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Whether you are trying to find the perfect menu for your wedding, or something new and different for your spouse’s 50th birthday, choosing the right food can be difficult. But, it doesn’t have to be.

For quite some time, health experts have been trying to show us the health patterns of those who live in Mediterranean regions such as Spain, Greece, and Southern Italy. Beyond just the health benefits, Mediterranean food is beloved around the world for its bold, mouth-watering flavors.

Let’s take a look at how you can add some Mediterranean flair to your event that will have people talking.

Things to Know About Mediterranean Catering

When looking to add some delicious  Mediterranean-style foods to your upcoming event menu -, there are a few things that you need to consider before deciding on your options.

Healthy Doesn’t Have to Mean Bland

Just because you are throwing a party doesn’t mean it has to be all potato chips, pizza, and hot dogs. Mediterranean food brings a ton of bold flavors, while being extremely healthy for you and your guest in multiple ways.

Mediterranean food consists of healthy ingredients, while also containing lighter meat choices such as poultry and seafood. It also contains a healthy amount of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and brown rice. In a variety of ways, these healthy recipes combine ingredients in both creative and delicious combinations.

Some of the easier combinations that many start with when looking to add some of that Mediterranean flair are avocado bruschetta, falafel, Greek salad, or a kabob platter. Whatever your thinking, there are plenty of options to give you guests for any occasion.

Vegetarian Options

First, make sure that you are providing at least one vegetarian option, and catering to the vegan diet is also a good idea.

Include Healthy Choices

Depending on the event, some guests might be up and moving around, possibly dancing. This is where healthier and lighter options come into play. With as many delicious healthy options Mediterranean foods provide, you can be sure you aren’t weighing anyone down.

Consider Drink Pairings

Certain drinks and wines just taste better with certain foods. With the options of seafood, chicken, and lamb, Mediterranean foods can be easily paired with your drinks and wine choices.

Clean Eating

You want to make sure that at least some of your event or party foods are able to be easily handled and consumed so there is not much spillage and mess. A spilled pasta sauce or dripping sandwich can really ruin someone’s evening.

Mediterranean Catering ChoicesThere are many foods that you can choose to  add that bold, tasty Mediterranean flavor to your menu, but here are a few recipes and options that your guests will love.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

If you are looking for something to replace the boring old pasta that gets served at many a wedding or birthday party, the Mediterranean Orzo Salad is the perfect substitute. Refreshingly vegan, this salad contains bright cherry tomatoes, herbs and of course, olives.

Grilled Chicken Souvlaki & Tzatziki Sauce

For those who are looking for more protein in their catering options, souvlaki is a beloved Greek dish because of its bold flavor. Souvlaki is skewered, making it very easy to eat without  making a mess. When you add the zesty tzatziki sauce that Greeks usually use on either pita bread or souvlaki, you will pack a savory punch to every bite.

Kolokithokeftedes

These zucchini fritters are made with olive oil, feta cheese, and spiced with dill. A light, crispy appetizer that has become very popular for any number of catered events.

Baba Ganoush

This Mediterranean staple is made  with eggplant, tahini, garlic, olive oil and lemon, your guests will be heading back to the table with more pita bread, or chips to keep the dipping going all night long.

Goat Cheese Stuffed Grape Leaves

Extremely nutritious and healthy, grape leaves with their mild, tangy taste stuffed with the creaminess of goat cheese is a hit at any occasion. As with the souvlaki, stuffed grape leaves are easily handled and leave little to no mess.

Remember, wedding or event food can be a real make or break issue for guests. With this in mind, opting for a Mediterranean cuisine for your upcoming event can offer a crowd-pleasing menu full of popular options for everyone.

Contact Silver Spoon Catering to get the party started with some sampling so you can craft the perfect menu.

Tags: Fairfax VA

Plant-based eating may have been considered a religious or fringe practice in the past, but it has become very mainstream today. Companies that cater to a plant-based lifestyle are growing at a rapid pace.

Consumers who follow plant-based diets are hungry for healthy, sustainable, delicious food free from animal products. The following companies deliver for those on a plant-based diet.

