Some of the most popular lunch items our customers order? Shawarma and panini. 

These delicious Mediterranean meals are the perfect grab-and-go meals for lunch. They contain delicious, heart-healthy ingredients that will keep you full until it’s time for dinner. What else could you ask for?

You’ve probably heard of a panini before, but shawarma might sound a bit new to you. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something new, like shawarma, and want to know more about these popular lunch items, keep on reading! 

Is Shawarma and Panini the Same Thing?

No, shawarma and panini are not the same thing. While the concept is the same—bread or wrap, meat, dressings, and vegetables—the structure, origins, and flavors are entirely different. 

That’s good news for Cafesano customers, though! You can have two completely different experiences in one place when you order a shawarma or panini. 

In this blog post, we’re diving into what exactly shawarma and panini are to help you decide which one you should order during your next visit to Cafesano.

What is Shawarma?

Shawarma is incredibly iconic because it features spit-roasted meat, typically lamb, chicken, or beef. This is when a large piece of meat is put on a vertical rotating spit and constantly cooked in a rotisserie oven. 

When it comes time to make the shawarma, the meat is shaved off in very thin slices and placed either in a wrap or on pita bread. Because of the way it’s cooked, the meat is very tender and juicy.

In the wrap, you’ll often find the shaved meat served with vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, and pickled vegetables. Dressings such as hummus, tahini, or yogurt-based sauces like tzatziki also balance out the roasted flavors. 

Some spices you might encounter when taking your first bite of shawarma include cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, turmeric, and cumin. These Middle Eastern spices give the shawarma a comforting warmth overall. 

Where Does Shawarma Come From?

Shawarma is often found in Middle Eastern countries, but it originates in Turkey. Initially, it was served as street food until restaurants began serving it as dishes, just like Cafesano. However, you can still find street food stands around the world serving shawarma.

What is the History of Shawarma?

During the 19th century, a butcher in the city of Bursa, Turkey, started the idea of the shawarma meat practice. He had lamb meat that he did not want to roast whole. Instead, he removed parts of the lamb and separated the meat from the bones and muscles, and put it on an upright spit to cook. 

He would then shave off the meat a little at a time for customers who requested it. This was the birth of shawarma. 

Over the years, neighboring countries, such as Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, adopted the practice and called the meal döner kebab. You will also see very similar items in Greece known as a gyro. 

As immigrants from countries like Turkey, Greece, and Lebanon moved to countries in Europe and the Americas, they brought along shawarma. It became very popular in countries like Germany and Switzerland, with the large Turkish community that moved there. 

Today, you will find many versions of shawarma, especially vegetarian versions. Some restaurants serve vegetarian meat substitutes or replace the meat with falafel, which are fried chickpea balls. 

What is a Panini?

A panini is a sandwich that is either served warm or grilled. It usually uses Italian bread, such as ciabatta, and contains sliced deli meat or sometimes cooked meats, vegetables, cheese, and dressing. 

There are a ton of different varieties of panini available, especially at Cafesano. Whether you’re craving a Roasted Turkey BLT or a Grilled Chicken Pesto, there is a panini for every craving! 

Where Does Panini Come From?

Panini originates from Northern Italy. Actually, in Italian, panini means “little bread” or “little roll.” This is because the panini sandwich would be made with little bread rolls and filled with meat or vegetables. 

What is the History of Panini?

Panini is actually much more recent than you might think! While Italians had been filling bread with things like meat for centuries, the first paninoteche, or panini restaurant, first opened its doors in the 1960s in Milan. 

It became an extremely popular lunch item for Italians in the 1960s and 70s. More and more paninoteche started popping up in Milan and around Italy. Then the panini became popular in the United States in the mid-1970s and 80s. 

But here’s a fun fact: The sandwich press, used to warm up paninis, has been around since the 1920s. It was first invented by Thomas Edison but was discontinued in the 1930s. It wasn’t until 1974 that the panini press that we know and love came on the market. 

Are Shawarma and Panini Healthy Choices?

