SAGE Dining Services

Join us on a culinary journey to Lebanon! Lebanese dishes are rich in fresh produce like tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, spinach, chard, olives, citrus, grapes, apples, grape leaves, and chickpeas. They pair the fruits, vegetables, and legumes with wheat, freekeh (toasted green wheat), and rice, as well as fish, lamb, chicken, beef, and goat. They cook with olive oil, vegetable oil, and butter, the last of which they clarify to make sweet pastries. While dairy is commonly consumed in Lebanon, it’s usually eaten as yogurt, lebneh (a smooth, cheese-like yogurt), or cheese. Lebanese cuisine uses lemon juice and olive oil heavily. Instead of salt and pepper, they often have salt and allspice at the table to season their food. They flavor stews with sour fruit juice (e.g., lemon, tomato) and allspice in a nod to preservation practices from the Middle Ages. Interesting fact: The Lebanese people consider sweet foods inappropriate on sad occasions, so they serve bitter coffee after funerals. Let’s celebrate Lebanese culture by savoring the vibrant flavors together! #Lebanesefood https://ow.ly/KBW950StgfW

Summer reading with SAGE Bill McKibben’s “Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future” is a compelling book that champions a local food economy for its economic, environmental, and cultural benefits. McKibben reveals the hidden costs of mass food production, from environmental damage to ethical concerns, and highlights how it erodes community and well-being. He describes how “our affluence isolates us,” disconnecting us from local producers, alienating us from the land that sustains us and the community, and making foreign the techniques of farming, gardening, and preserving that brought us to the abundance of food we have available today. McKibben’s yearlong experiment in local eating brought him a deeper sense of connection and satisfaction, proving that food can bring us closer to the land and each other. He discovered a vibrant web of relationships and stories that made every meal meaningful and fulfilling: “I’ve gotten to eat with my brain as well as my tongue: every meal comes with a story. In my role as eater, I was part of something larger than myself that made sense to me — a community. I felt grounded, connected.” Eating locally is more than an eco-friendly choice; it’s about valuing community, culture, artistry, and collaboration. If you’re curious about how food impacts our world, add “Deep Economy” to your reading list and reflect on the community you want to create and how your food choices can make a difference. Read more here: https://ow.ly/mBIN50SbQOf #summerreading #bookrecommendations

Perfect for a late-summer barbecue bash, these flavorful chicken thighs never last long off the grill. The smooth cream of the coconut milk and toasty warmth of the sesame oil play well with any number of flavors, from the bright tang of lime to the sweet bite of red onion. Find out for yourself! Grilled Coconut-Sesame Chicken Servings: 8 Ingredients: 1 medium onion, chopped ½ teaspoon garlic, minced 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce ¾ cup canned unsweetened coconut milk 1 cup water 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil ¾ cup brown sugar 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs ¼ cup green onions, chopped Preparation: 1. Combine all the ingredients except the chicken and green onions. Mix well. 2. Add the chicken and mix thoroughly to coat. 3. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator overnight, or for a minimum of 4 hours. 4. Preheat the grill to medium heat, around 350°F (180°C). Grill the chicken on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). 5. Garnish with the green onions. https://ow.ly/vowe50StcR6 #recipes #grilledchicken #onthegrill #SAGEathome

India’s culinary landscape is a delicious mosaic of flavors, aromas, and traditions, reflecting its 5,000-year history. Indian food is renowned for its diverse ingredients and bold spices, making it a favorite around the globe. Key spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala create complex, unforgettable tastes. Some traditional dishes include: • Tandoori chicken (marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices). • Palak paneer (a vegetarian dish made with cubes of Indian cottage cheese and a creamy spinach gravy). • Chicken tikka masala (a curried dish cooked in a flavorful and creamy tomato-based sauce). • Dal makhani (a creamy and flavorful lentil dish with kidney beans, butter, and cream). • Fish curry (often served with vegetables like okra or onions and rice or tapioca). • Dosas (light, crepe-like pancakes stuffed with savory ingredients). Read more here: https://ow.ly/Nquh50SmzzL What’s your favorite Indian dish or culinary tradition? Share below! #Indianfood #Indiancuisine #palakpaneer