Amy’s Kitchen Inc.

Amy’s Kitchen has been producing nourishing and satisfying plant-based foods since 1987. Amy’s pre-made foods are staples for many vegetarians and vegans. Amy’s kitchen produces shelf stable and frozen plant-based meals and has a catalog of over 250 foods created with organic, non-GMO ingredients.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM) has been influencing the way plant-based products are delivered to consumers for over 100 years. They specialize in transforming plants into the products that plant-based consumers are looking for. In 2022, ADM is one of the world’s largest companies producing alternative plant-based products.

Beyond Meat

The Beyond Burger is considered one of the best meat alternative burgers on the market. Its claim to fame is that it looks and cooks like a real meat product. Beyond meat products are found next to real beef products in grocery store meat cases. Beyond meat is a complete protein source made free from GMOs, soy, and gluten.

Daiya Food, Inc.

Daiya foods was founded by two friends who shared the idea that plant-based eating was better for our health, the planet, and animal welfare. The company began by creating dairy-free alternatives made from plants. Daiya’s most popular products are its mozzarella and cheddar style shreds that have been acclaimed for their similarity to animal-based cheeses.

Tofutti Brands, Inc

Tofutti is a well-known plant-based company that has been serving customers since 1981. The company produces dairy-free frozen treats, sour cream, and cheeses. Tofutti Brands caters to consumers who are lactose-intolerant, vegan, and kosher. The company’s plant-based ice cream sandwiches are wildly popular among dairy-free eaters. They replicate the texture and flavor of these beloved dairy treats.

Plamil Foods Ltd.

Plamil Foods is a British food company that is committed to producing products that are made entirely with animal-free ingredients. The company believes that the people who consume its food should enjoy it without having to worry that the products contain something that they need or want to avoid.

Danone SA

Danone began producing yogurt in Spain in 1919. In 2017, the company purchased WhiteWave and began offering plant-based products and beverages made from soy, almonds, coconuts, rice, and oats. The company also offers plant-based alternatives to yogurt and cream.

Eden Foods, Inc.

Eden Foods began in 1969 and is the oldest natural and organic food company operating in North America. More than 90% of Eden’s products are sold in co-ops, natural food stores, and supermarkets. Eden’s most popular products include its EdenSoy range of organic soy milk and its Japanese food staples.

Vbites Food Ltd

Vbites is a UK-based company that has been producing plant-based meat alternatives since 1993. Vbites is focused on sustainability and produces products that deliver the taste and texture of meat, fish, and dairy products without the dietary, environmental, and agricultural welfare concerns of animal-based products.

Vitasoy International Holdings Ltd

Vitasoy is a Hong Kong-based beverage company that has been producing GMO-free, soy-based products since the 1940s. The company began producing soy milk and has expanded to include beverages such as tea, soft drinks, and tofu. Decades after its inception, Vitasoy remains committed to providing sustainable products that are good for its customers and the planet.

Call Silver Spoon Caterers for Your Next Event

Silver Spoon Caterers is the premier choice for private catering for weddings, parties, corporate events, and more. Our experienced team creates delicious spreads to suit any diet or food preference, and we will work hard for you to ensure the safety and satisfaction of every guest. If you want to discuss our Vegetarian and Vegan options, or hear more about how we can make your next event a success, contact us today.

Tags: Fairfax VA

While 2021 wasn’t as challenging as 2020, most small businesses, especially in our industry, were still facing COVID protocol challenges. Silver Spoon continued offering boxed meals, while finding creative ways to provide safe and healthy catering options. Thankfully business was starting to “get back to normal” as people rescheduled weddings, parties, and events.

We had a lot to write about last year, from tips on Sunday Funday brunch, to tips on holiday, wedding, and corporate catering.

Thank you for reading our blogs and supporting us once again. To recap, here is a quick summary of our most popular blogs from 2021.