There are so many different types of shawarma and panini that you can choose from, especially when browsing the Cafesano menu. 

You can choose a shawarma or panini to meet your dietary restrictions, whether that means you’re gluten-free or vegetarian. (And remember, the more veggies the healthier it usually is!)

Shawarma and panini both offer balanced nutrients that won’t just satisfy your taste buds, but also fuel your body with the energy it needs to finish out your day. 

Shawarma or Panini: Get the Best of Both Worlds at Cafesano 

It’s difficult to find a Mediterranean restaurant that serves both shawarma and panini on its menu. That’s why so many people choose to come to Cafesano Italian & Mediterranean Bistro! 

There is a dish for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a hearty salad, a comforting pasta dish, a pizza to share, or a flavorful shawarma or panini, you can get it here! 

Stop by one of our Northern Virginia locations to dine in and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. Or place an order for pickup and bring home a delicious ready-to-eat meal. 

The post Shawarma or Panini? The Choice is Yours at Cafesano in Northern Virginia appeared first on Cafesano.

Wine’s acidity, sweetness, and tannins complement and contrast with the flavors of the dish, creating a perfect balance. Pairing the right wine with the right food transforms ordinary meals into memorable occasions.

In this blog post, we’ll focus on perfect wine pairings for typical Mediterranean dishes. These dishes are known for their fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, and the right wine can make them even more delightful. 

What is the Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean diet is inspired by the traditional eating habits of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as Italy, Greece, Spain, and Lebanon. It consists of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and a generous use of olive oil. Seafood, poultry, and dairy are consumed in moderation, while red meat and sweets are enjoyed sparingly.

This diet is renowned for its health benefits, including reduced risks of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and fiber, it promotes overall well-being and longevity.

It’s not just a diet but a lifestyle emphasizing balance, whole foods, and enjoying meals with family and friends.

What Wines Pair Well with Mediterranean Food?

Pairing the perfect wine with a Mediterranean dish can elevate your meal to an unforgettable experience. The diverse flavors of this cuisine—from fresh seafood to hearty kebabs—call for wines that match their complexity and vibrancy. 

Greek Salad and Sauvignon Blanc

Greek salad is a refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and oregano. Its vibrant and tangy flavors pair beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. 

The wine’s acidity cuts through the rich olive oil and feta, while its citrus notes complement the fresh vegetables, creating a well-balanced and invigorating taste experience. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal!

Shawarma and Syrah

Shawarma is a flavorful Mediterranean dish featuring seasoned meats like lamb, chicken, or beef, typically cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The savory spices and tender meat create a rich, aromatic meal. 

Syrah, with its structured tannins and bold flavors, complements the robust, spiced profile of shawarma perfectly. The wine’s hints of blackberry, pepper, and earthy undertones enhance the dish, making each bite and sip a harmonious experience.

Hummus and Pinot Grigio

Hummus, with its creamy texture of chickpeas and a subtle hint of lemon, is a true delight. Pairing it with a crisp Pinot Grigio enhances the flavors beautifully.

The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the hummus, highlighting its citrus notes. This balance creates a refreshing experience on your palate, making every bite and sip more enjoyable. Together, they form a complementary duo that’s perfect for any Mediterranean meal.

Lasagna and Chianti

Lasagna, with its rich layers of meat, tomato sauce, and cheese, calls for a wine that can stand up to its hearty flavors. The classic Italian wine Chianti, made from Sangiovese grapes, provides the perfect counterbalance.

Its vibrant acidity and firm tannins cut through the richness of the dish, while the wine’s earthy and cherry notes complement the savory tomato and meat flavors. The result is a well-paired and delightful dining experience.

Grilled Fish and Chardonnay (unoaked)

Grilled Mediterranean fish is a culinary delight, boasting fresh, tender flavors that shine best with a light touch. An unoaked Chardonnay is the perfect companion for this dish.

The wine’s bright acidity and hints of green apple and citrus enhance the fish’s natural flavors without overpowering them. Its subtle, clean profile allows the fish’s delicate seasonings, such as olive oil, lemon, and herbs, to stand out.

