the hustle bustle of traffic. And a walk-up window to the bar from the patio makes ordering a quick round of drinks a breeze!

Add fresh air and comfortable and relaxing seating to flavorful and healthy menu options and you’ve got a recipe for a memorable dining experience.

6. Comfort

How comfortable overall a restaurant feels to a patron is of utmost importance. If someone feels uncomfortable while dining, chances are good they’ll never come back.

Fact is, a comfortable and enjoyable dining environment is just as likely to bring someone back as good food.

Ensuring that everyone has a great overall dining experience is a priority for Cafesano. Whether you’re dining in, or grabbing take-out, the experience is guaranteed to be comfortable, easy and convenient with the added bonus of enjoying a great meal!

In Closing

There are a number of factors that go into choosing a restaurant where you’ll spend your money, your time, and eat your meal.

Cafesano recognizes that, and never stops working to create a dining environment that makes you feel welcomed, happy, and comfortable.

The more stress-free and enjoyable your meal is, the healthier and happier you’ll be, and the more you’ll stay on track with your long-term health goals.

Next time you find yourself looking for a fabulous restaurant in Dulles Town Center, look no further than Cafesano for outstanding Mediterranean and Italian food coupled with an environment and experience guaranteed to bring you back.

The post How Restaurant Environments Impact Your Dining Experience appeared first on Cafesano.

Between back-to-back gatherings, cookie trays in every breakroom, and that second (okay, third) helping of side dishes, it’s easy to lose track of what “healthy” even looks like this time of year.

Here’s the good news: enjoying the holidays and staying on track with your goals can go hand-in-hand. You don’t have to struggle to get through every dinner or say no to every sweet treat. 

With a few mindful tweaks, you can navigate the season feeling satisfied and energized, while still enjoying delicious food. 

Plus, when you choose Cafesano: Italian & Mediterranean Bistro to fill your holiday table, it’s easier than ever! No guilt. No shame. Just delicious, heart-healthy food as you enjoy the holidays.

How to Eat Healthier During the Holidays in Northern VA

We know it can be tempting to grab that cookie or treat lying out on the table as you walk by. Or taking a second helping of your favorite side dish at family dinner. 

While the holidays can pose challenges to maintaining a healthy diet, there are practical ways to stay on track and avoid overindulging. 

1. Plan Your Plate Before the Party Starts

Walking into a holiday meal without a game plan is like going grocery shopping hungry. You’re tempting fate! 

Take a minute before the buffet line to think through what you really want on your plate. Start with veggies, add a lean protein, then leave space for your favorite sides or treats. 

When you plan ahead, you’re less likely to overdo it or feel regret later. And remember, it’s not about perfection. It’s about balance. Choosing indulgences with intention lets you enjoy your meal and feel good afterward.

2. Don’t Skip Meals to “Save” Calories

It might sound like a good idea to skip breakfast or lunch before a big holiday dinner. But in reality, it often backfires. 

When you show up starving, it’s much more difficult to make mindful choices and way easier to go crazy at the appetizer table. Instead, eat balanced meals throughout the day with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. 

You’ll arrive calm, not ravenous, and better able to enjoy your favorite foods without going overboard. Think of it this way: fueling your body early helps you stay in control later.

3. Swap Traditional Dishes for Healthier Alternatives

You don’t have to ditch your holiday favorites. Just give them a healthier makeover!

Love mashed potatoes? Try mixing in cauliflower for a lighter twist. Craving green bean casserole? Roast fresh green beans with olive oil and garlic instead. 

Small tweaks like baking instead of frying, or cutting back on sugar, can make a big difference without sacrificing flavor. Healthy doesn’t mean boring; it just means being creative. 

You’ll still get that cozy, festive vibe… just with a bit less butter and a bit more balance.

Read Next: Traditional Mediterranean Christmas Foods to Add to Your Holiday Table

4. Stay Hydrated

Sometimes that second helping you’re reaching for isn’t to satisfy your hunger. It’s actually dehydration in disguise. Between salty snacks, sweets, and celebratory drinks, your body needs more water than usual this time of year. 

Keep a glass of water nearby to sip throughout the day, especially before enjoying meals. You’ll feel more in control and less likely to graze just because your mouth feels dry. 

Want to keep it festive? Add lemon, mint, or a splash of cranberry for a holiday twist. Hydration is a simple win, and your energy, skin, and stomach will thank you.

5. Use the “One Treat” Rule to Control Sugar Intake

The holidays basically feel like they’re sponsored by sugar. And that’s okay! You don’t need to completely avoid sweets. 

Instead, try the “one treat” rule. Pick the dessert (or drink) you’re most excited about, and enjoy it fully. That means without guilt or distractions. Savor it, then move on. 

This simple mindset shift helps you stay intentional, not restrictive. Because when everything is a “yes,” nothing really feels satisfying. 

6. Eat Mindfully, Not Mindlessly

Holiday meals can blur into background noise. You have a plate in one hand, a conversation in the other, and suddenly, you’re uncomfortably full. 