5 Tips for Catering Your Sunday Brunch

The start of football season is here again and having your Sunday brunch catered is a great way to start your football “Sunday Funday” off right. Even if you’re not watching the game but you want to get family and friends together to enjoy the fall weather, a catered brunch is the way to go. […]

It’s Not Too Late to Throw a Last-Minute Graduation Party

Whether graduating from Middle School, High School or College, celebrating your child’s graduation is an important and a once in a lifetime experience! Besides a wedding, a graduation may be the second most important party you throw for them. Although some people take weeks to plan a graduation party, if you haven’t planned your party […]

What to Serve at Your Fairfax VA Networking Event

As Covid19 numbers decline many businesses are welcoming their employees back into their offices, as well as planning corporate events. Although the corporate world is not 100% back to normal, many people are eager to get out of their house and back to networking to promote their business or look for partners that can help […]

Planning A Safe Outdoor Corporate Event

Some of the best companies in America have become successful because they have great products, services, and an outstanding corporate culture. Their employees work well together as a team and form a special in-person bond. However, with the Covid-19 pandemic the ability to create and sustain a corporate culture through online meeting and conference calls […]

11 Things to Consider When Hiring a Wedding Caterer

Looking for the right caterer for your wedding? There are few things you want to consider. Aspects like the style and theme of your wedding, different kinds of menus, and the costs associated with each part of your catering should all be top of mind considerations. Your caterer should also be one of the first […]

How to Make Corporate Catering Affordable

Who says business catering has to cost a fortune? The Coronavirus pandemic has puckered up corporate catering budgets harder than a lemon heavy kombucha. The tough economic fallout has not been lost executive catering companies, many of whom are experiencing their own revenue being sliced and diced. Still, employers are dedicated to providing tasty and […]

A family, minority, & woman operated business since 1997, Silver Spoon Caterers serves the social and corporate communities of Northern Virginia and the D.C. metro area with determined care and expertise. From major social functions to fundraising galas; national conventions to intimate gatherings; corporate meetings to community celebrations, Silver Spoon takes pride in executing unique events, giving our clients unbeatable value and lasting memories.

Silver Spoon Caterer’s mission is to build a growth-oriented company focused on positive partnerships with clients, venues, staff, management, owners, vendors, and the community. Our main goal is to succeed as a team-oriented business, producing and serving a high-quality product with a commitment to excellence in service, planning, and quality. We strive to be the “Best Of” in all aspects of our business. Our positive partnerships within the industry have become our proven “recipe” for success. Through continuing efforts, Silver Spoon will become a Green and Organic Caterer.

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A company Christmas party provides your employees with a unique opportunity to get to know each other and your company. This can significantly boost employee morale.

When planning your holiday party, the food is one of the first things you’ll need to consider. Planning menus, shopping for ingredients, preparing food and serving guests takes a lot of time and effort. In fact, it’s often the most stressful part of planning a company party.

The right caterer can make your party a success. Hiring a caterer allows you to focus on other important aspects of your event. This makes it possible to throw a Christmas party that your guests are sure to remember.

The right holiday theme can help take your company party from ordinary to extraordinary. Your guests are sure to appreciate the extra effort you put into planning. The following are our favorite company Christmas party themes.

Masquerade Ball

 Throw a truly magical company party with this fun theme. Encourage your guests to come adorned with their own decorative masks. A masquerade ball theme includes traditional Christmas colors with lots of gold and purple thrown in. This type of party calls for appetizers, hors d’oeuvres and finger foods. We have a number of options for you to choose from on our holiday catering menu.

Santa’s Workshop 

Get your employees into the Christmas spirit with a holiday party that encourages giving. Have your employees and their guests each bring a toy to be donated to a local toy drive. Decorate your venue with red and white, twinkling lights and festive greenery. Offer your guests comforting entrees such as Parmesan crusted chicken or bourbon maple glazed ham.

White Christmas

 Transform your party into a winter wonderland. Decorate with white ornaments, white linens, white tableware and sprigs of flocked greenery. Offer your guests light colored dishes for the best effect. Good choices include cauliflower steaks and a roast turkey feast.

Please keep Coivd Guidlines in mind while hosting your event:

Keep Surfaces Clean & Sanitized

Although cleanliness is important whenever serving food, it’s even more crucial during a pandemic. Event planners could benefit from developing and enforcing procedures aimed at preventing the spread of disease.