Margherita Pizza and Provence Rosé

Brick oven Margherita pizza, with its fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, harmonizes perfectly with Provence Rosé. The wine’s crisp acidity contrasts beautifully with the pizza’s rich flavors, while its fruity notes enhance the sweetness of the tomatoes. 

This pairing strikes a delightful balance, making each bite and sip more enjoyable. It’s an ideal match, emphasizing the vibrant and fresh characteristics typical of Mediterranean cuisine.

Tzatziki and Assyrtiko

Tzatziki, a creamy and tangy yogurt-based dip, finds its perfect companion in Assyrtiko, a crisp Greek white wine. Assyrtiko’s vibrant acidity and citrus notes balance the rich, garlicky flavors of tzatziki, enhancing its refreshing qualities.

This pairing elevates the dish, making each bite more delightful and invigorating. Together, they create a light, summery experience that embodies the essence of Greek cuisine.

Falafel and Riesling

Riesling’s high acidity and slight sweetness make it a superb match for falafel. The citrus and green apple notes in Riesling highlight the earthy, herby flavors of the chickpeas and spices in falafel.

The wine’s refreshing profile cuts through the richness of the fried falafel, creating a balanced and compatible palate. This pairing enhances each bite and sip, offering a delightful fusion of flavors that celebrate Mediterranean cuisine.

Kebab or Gyro and Grenache

Grenache pairs beautifully with gyros or kebabs because of its juicy fruit flavors and moderate tannins. These complement the savory and spiced meat perfectly, while balancing the richness of the dish. The wine’s slightly sweet undertones also enhance the aromatic spices, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Enjoy a Perfectly Paired and Balanced Mediterranean Meal at Cafesano

Are you craving a delicious and savory Mediterranean dish with a perfectly paired glass of wine after reading this article?

Come enjoy your next delicious Mediterranean meal at Cafesano Italian and Mediterranean Bistro in Dulles, Virginia! 

Whether you come for a glass of wine and a meza plate at happy hour, bring the entire family for a weekend dinner, or order catering for your next corporate event, Cafesano does it all! 

We guarantee a heart-healthy meal and a great selection of wines to pair with it. 

Check out our lunch and dinner menu to see what your next Mediterranean meal might be!

The post What Wines Pair Well with Mediterranean Food? appeared first on Cafesano.

While the gluten-free diet’s popularity may be part of a fad for some and an effective weight-loss method for many, there are also health conditions that require gluten-free dining, namely celiac disease.

Those who live with celiac disease cannot properly digest foods with ingredients containing gluten.

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, the only treatment for those with celiac disease is a gluten-free diet.

So What is Gluten Exactly?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat and other grains. It is the component in wheat that gives dough its elasticity. Popular foods that contain gluten in the ingredients include:

• Bread
• Baked Goods and Desserts
• Pasta
• Pizza
• Some Soups and Roux
• Some Sauces and Salad Dressings
• Beer

Now, imagine the challenge of dining out at an Italian or Mediterranean restaurant without being able to eat bread or pasta! No pizza, no pasta, no shawarma, no pita – so many delicious foods that exemplify what we love about Italian and Mediterranean cuisine are out of the question for some.

But gluten-free diners can rejoice – with a little bit of creativity, there are still great gluten-free menu options for you to enjoy that satisfy your appetite and warm your heart like so many foods from the Mediterranean are known to do.

Here are a few ways you can enjoy classic Mediterranean and Italian dishes without compromising your gluten-free diet:

Start Your Meal with Chickpeas

The best news we have for gluten-free diners: you do not have to sacrifice one of the greatest staples in Mediterranean cuisine — the chickpea.

Chickpeas are a great factor in gluten-free dining because they’re a delicious and nutrient-rich ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Arguably, the best way to start your gluten-free meal is with hummus. Hummus is made with pureed chickpeas, tahini, fresh lemon juice and garlic and dressed with extra virgin olive oil – all gluten-free ingredients!

