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.

Known as a country with some of the best and healthiest cuisines in the world, Greek salad is a staple dish in any Greek restaurant or household. But, did you know Greek salad, packed with health benefits, has been around for less than 100 years?

While a classic, this delicious and refreshing salad has humble origins and was strategically created by a restaurant owner in Athens. 

Before you order your next Greek salad from your favorite Mediterranean restaurant (Cafesano, maybe?) or visit this gorgeous country on vacation, here is everything you should know about the dish. 

A Brief History of Greek Salad

Before we can dive into the history and creation of Greek salad, we have to travel back a couple of centuries to the introduction of the tomato. 

Tomato seeds originate in the Americas. They were brought back to Europe by conquistadors in the 16th century. Although, they didn’t make their way to Greece until 1818, just a couple of years before their war of independence from the Ottoman Empire. 

Even during the time after the war, Greeks were suspicious of the round red fruits because of their resemblance to Deadly Nightshade, and they were used more for decoration. 

Eventually, the Greeks accepted tomatoes into their diets and incorporated them into their meals. In fact, during the early 20th century, field workers would bring whole vegetables, such as cucumbers, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes, wrapped in a tablecloth for lunch and bite directly into them – no cutting required! 

Their city-dwelling counterparts would chop up the vegetables and mix them in a bowl with olive oil. 

This is the earliest form of a Greek salad. 

The official Greek salad was introduced in the 1960s by a restaurant owner in Plaka, a stunning neighborhood in Athens sitting at the foot of the grand Acropolis. At the time, the government placed a price cap on how much restaurants could charge for salads that used critical ingredients to be fair to the consumer. 

In a business move that would change Greek cuisine forever, the restaurant owner added a block of feta cheese to the salad to avoid the price cap and in turn created the world’s first Greek salad. 

What Ingredients Are in a Greek Salad?

Greek salads are known for having fresh, crunchy, and savory ingredients. 

In a traditional Greek salad, the following ingredients are used:

• Cucumbers
• Tomatoes
• Green Bell Pepper
• Red Onion
• Kalamata Olives
• Feta Cheese
• Oregano
• High-Quality Olive Oil

You’ll notice that an authentic Greek salad doesn’t use lettuce. This is mostly because the ingredients grow during the summer while lettuce is a winter vegetable in Greece. 

However, when enjoying a Greek salad outside of Greece, you will often find it mixed in with a bed of romaine lettuce for some extra crunch. 

Regional Variations of Greek Salad

Speaking of different ways to make Greek salad, there are different variations even throughout the country of Greece! 

In Crete, the largest island in Greece, a Greek salad is often served with rusk, which is a double-baked crunch bread made from whole wheat flour or barley. Think of it as a large crouton. 

On the small island of Tinos, just north of the famous Mykonos, Greek salad is made with capers, banana peppers, and sometimes even fresh seaweed for some extra saltiness. 

The islands of Paros and Naxos will add cubes of watermelon to sweeten the salad, especially during the summer months. 

And in the north of Greece, you will find Greek salad made with parsley. 

While the traditional Greek salad is made of eight main ingredients, it is very common to see different methods and variations based on the location. 

So, adding lettuce to your Greek salad doesn’t make it any less of a delicious Greek salad! 

Is Greek Salad Healthy?

If this authentic dish sounds delicious, then you’re gonna love what we have to say next – Greek salad is inherently healthy! 

As a staple dish in the Mediterranean diet, the healthiest diet in the world, Greek salad is made with fresh vegetables, heart-healthy fats, and low-calorie ingredients. 

It includes all the food groups – protein (feta cheese), healthy fats (olive oil), and vegetables. Serve with some toasted ciabatta or croutons and you’ll have your carbs there too! 

Did you also notice that it’s a great vegetarian option? 

Greek salad is a quick, delicious, and healthy dish that you can enjoy for lunch, dinner, or as a side to your entree. 

Enjoy Your Next Greek Salad at Cafesano Italian & Mediterranean Bistro

After reading about a Greek salad you’re probably craving one, right?

Well, we have some good news for you! 