• Do Not Allow Guests to Serve Themselves
  When guests serve themselves, they spread germs from one person to the next via serving utensils. Instead of serving guests buffet-style, consider having your event catered and designate one person to serve each guest. Another popular option, you can provide guests with pre-made boxed lunches. These pre-made meals provide guests with the perfect portion while keeping meals separate.
• Encourage Frequent Hand Washing
  Make sure that both guests and staff have easy access to handwashing stations.
• Make Sure Your Staff Wears a Mask
  Although it’s not possible to eat while wearing a mask, event planners should make sure staff wear masks at all other times. .
• Clean & Disinfect Serving and High Touch Areas

Clean and disinfect all high touch areas before, during, and after the event. Make sure to use quality CDC-approved cleaners and disinfectants.

Keep Staff and Guests Informed

Even with the best precautions in place, you can’t make your event truly safe without communicating your plans with your staff and guests. Make sure everyone knows the procedures you’ve put in place before your event. Signs can let guests and staff know how to properly wear PPE and maintain at least six feet of distance between themselves and other guests. Signage can also direct staff and guests to handwashing stations.

Silver Spoon Caterers offers catering services for weddings, parties, corporate events, and more. Our team works hard to ensure the safety and satisfaction of every guest. Please contact us to learn how we can help make your next event a success!

Silver Spoon Catering offers holiday catering services for company parties. Our holiday catering menu features a number of choices including gluten free and vegetarian options. Please contact us for more information about holiday party catering.

Tags: Fairfax VA

The dog days of summer are upon us and with it comes gatherings and parties (with social distancing of course)! This time of year brings baby showers and weddings, birthday parties and of course summer barbecues. You’re getting excited to show off your brand new patio; to break out your favorite serving dishes; and to throw the affair of the season… when somebody says those two little words: gluten free.

Accommodating guests with dietary restrictions can be tricky, but especially when you’re planning to host someone with celiac disease: It’s important to understand that his or her gluten-free diet is more than a lifestyle choice, but a medical necessity. The adequate, safe preparation of a gluten-free meal depends upon more than a few modification to the regular menu; think cross contamination.

Even the slightest bit of gluten from a bowl, a spoon, or cooking oil can cause a person with celiac disease to react. It’s not enough to simply remove the croutons from the salad, but you must make a separate salad entirely, separate entrees and desserts, too. That’s why Silver Spoon Caterers recommends leaving the cooking to the professionals. That is to say, us.

Silver Spoon Caterers is experienced in catering to the gluten-free crowd; we take pride in developing delicious menus to suit every dietary restriction and delight the palate.

Tasty (& totally gluten-free) menu options from your Fairfax VA party caterer

Appetizers

Hummus — served with fresh cut vegetables

Grilled vegetable tray — eggplant, zucchini, squash, red pepper and red onion marinated and grilled

Beef medallions — shoulder tenderloin sliced and topped with caramelized onion & balsamic reduction, garnished with roasted red pepper

Cocktail Shrimp — served with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce

Antipasto — skewered antipasto, green olive, roasted pepper, artichoke, sliced salami with vegetable crudité and roasted pepper dressing

Entrees

Mesquite roasted turkey breast — with black bean and corn salsa, served with roasted sweet potato spears, grilled mixed vegetables, tomato & cucumber salad

Greek-style chicken kabobs — with bell peppers and onions, accompanied by a Greek salad and tzatziki sauce

Mediterranean chicken — seasoned with fresh herbs, stuffed with roasted red pepper, crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives and fresh basil; served with a vegetable medley

Mediterranean mixed grill — beef kebabs and chicken souvlaki served with tzatziki sauce and market vegetables, accompanied by hummus

Hungry for a gluten-free catered meal in Fairfax Virginia?

While gluten-free eating continues to grow in popularity (and, for some, necessity) try to remain flexible when planning to serve the rye-averse and carb connoisseurs alike. Call Silver Spoon Caterers with plenty of advance notice, and come to us with some idea of what you’d like to serve; not only will your flexibility and preparedness make our jobs easier, it’s also the best way to ensure everyone leaves the party happy, fed, and healthy.