For added variety, red pepper hummus is a great way to spice up the gluten-free menu and quell any thoughts that gluten-free diets don’t have enough flavor.

Our red pepper hummus contains all the same ingredients as our traditional hummus, but with roasted red pepper and jalapeños blended in.

Be sure to request that your hummus or any appetizer you choose is served with sliced vegetables instead of pita bread.

No Bread Baskets, No Problem

The hardest part of dining out on a gluten-free diet hits you when you walk in the door.

There’s almost no greater entry into any Italian restaurant than when you’re hit in the face with the smell of fresh baked bread.

But for those who cannot reach for the dinner rolls, soup and salad are two delicious and popular starters that offer a satisfying alternative to get you ready for the main course of any meal.

It’s very important to include vegetables in your gluten-free diet as much as possible since cutting out gluten can sometimes mean cutting out foods with nutritional benefits despite their gluten content.

Beginning your meal with soup and salad can add some serious portions of vegetables to your lunch or dinner.

Our Signature Salad is loaded with vegetables including romaine lettuce, artichokes, tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, red onion and avocado (which also adds some healthy fats into the mix).

Pairing soups and salad also bring great balance to any meal with tasty dishes that are both hot and cold. Pairing the Signature Salad with a vegetable soup or gazpacho brings so much flavor to the table and, together, they could even stand alone as a quick lunch. Just make sure you ask your server to skip the croutons or ciabatta bread that come on the side.

Served on Skewers

When looking for a tasty gluten-free entree, it is hard to imagine a more satisfying option than grilled meat and vegetable kabobs.

Once again, as a gluten-free staple to Mediterranean cuisine, kabobs allow you to cut the gluten out of your diet without cutting out the flavorful and fresh dishes on our menu you’ve known and love.

Like many of the gluten-free menu items we’ve recommended so far, Kabobs are versatile so they add variety to your diet.

Kabobs are a great main dish and can be done with Chicken, Steak or Shrimp and can even be done with just veggies. Served with rice, salad and tzatziki sauce, Kabobs bring out all of your favorite Mediterranean flavors in a single, hearty dish that will leave you satisfied.

Bonus: Grilled skewers also allow you to add a protein-filled and tasty side item to nearly any other item on our menu. Marinated and grilled chicken, steak and shrimp skewers offer a variety of flavor profiles that are certain to please even the most discriminating palate.

Satisfying Sides

Although you have to nix the bread, having a side of rice can help replace the carbohydrates lost when cutting out bread and wheat from your diet. For some, a warm bowl of basmati rice can be just as comforting as fresh baked bread and rice can be universally applied to many dishes in the same way as pasta.

If you’re looking for an authentic Mediterranean side to complete your gluten-free meal, our Stuffed Grape Leaves are a tasty and nutritious side dish. Grape leaves are a popular Lebanese menu item, rich in vitamins and minerals including vitamins C, E, A, K, B as well as iron, fiber and magnesium. Like many heart-healthy foods in the Mediterranean Diet, grape leaves have no cholesterol and are very low in sodium.

Gluten-Free Dining in Northern Virginia

Whether trying to adjust to life with celiac disease or simply trying to remove gluten from your regular diet, there are plenty of fresh, tasty, gluten-free options for you to enjoy at Cafesano.

Located in the heart of Reston, VA, you can browse our menus online and consult our gluten-free menu whether you’re dining in or ordering take-out.

The post Italian & Mediterranean Dining Offers Gluten-Free Options appeared first on Cafesano.

Don’t look now, but the US is rapidly turning from a fast food nation to a fast, casual and, increasingly, fresh food nation.

The reason for this change in dining habits? There are several.

• Growing concern about health, nutrition and the nation’s soaring obesity rate
• Increased desire for better, tastier more nutritious food is another
• Developing interests in distinctive flavor profiles

It’s no wonder. Clearly, the luster of the golden arches and other post World War II roadside dining icons has diminished significantly.

