The Real Charo (No coochie-coochie)

You’ve all seen her. You’ve all gotten advice on love, careers and recipes. Our firecracker head cashier, Charo, who dishes hugs, kisses and practical logic to Bittersweet café daily customers, is always ready to make their day a bit brighter. Originally from Peru, Charo has lived in the United States for 5 years. Her extensive knowledge of customer service comes in handy and is very much appreciated by those who come to eat at Bittersweet twice, sometimes three times a day. Everyone who comes into the café knows that Charo will greet them with a big smile and a hug from across the counter. “I love working with the people who come into the café”, says Charo. “Everyone at Bittersweet is part of my family.”

Chillin’ in the New Year
Refrigeration 101, Part 2

Okay, so after last month’s article, everyone ran home, purchased a refrigerator thermometer and re-arranged all the fridge shelves to make them health-code friendly, right?  Good!  What’s left, you might ask?  Quite a lot, actually.  Read more...

NEW ITEM – Vietnamese Summer Rolls

Looking for a lighter option at lunch or innovative hors d’oeuvres for your next meeting or office gathering?  Vietnamese Summer Rolls are here!!  (thank you Product Development Team)

A refreshing array of vegetables including carrots, bean sprouts, red cabbage, shredded lettuce, avocado and rice noodles wrapped in delicate rice paper and accompanied by a peanut dipping sauce.  Minimum order 1 dozen. Call our sales office and speak to one of our reps for an advance order. Also available to grab n’ go in the café cold case.

Meet the Product Development Team!

Did you ever wonder how Bittersweet comes up with interesting and innovative culinary creations?  Our Product Development Team is constantly working on new ways to please your palate and provide the highest level of customer service possible.  Each member comes from a different department within Bittersweet and offers a wide range of opinions and perspectives.  Do you have a new menu idea for the team?  Is there a way that Bittersweet can serve you better?  Email your responses to theresa@bittersweetcatering.com.  Please put Product Development Team in the subject line.

Forget Cupid!
There’s a New Guy in Town! VALENTINO

Our gingerbread darling. Please don’t bite his head off (first)
Show the love, feel the love, GIVE A COOKIE! Pick them up in the café now! or call the sales office to order for your sweethearts.

Food Holidays

February 14 – Valentine’s Day
February 19 - Chocolate Mint Day
February 23 - Banana Bread Day
February 27 - Pancake Day

February Happenings

February 11, 2006
Black History Book Signing
The Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., hosts a book signing for local authors at 11 a.m. Free! www.alexblackhistory.org or (703) 838-4356

February 14, 2006
Valentine Tours at Gadsby's
Include a tour of the museum in your romantic plans, and hear the tale of the Female Stranger while enjoying a sparkling beverage and sweet treat. 6-10 p.m. Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. $8 per person, $15 per couple with reservations requested. www.gadsbystavern.org or 703/838-4242

February 18-19
Breakfast with George Washington
Join Gen. Washington for a sample of his favorite breakfast, "hoecakes swimming in butter and honey," while supplies last at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. 9 am - 4 pm. Free with regular admission of $9; $8.50 seniors, $4.50 children 6-11. www.mountvernon.org or (703) 780-2000

Got a happening coming up? Email Theresa at theresa@bittersweetcatering.com and we'll try to include it in our next issue.

We Love Our Catering Clients!!!

Bittersweet sends a special Valentine to some of our sweetheart catering clients.  Thank you for making our job so much fun!  Happy Valentine’s Day!

• Hecht’s Fashion Studio
• Metro Research Services
• IACP
• National Harbor Development Company
• Lockheed Martin
• The City of Alexandria
• National Industries for the Blind
• Cameron Perks
• Lumenos
• Arlington County Behavioral Health Care
• Triumph Technologies
• Volunteers of America
• Carr America
• Virginia Tech
• DMJM
• VSE Corporation
• Grant Thorton
• SHRM

Bittersweet Caters the Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary!

On January 12, 2006 Bittersweet helped the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce mark 100 successful years in the community.  Over 150 guests came together in the Lyceum ballroom to enjoy fabulous food and service (by yours truly) and view exhibits detailing Chamber’s history. Chamber of Commerce exhibit on display through the end of March at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street.