Slow it down. Before you dig in, take a breath. Notice the flavors, the smells, the people around you. Chew slowly. Put your fork down between bites.

These tiny pauses create space to actually enjoy your food and notice when you’ve had enough. Mindful eating isn’t about rules. It’s about being present. And during the busiest season of the year, that presence is a gift in itself.

7. Avoid Drinking Your Calories

Eggnog, mulled wine, peppermint lattes; holiday drinks are as delicious as they are sneaky. A few festive sips can add up fast, especially when they’re packed with sugar and cream. 

That doesn’t mean you have to skip them entirely. Just be aware of what you’re sipping. Maybe enjoy one specialty drink, then switch to sparkling water or herbal tea. Or alternate between cocktails and mocktails to keep things light. 

The goal isn’t to say no to everything. It’s to say yes to what you’ll actually enjoy and not just what’s in your hand at that moment.

8. Get Moving

No, you don’t need to hit the gym between dinner and dessert. But a little movement can go a long way. 

A short walk after a big meal, a dance party in the kitchen, a snowball fight with the kids—it all counts. Don’t look at staying active as a way to burn off the calories you ate. It’s about feeling energized, less sluggish, and more connected to your body.

Plus, movement can boost your mood, aid digestion, and help you reset, all without feeling like a chore.

9. Set Realistic Expectations, Not Food Rules

The holidays aren’t the time for harsh rules or “perfect eating.” That mindset usually just leads to stress, not success.

Instead, set gentle, realistic expectations. Maybe it’s aiming to include a veggie at each meal, or being mindful of how you feel after eating. Give yourself permission to enjoy the season without labeling foods as “good” or “bad.”

Remember, you’re not “off track” because you had a slice of pie. You’re living your life! 

10. Reset Gently After the Holidays

There’s no need for a crash diet or “detox” come January 1st. Your body doesn’t need punishment. It needs care. 

After the holidays, ease back into your usual routine with simple, nourishing meals, plenty of water, movement you enjoy, and maybe an extra hour of sleep. 

Think of it as a reset, not a restart. The holidays are just one chapter, and you get to decide how the next one begins. 

Enjoy the Northern Virginia Holidays Without Regret

The holidays are meant to be joyful, not stressful, not restrictive, and definitely not filled with guilt over what’s on your plate. With a little mindfulness, a few smart tips, and some grace for yourself, you can savor the season and feel great doing it.

And if you’re planning a holiday gathering? Let Cafesano help you keep things delicious and heart-healthy. We cater holiday parties with fresh, Mediterranean-inspired dishes that are full of flavor and good-for-you ingredients. So, you can treat your guests (and yourself) to food you’ll feel good about.

Here’s to a happy, healthy holiday season—one bite at a time. 

Check out our catering menu and plan your holiday party today!

The post 10 Tips to Eat Healthier During the NoVA Holidays You’ll Actually Enjoy appeared first on Cafesano.

As the weather in Virginia gets crisp and the rush for the best holiday gift deals begin, we find ourselves whispering about the annual office holiday party once again.

Unfortunately, those put in charge of planning the perfect office holiday party usually feel the task is challenging and mundane. There are dates to set, invitations to send out, decorations to decide on, venues to choose from, and don’t forget the catering. Plus, who really enjoys these things anyways?

Luckily, all of this planning doesn’t have to be dull and stressful. It can be fun and exciting and the end result can make your co-workers say “Wow! I can’t wait for next year’s party!”

Let’s take a look at some of the hottest holiday catering trends 2018 has to offer so you can get motivated about planning your company’s best holiday party ever.

New Catering Trends to Try This Year

Unique Themes

There seems to be a push for all things unique when it comes to holiday party themes this year. In fact, almost all events this year have centered on the mainstream idea of having a unique theme.

Of course, traditional holiday motifs are always welcome, and the ever-favorite ugly sweater parties are never going to end.

But why not try something a little different this year?

Here are two great ideas for your corporate party that are sure to get everyone into the holiday spirit:

• Winter Wonderland – Rather than follow traditional holiday décor, opt for a more neutral, wintry theme. Make it traditional or whimsical, or even comical. Use colors such as silver, white, and even specks of gold. Add snow, woodland, and sparkle elements to everything. Glassware can be crystal, linens can be pure white, and the lighting can have hints of blue to add to the classical wintry look.

Want to spice things up even more?

Add an element of fire to your ice by incorporating dark, fiery reds to your winter wonderland. The ideas are endless and will make for a theme your guests will never forget.

• Colorful Carnival – Who said holiday parties had to be, well, wintry? If you are really looking to do something different this year try tapping into your employees’ inner child by putting on an all-out winter carnival.

What’s more, this theme can have its own style and feel; think vintage fun fair, Coney Island, old-time carnival, and more. Play it up by adding makeup artists to transform guests, require costumes for entrance, make it colorful and bright, and don’t forget the staple behind every good carnival: games!

Whether you are looking for a more traditional feel for your office party, or want to step out of the box and do something unexpected, make sure you have something planned to set the tone of your party in a positive light from the start.