According to an article in Business Insider, sales of McDonald’s in the United States fell 3.3 percent in the last quarter, and other chains fared even worse. This marks the continuation of a long-term downward trend.

A Shift Away from Mass-Produced Fast Food

“There’s a shift away from the perception of food that is mass-produced towards food that is perceived to be more homemade or artisanal or sustainably produced,” said Keith-Thomas Ayoob, associate clinical professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. “Consumers want to feel that they’re doing healthier things and eating a healthier diet.”

Articles in the Wall Street Journal, Consumer Reports and FastCasual.com, a trade publication for quick-casual restaurants like Reston’s own Cafesano, reported similar findings.

FastCasual.com attributed this decline in fast food dining to changes in consumer attitudes. FastCasual.com also cited new research from brand consultancy group Brand Keys of 3,000 consumers spanning the Baby Boomer, Gen X and Millennial generations.

“You only have to look at the same-store sales of brands like McDonald’s, Burger King and Taco Bell to see the shift that’s taking place,” Brand Keys Founder/President Robert Passikoff said in a news release. “Fast food brands are rapidly losing loyalty and profits.”

According to this survey, Baby Boomers reported an 18% decrease in fast food visits. This demographic places high values on health and living well, Passikoff added. Gen X’ers reported an 11% decline for similar reasons.

Millennials Are Willing to Pay More for Better Meals

The demographic most worth noting should come as no surprise. Millennials reported a 20% decrease in visits to fast food chains, and 42% of them reported increased visits to fast casual restaurants in the past year.

“Nearly 90% of Millennials said they are looking for fast, casual food that is tastier, healthier and more customized. They are willing to pay more for better, more customizable options,” noted Passikoff.

Cafesano in Reston, VA falls into the “fast casual” restaurant sector and is benefitting from this shift in preference from customers of all ages. But some industry analysts feel that certain fast casual operators are taking this segment of the restaurant industry to a new level and are starting to refer to them as “fresh casual” operators.

Fresh casual restaurants resemble the fast casual model in many ways (high quality menu items are served in a quick-service environment), but they take the food they serve and the service they provide to a much higher level.

Fresh Casual, a New & Fast-Growing Restaurant Segment

“Fresh casual is definitely a force to be reckoned with,” notes Matt Bodnar of Fresh Hospitality, a Restaurant Incubator focusing on the fast casual segment. “The concept is here to stay,” says Bodnar.

A few of the major operating differences for fresh casual operators include:

• The menu is often designed by a chef and has certain flavor profiles that can be often comparable to a top-quality casual or even fine dining restaurant
• Food is delivered to the customer
• Tables are bussed
• Customers enjoy a more comfortable dining environment with higher quality furniture and fixtures

There’s no doubt that Cafesano fits the description of fresh casual to a “tee”.

Cafesano, a Local Example of This Burgeoning Trend in Reston, VA

“At Cafesano we pull together an abundance of fresh vegetables, select meats and dairy products, and fresh Mediterranean herbs and spices to produce a menu full of light and flavorful selections that prove that ‘great taste’ and ‘good for you’ can describe the same dining experience!” affirms Cafesano owner, Paul Swinley.

“We consistently strive to provide the same level of service, whether it’s for a single dine-in guest, a take-out order or catering for a large corporate event around Northern Virginia.”

Menu items that keep guests coming back include Cafesano’s homemade Hummus, made-to-order Signature Salad, and Margherita pizza.

Reasonably priced imported and domestic wines and a wide selection of craft beers pair nicely with Cafesano’s Kabob Platters and Pasta dishes.

Another reason for the growing trend towards quick casual restaurants is the commitment of many restaurants to cater to their guests’ dietary restrictions. To that end, Cafesano does not disappoint. With a large selection of vegetarian and gluten-free entrees on the menu, there truly is something for everyone.

Whether it’s “quick casual” or “fresh casual,” Cafesano has it covered. Guests of Cafesano are a testimony that fresh, flavorful and nutritious food, brought to you in a quick-serve environment, is here to stay!

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