Cafesano Italian & Mediterranean Bistro serves the best Greek salad in Northern Virginia. 

Made with fresh, local produce and top quality and aromatic olive oil over a bed of romaine lettuce, you’ll satisfy your craving in no time. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy a freshly toasted warm ciabatta roll on the side, perfect for soaking up that leftover olive oil and tomato juice. 

The minute you take your first bite, you’ll feel transported to a local Greek taverna in the old country. 

Whether you’re satisfying a Greek craving or looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy meal to take home to your family, Cafesano is the answer! 

Serving high-quality Mediterranean and Italian dishes, our menu has something for everyone to enjoy at Cafesano. 

Check out our lunch and dinner menu or come in for a night out on the town at Cafesano today! 

The post Everything You Wanted to Know About Greek Salad appeared first on Cafesano.

And while the key ingredients to Mediterranean cuisine typically include olive oil, legumes, fish, and whole grains, we cannot leave out the fruits and vegetables.

If you are ready to make this summer healthy, fresh, and delicious for yourself and anyone that visits your home for some summertime fun, try incorporating these healthy Mediterranean foods into your party’s catering menu.  

8 Healthy Mediterranean Foods for Summer in Northern VA

Here is a look at 8 of the healthiest summer foods that fall in line with Mediterranean cuisine that are sure to keep everyone looking and feeling their best during these hot summer months.  And to top it off, you will be serving up some delicious food from one of the best restaurants in Northern Virginia. Your friends and family will LOVE it!

1. Corn 

Nothing says summer like fresh sweet corn.  And with antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin built right into this delicious vegetable protecting your guests from the sun’s harmful rays, there is no reason not to include this item on your summer BBQ menu.  

Corn is great eaten right off the cob (go light on the butter) but can also be prepared as a cold salad and paired with protein-packed legumes, another staple Mediterranean food.  Adding to your overall vegetable count, and acting as a fun food everyone can enjoy, corn is a must-have food at any summertime party in Northern VA.  

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are another amazing summer food that can be easily incorporated into your summer diet.  Tasting their best during the months of July-September, tomatoes are a great addition to almost any meal.  Check out some great health benefits you can get from adding this popular Mediterranean food to your diet:

• Reduce complications from diabetes and heart disease
• Lower the risk of sunburn thanks to the lycopene
• Get vital nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K; all helpful for bone health
• Increase your dietary fiber

Though tomatoes were not originally from the Mediterranean region (they are native to America and arrived in Italy in the 15th or 16th century) they are now a staple in all Mediterranean meals and come in all forms – fresh, canned, as a paste, and, of course as a delicious sauce used in countless ways.  

Try using tomatoes in your meals this summer.  You will enjoy a flavorful fruit that offers a lot of added health benefits.

3. Eggplant

Known for its smooth texture and neutral flavor, Mediterranean cuisine includes eggplant in several of their most popular dishes, including baba ghanoush and moussaka. Add eggplant to your favorite summertime sauce and benefit from a boost in nutrients such as fiber and potassium.   

In addition, antiviral and cancer-fighting properties are known to exist in eggplant skin making this delicious vegetable a powerhouse when it comes to summertime health benefits.  Eggplants are at their best July through October and are sure to be a hit amongst all of your family and friends.

4. Chickpeas

What better way to kick off your summer BBQ than including a fresh salad or yummy vegetable dip? 

Try adding whole chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) to your freshly leafed lettuce, complete with vegetables such as onion, cucumber, peppers, and olives, and topped with a homemade olive oil dressing. Better yet, add a hummus plate (hummus is made from chickpeas) with a healthy drizzle of extra virgin olive oil topping it off.

Chickpeas are full of protein and offer you fiber, calcium, iron, and zinc.  They are also known for controlling diabetes, preventing colon cancer, and reducing heart risk. This summertime Mediterranean food is the perfect healthy swap for the traditional chip and dip platter that always comes with a summertime party.  

5. Peppers

Peppers are the perfect summer vegetable; that’s when they are the sweetest.  

Did you know they are actually a fruit? 

