Meet Digna Mejia, Our Weekday Café Manager

Digna Mejia is one of Bittersweet’s most familiar and friendly faces. During her two year reign as the queen of our King Street café she has created an atmosphere of humor and happiness for customers and staff alike. “I love being with the customers everyday and I get excited that I am in a place where I can grow and learn”. When Digna isn’t making our jobs livelier at Bittersweet she manages to make daily trips to the gym and raise a 4 year old son. How does she manage to juggle it all? Why, Bittersweet food, naturally.

Look what’s hopped back to Bittersweet!

Once again, Bunny Cakes are here to brighten and sweeten your spring luncheon or Easter party.  These beautifully glazed and decorated chocolate or yellow cake treats are waiting to hop on home with you.  They’ll disappear in the woods after Easter so call one of our cheery sales reps for your advance order.  And don’t forget our other terrific Easter products!

• Deviled Eggs
• Carrot Cakes, Cupcakes and Madeleines
• Easter Cakes

Check out the New Product Page!

What’s hardworking, innovative and sassy all at the same time?  The Product Development Team!!!  Our amazing team members have once again defied the odds and introduced MORE new product for your enjoyment.  This month the new Cobb Salad Wrap makes it debut. Sliced chicken breast with bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, egg, and blue cheese dressing wrapped in a flour tortilla. It will make your tastebuds and your waistline smile. Have you already had the pleasure of sampling or ordering one of our newest creations?  Tell us what you think.
Email theresa@bittersweetcatering.com and write New Product in the subject line.

Free Lunch at Bittersweet, Anyone?

Ok – you’re already part of the Bittersweet family. You eat here every day. You meet friends here on the weekends and gather with your coworkers for weekday gabfests away from the office. You read our newsletter and respond with feedback. We love you and now it’s time for us to reward you. Drop your business card in the fishbowl in the café and be eligible for our monthly free lunch drawing! 

A Trip to the “Danger Zone”

It sounds dramatic, but when you are talking about food, the danger zone simply refers to temperature. Did you know that most bacteria grow best between 41 degrees Fahrenheit and 135 degrees?  Did you know that under the right conditions, and at the right temperature, bacteria can double in growth every 20 minutes?  That means that every moment food spends inside that “temperature danger zone” the clock is ticking, and you need to be keeping count.
Read more...

Do you have a food safety question I can answer for you?  If so, please e-mail me at
Rachael@bittersweetcatering.com and I may choose your question to answer in an upcoming article.  Be sure to put Health Code Warrior in the subject line.

Congratulations to our Trivia Question Winner!

Jennifer Bookwalter of Media Research provided the first correct answer to our March trivia question:

From what flower does saffron come?

Answer: Saffron is the dried stigma of the Crocus

April Happenings

April 15, 2006
HUNT FOR HISTORY
The history is easy to find, but where are the eggs? Help find the Tavernkeeper’s Easter Eggs and learn about the past at the same time. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Tours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost $5, $3 per child ages 2-17, including light refreshments. Reservations required. www.gadsbystavern.org or 703/838-4242

April 15-16, 2006
MOUNT VERNON ’S SPRING GARDEN PARTY
Wagon rides through the fruit garden and nursery, early-American musicians, and demonstrations on how to incorporate 18 th-century techniques into modern gardens are some of the special events 10am - 4pm two days at George Washington’s Estate & Gardens. Heirloom plants and gifts also available through May 7. Included in admission of $13, $12 for seniors, $6 for students, with ages 5 and under free. www.mountvernon.org or (703) 780-2000

April 22, 2006
73rd ANNUAL HISTORIC GARDEN TOUR OF ALEXANDRIA
This tour features five privately-owned Old Town homes and gardens, two historic churches and four historic properties. 10am - 4pm
(703) 329-6935 www.VAGardenweek.org

April 22, 2006
GARDEN DAY AND HERB SALE AT CARLYLE
Admire the garden at its prettiest and shop for herbs grown at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. 10am - 4pm at Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St. Admission $4, $2 for children, and included in the Historic Gardens Tour ticket. www.carlylehouse.org or (703) 549-2997

April 29, 2006
ALEXANDRIA SYMPHONY – Music Inspired by Poetry
The acclaimed professional orchestra performs at 8pm the Rachel M. Schlesinger Center , 3001 N. Beauregard St. Tickets available at www.alexsym.org or (703) 548-0885