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You’ve got an important business luncheon on the calendar: the first you’ll have planned for your company after receiving that long-anticipated promotion; you canNOT screw this up. If there ever was a time to be over-prepared, this is it.

The where, you’ve got figured out.

All who will speak at the event know where and when to be.

Linens and tables and chairs, check.

The ‘from whom will the food come’ is settled, of course:

Northern Virginia’s Go-To Corporate Event Caterer, Silver Spoon

So that’s it, right?

Well, I can’t speak to the logistics of event planning, but I can tell you this: When you let Silver Spoon Caterers do the cooking for your next corporate luncheon, we’ll work with you to plan the perfect menu that’s just the right mix of casual and extravagant, and sure to impress your colleagues and clients.

But that’s not exactly IT when it comes to a successful corporate luncheon:

There’s also manners, and behavior best practices. Keep these important tips in mind when planning your next corporate luncheon in northern Virginia.

Brush up on your guests’ business.

What does he do? Why, specifically, did she go out of her way to come to your corporate luncheon in Fairfax? Do you homework, so you can speak with confidence about your guests’ business and current industry trends.

Don’t assume you’ll leave the event as best friends.

Just because you and a business guest hit it off at your corporate luncheon doesn’t mean it’s appropriate to invite her out for drinks the next day. Keep your business relationships all business, all the time.

Watch what you say about the competition.

Sure, your company is hosting the event for the sole purpose of convincing prospects to bring their business to you. The talk is all about the benefits and value you provide for your clients and customers; it should stay that way. Never speak ill of your competition.

Never ever talk with your mouth full.

Mama raised you better than that. It seems like common sense, but you might be surprised how many otherwise incredibly successful executives never learned that it’s a no-no to talk with food in your mouth. To avoid this faux pas at your next corporate luncheon, take small bites, and only speak when you’ve swallowed.

Be kind to the catering staff.

How you treat the help speaks volumes about your character. The goal of your corporate luncheon is to impress your clients and guests; if you’re rude to the catering staff, trust us when we say you’ll impress no one.

Planning a corporate luncheon in Fairfax VA?

Call the corporate event catering experts. Call Silver Spoon Caterers.

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It’s that time again: Summer!

And what happens in the summertime?

Lunch!

Okay, well, lunch happens every day, all year — but not quite how it happens in the summertime. Summer lunch means a picnic lunch. And a picnic lunch means… a boxed lunch.

What better way to thank your employees for all their hard work than with a picnic-style boxed lunch from northern Virginia’s caterer: Silver Spoon Caterers.

Boxed Lunch Catering in Northern Virginia

Silver Spoon has the best of the best boxed lunches to offer for your next corporate event in Fairfax. Our highly trained catering consultants have our clients’ needs front of mind, and we’ll take care of every detail.

All you have to do is chow down.

The boring business lunch turns fun in an instant when you lay down a picnic blanket and throw a football through the air. (That’s right. Work can be fun.) Oh, and don’t forget the food: Boxed lunch catering options from Silver Spoon Caterers are delicious, and nutritious.

Boxed lunch options from Silver Spoon Caterers include:

The Sandwich Boxed Lunch

• Signature sandwich
• Bag of chips
• Decadent cookie
• & your choice of side

The Wrap Boxed Lunch

• Signature wrap
• Bag of chips
• Decadent cookie
• & your choice of side

The Panini Boxed Lunch

• Hot pressed to order panini
• Chips
• Decadent cookie
• & your choice of side

The BBQ Boxed Lunch

• Slow roasted pork or pulled chicken (or a combination of both)
• Chips
• Decadent cookie

Boxed lunch side dish options include:

• Caesar salad
• Cavatappi pasta salad
• Garden salad
• Greek pasta
• Greek salad
• Sesame ginger noodle salad
• Home style potato salad
• House chips
• House salad
• Macaroni salad
• Southwestern salad
• Orzo salad
• Basmati rice salad
• Pesto pasta salad

If you find yourself in need of catering for a corporate lunch event in Fairfax…

Silver Spoon Caterers has just the boxed lunch for the job.