Bittersweet Takes the Prize!

Bittersweet took first prize at the third Annual Gadsby’s Tavern Rum Punch Challenge with our very own Pineapple Upside Down Cake Punch on Saturday, March 24th. 

Our very own Theresa Jenkyns worked our table and accepted the prize.  The event which was attended by 150 guests was held in the ballroom of the tavern with proceeds going to benefit the preservation of the City Tavern and Hotel’s Ice Well.  We would like to offer our readers the recipe here, but we honestly don’t quite remember what we did… However – we have plenty of the real thing (10” and mini cakes) ready for purchase, when you just have gotta have that taste of Spring!

Read the Press Release...

What the Devil? A Brief History of the Deviled Egg

Geeks like me (see all of my previous Health Code Warrior articles) spend time asking insane questions like – Who the heck invented the deviled egg?  And as any self respecting culinarian will tell you, there are boat loads of books out there on food history and culture to aid you in your search for truth and knowledge.  But any good geek will also just tell you to hit the internet! 

The history of the egg itself is vast and deep with the symbolism of the egg evoking all types of religious and cultural meaning.  Early, India, China and Egypt all have lengthy relationships with the egg but the first domesticated fowl (thus bearing eggs) to come to North America came with Columbus’s second voyage in 1493. Read more...

Look to Bittersweet for your Easter Eats!

Once again, Bunny Cakes are here to brighten and sweeten your spring luncheon or Easter party.  These beautifully iced and decorated 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
• Lemon Chiffon Cake
• Orange Sunshine Cake
• Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes
• Cheddar Chive Biscuits
  
  

Meet Bittersweet’s New Wholesale Client

610 Coffee House, 610 Montgomery Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Terry Doyle and her husband Waheed Qamar opened their new café, 610 Coffee House on March 27th.  Located on Montgomery and North Washington, 610 has arrived just in time to meet the needs of numerous office employees and hotel guests looking for great coffee and terrific atmosphere on the north end of Old Town.  

The coffee shop has great music and a Tuscan décor that Terry likes to call “a club without alcohol”. 610 offers a wide variety of premier coffee beverages, imported cold beverages and multiple flavors of gelato that are made fresh daily.  Also on hand are your favorite Bittersweet entrée salads and sandwiches that you’ve loved for over 20 years.  This dynamic husband and wife team are a great edition to the Bittersweet family of clients.

Are you a retailer who needs really great homemade food at reasonable prices?  Email Theresa Jenkyns at Theresa@bittersweetcatering.com

New Product – Daisy Cookies!

Just in time for Spring!  Brighten up your day (or buffet!) with these whimsically decorated sugar cookies. 

Send a dozen to your friends, your office or your kid’s teacher.  Grab a basket and pretend that you’re the Easter Bunny.  Great with Leg o’ Lamb and Honey Baked Ham.  Rounding out the family are cut out eggs and chicks.

Food Holidays

Easter Sunday – April 8
National Pretzel Day – April 26
National Egg Salad Week – April 12 – 18
National Garlic Day – April 19
National Pecan Day – April 14

April Happenings

Visit the newly designed Alexandria Fun Side website for all of your dining, shopping, hotel and recreational needs.

Hunt For History, April 7
Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, www.gadsbystavern.org (703/) 838-4242.
Here’s a fun way to explore the Tavern and City Hotel!  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. Light refreshments included.  Tours times are 10am – 5pm. Cost is $5 per adult, $3 per child, ages 2-17. Reservations suggested.

Second Thursday Art Night: Spring Has Sprung, April 12
Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 www.torpedofactory.org (703) 838-4565.
Spring has arrived and the Torpedo Factory Art Center is in full bloom! Evening includes a gallery walk with activities, including a Juror’s Talk at 7pm in the Target Gallery in conjunction with the provocative show “Roots and Branches.”  Galleries, including Multiple Exposures and the Art League, are hosting special appearances and receptions.
Studios and galleries open 6-9 pm with light refreshments served.

74th Annual Historic Garden Tour, April 21
Old Town Historic District, Alexandria, VA 22314
www.vagardenweek.org (703) 838-5005.
Features six privately owned Old Town homes and gardens, one historic church and eight historic properties. 10am-4pm.
Check out their interactive map for a detailed look at this year's houses.  http://map.mapnetwork.com/destination/alexandria/