Fresh, roasted, or even dried, peppers can be eaten fresh, in sauces, grilled, and even turned into pepper paste to add bold flavors to your summertime meals.  Rich in vitamins and fiber, peppers add sweetness, crunch, and healthy color to your everyday diet.  Use them in grilled fajitas, salads, pasta, or even soups.  The possibilities are endless.

6. Shrimp

Seafood is a main staple for anyone following the Mediterranean diet.  Lean proteins such as shrimp, squid, and sea bass have niacin and selenium, both important nutrients for living a long and healthy life. 

Additionally, many fish are packed with Omega-3 fatty acids which cannot be produced by the body alone and must be supplemented into your diet.

Try grilling shrimp skewers and adding your favorite vegetables or even fruit to the mix.  Or, cook up some shrimp tacos, shrimp salad, and shrimp pasta for some yummy summer dishes that everyone will enjoy.

Want to try some other Mediterranean fish dishes?  Consider these heart-healthy fish options that are great for when it’s hot outside:

• Rockfish – use in a stir-fry
• Denver sole – for stuffing or other side dishes
• Trout, salmon, or even branzino – for cooking whole and eating seasoned
• Cod – for filets atop legumes and vegetables

7. Watermelon

Looking for a refreshing and hydrating fruit option to add to your summer of healthy Mediterranean foods?  Consider watermelon! Helping to keep your body cool during the hot summer months, watermelon is the perfect finger food fruit choice.  

Need some more convincing?

Watermelon has lycopene and protects you from sun rays, and while it is full of water and helps you stay hydrated, it also keeps you fuller longer so you tend to eat less to stay satisfied.

Try adding feta cheese and mint to your watermelon for a simple, refreshing salad.  Or, if you’re looking for a fun way to incorporate some of the other ingredients on this list, why not try out a watermelon gazpacho recipe?

Note: Though native to South Africa, it didn’t take long for the watermelon to make its way into Mediterranean cuisine. 

8. Hazelnuts

Nut trees are just as popular in Italy as olive trees.  And, as one of the main food groups in the Mediterranean diet, adding nuts into your summertime diet will help keep you satisfied and healthy.  One of the most delicious nuts you can enjoy in the summertime is the hazelnut. 

Loaded with heart-friendly monounsaturated fats, fiber, protein, and even calcium, hazelnuts can be added to salads, sprinkled over grilled vegetables, and can even be added into your favorite baked goods.  

Enjoy Summer with Northern VA’s Best Fast-Casual Restaurant

Summertime in Northern Virginia makes it easy to incorporate loads of fresh foods that are part of the healthy Mediterranean diet into your daily meal routine. Best of all, it comes with the added benefit of keeping yourself and those close to you well-fed and healthy! 

If you find the peak days of summer to be too hot for cooking, and you are looking for an exceptional Mediterranean restaurant in Northern VA that serves Mediterranean cuisine, consider ordering some takeout from Cafesano Italian & Mediterranean Grill.   

With dishes such as roasted eggplant, red pepper hummus, marinated shrimp skewers, salmon kabobs, and pasta topped with homemade marinara sauce, Cafesano does a fantastic job of providing you with the best summer foods for any occasion.

And if you’re planning to cater a fun and appetizing summertime party or picnic, Cafesano Catering, with convenient online ordering and Catering Coordinators, is standing by to help you with a fresh, flavorful, and healthy Mediterranean menu that’s both affordable and unique.      

About Cafesano Italian & Mediterranean Grill in Northern VA

Since 2005, Cafesano has been offering fresh, wholesome Italian and Mediterranean food in a comfortable and welcoming environment. We know you’ll love our menu full of bold flavor profiles from Italy and the Mediterranean.

We’ve built our restaurant around offering our guests healthy food without sacrificing heartiness and flavor. Being healthy should taste good! And it tastes great at Cafesano.

Whether ordering takeout or catering, or visiting one of our restaurants in Reston, VA, and Dulles Town Center, we look forward to serving you soon!

The post 8 Healthy Foods to Add to Your Summer Diet in Northern VA appeared first on Cafesano.