Party Decor

Falling in line with your holiday party theme is the décor used to make it special. Take a look at some of this year’s coolest ideas to add to your party planning agenda:

• Modern – Minimalist decorations with singular bold accent colors amidst black and white backgrounds and strong geometric shapes.

• Rustic – Earthy, organic, and natural details such as pinecones, mistletoe and trees adorned with woodland creatures. Materials like burlap, sisal, or twigs incorporate into all of the décor.

• Accessories – Every party needs the small details to pull the entire theme together.

• Centerpieces – They are easy to personalize and make your company’s party unique. Use glass vases and add strands of lights, pine sprigs, baubles, or colorful candles inside.

• Mason jars – One of the hottest trends for some time now, Mason jars are versatile and can be used as centerpieces, tableware, decorations, or even containers.

• Plating trends – Change up the sizes and colors of your tableware to give your party décor more variety.

• Ditch traditional banquet tables and chairs – Go for comfort and style. Try rocking chairs, sofas, porch swings, or mod ball chairs to steer clear of a foldup metal banquet chair.

Catering is All About the Food

While there are many things that go into catering a successful holiday party, it is the abundance of delicious food that really makes the party a hit. There are many catering trends that emerged in 2018 that every party planner should be aware of. Here is what your guests will be expecting at their holiday party this year:

Small Bites

2018 is the year of small portions, lots of variety, and easy to eat finger foods. The traditional sit down dinner party has been losing steam for a while now as guests demand bite-sized everything.

Cafesano Catering offers a large variety of finger food platters perfect for your holiday office party. In line with the holiday catering trends of 2018, Cafesano’s catering menu will provide your guests with the kind of party fare they’re looking for. Try our large selection of warm Panini sandwiches and flavorful wraps, our easy to eat homemade Grape Leaves, or even some of our grilled skewers. Catering in Dulles never tasted so good.

Unique Cuisine

Another trend hitting holiday parties hard this year is the idea that guests want to enjoy cuisine from a culturally diverse menu. Ethnic flavors are favored among those attending parties as people call for exotic flavors and never before tried foods.

Choosing Cafesano Catering to cater your holiday party this year will surely be a hit among those looking to expand their palates. Cafesano’s menu selections are not too rich and not too spicy, but full of freshness and bold flavor profiles from Italy and the Mediterranean.

Healthy Food Choices

Healthy eating is a trend that is here to stay. As more people become aware of how their eating habits affect their overall health, people want healthy choices to be available, even when they’re attending a holiday party.  Here are three of the most popular healthy catering trends all caterers wishing to be successful should apply to their menu options:

1. Vegetarian Options

50% of all Americans eat at least one meatless meal per week. That is why savvy caterers will opt to include vegetarian alternatives to their catering menus. More people are making the shift to vegetarian diets and not simply for their main course either.

The demand for lighter, healthier, more vegetable filled meals will continue to rise into the next year, so adding a vegetarian selection to your office party menu will definitely go over well with everyone in attendance.

Cafesano prides itself on serving fresh and healthy dishes. In fact, the Mediterranean diet is considered by many to be the healthiest in the world. This emphasis on healthy eating is the cornerstone of Cafesano’s food choices, as reflected on the many healthy options on the catering menu.

Try adding Cafesano’s famous falafel to your holiday party. Both vegetarian and delicious, this Mediterranean staple has all elements of the trending holiday foods: it’s bite-sized, ethnically unique, and healthy!

2. Gluten-Free Options

Much like the vegetarian trend hitting the holiday parties in 2018, the desire for gluten-free dishes is making waves as well. Although some people engage in gluten-free eating for specific medical purposes, a large number of people do it simply to be healthy. Those same people are attending your office holiday party and would like to eat foods consistent with their normal diets. Grains like quinoa and buckwheat offer lots of nutritional value and can be incorporated into many holiday meals.

Cafesano is proud to be one of the top-rated Dulles restaurants offering a gluten-free menu.

3. Hummus

It has been suggested that hummus is one of the hottest food trends this year, even out-trending salsa. High in protein and fiber, and low in fat, this chickpea based dip suits everyone. Having many flavor varieties, hummus is without a doubt one of the most popular foods you can provide your guests at the annual office holiday party.

Homemade original and spicy red pepper hummus are two of the most popular dips offered by Cafesano in Dulles.  Adding hummus to your catering order is sure to please your holiday party guests.

Catering Your Northern Virginia Office Party

After planning your office party’s date and time, theme, decorations, and venue, make this year’s office party the very best following some of the most popular holiday catering trends of 2018. Consider using the catering services of Cafesano Catering for all of your menu needs. Delivering straight to your party in Northern Virginia, Cafesano Catering ensures only the freshest, most flavorful (and healthy!) Mediterranean fare will be served to your party guests.

With convenient online ordering, or friendly Catering Coordinators standing by to help you with your order by phone, Cafesano guarantees your holiday party will be a success.

The post Biggest Holiday Catering Trends of 2018 appeared first on Cafesano.