This traditional Middle Eastern #breakfast is nutritious, delicious, and vegetarian. Take a break from your normal brunch rut and give this savory one-skillet dish a try. It can also be enjoyed with a side salad and a loaf of crusty bread for dinner. #Shakshuka Servings: 8 Ingredients: ¼ cup canola oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1 medium green bell pepper, diced 1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced 7 garlic cloves, minced ⅓ cup tomato paste 1 28-ounce can of whole, peeled tomatoes, crushed 2 tablespoons kosher salt 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon cumin 2 teaspoons ground black pepper 1 bay leaf 1 bunch of Swiss chard, chopped 8 eggs Preparation: 1. Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the onions and sauté over medium heat for about 8 minutes or until translucent. 2. Add the peppers and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. 3. Add the garlic and tomato paste and sauté for 2 more minutes. 4. Add the tomatoes, salt, paprika, cumin, ground black pepper, and bay leaf to the skillet and stir gently. Lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes. 5. Lay the Swiss chard leaves on top. 6. Crack the eggs on top of the tomato mixture. 7. Cover and simmer for approximately 10 minutes, or until the Swiss chard is wilted and the egg whites are no longer translucent. https://ow.ly/pPSw50StcBQ #recipes #MiddleEasternfood #SAGEathome

Lebanese food is a delightful blend of fresh, vibrant ingredients and aromatic spices that create a unique and flavorful cuisine. From the sharp perfume of cinnamon, cumin, and thyme to the refreshing notes of leafy green herbs, zesty lemon, and garlic, the flavors and textures combine to create diverse and mouthwatering recipes. Some traditional dishes include: • Shish kebab (skewered and grilled meat sometimes paired with vegetables and rice). • Shawarma (sliced meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served on pita bread with tahini). • Baba ghanoush (an eggplant dip similar to hummus). • Meze, a tapas-style meal of small dishes like hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, stuffed grape leaves, or pickled turnips. • Mjadra (a lentils and rice side dish with onions). • Sayadieh (a dish of fish, fried onions, and deeply spiced rice). • Kibbeh (small, croquet-like balls with ground meat and bulgur wheat). • Breakfast flatbread topped with za’atar, white cheese, and olives. • Mrabba (house-made fruit preserves). Do you have a favorite Lebanese dish or something you want to try? Share below! #Lebanesefood https://ow.ly/rzvW50Stg6P

Discover the richness of Indian cuisine! From the aromatic spice blends of Northern India to the fiery dishes of the South, each region boasts its own signature dishes and cooking styles. Northern India is known for its tandoor oven delights, flatbreads, and dairy products. Signature dishes like chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken, and rogan josh are elevated by vibrant spice blends. Meanwhile, Southern India is famous for its spicy foods, vegetarian cuisine, and the use of coconut, rice, and seafood. Dishes like spicy chicken curry and pongal (sweet rice dish) are local favorites. A primarily vegetarian region with hearty, flavorful meatless dishes, meals in Western India often feature a thaali, a large platter with up to 10 different dishes. Favorites include Bombay duck and pork vindaloo. Lush hills and valleys influence Eastern Indian cuisine, featuring bamboo shoots, various greens, and mustard oil. Eastern Indian food is known for its sweetness, with momos (dumplings) and the syrupy-sweet rasgulla as highlights. Let’s celebrate Indian culture by savoring the vibrant flavors together! Read more: https://ow.ly/mYUg50SmyrN #Indiancuisine #tandoorichicken

Summer reading with SAGE Looking for the perfect beach read? Food-writer-turned-foodie-author Ruth Reichl serves up a delightful escape with her novel, “Delicious!” Dive into the world of Billie Breslin, a driven college dropout with a supernatural palate who’s paralyzed by a lack of self-confidence. Read along as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and new beginnings. Follow Billie as she quits school to join the food magazine Delicious! in New York City, where flavors and memories intertwine in a tapestry of food, friendship, and adventure. She immerses herself in the lives of her coworkers and their foodie world until an unexpected turn of events leads her to explore the magazine’s past, and her own, with fresh eyes. Rich in descriptive language, this novel tantalizes the senses and brings the culinary world to life. Reading Reichl’s description of something as simple as a slice of Parmesan is like suddenly acquiring perfect pitch after a life of partial deafness; you have no way of understanding how miraculous it is until you experience it yourself. “Delicious!” stands out as an engaging and charming read, perfect for a long, sunny afternoon. Embrace the story’s warmth, optimism, and the joy of new experiences. And don’t forget to try the gingerbread recipe in the back; who knows where it might lead you! Read more here: https://ow.ly/bqWm50SbQ3j #summerreading #bookrecommendation #culinaryreads #beachreads

Today, we celebrate the incredible spirit and diversity of our neighbor to the north. Canada Day, celebrated annually on July 1, marks the anniversary of the confederation of Canada in 1867. On this day, the British North America Act (now known as the Constitution Act, 1867) went into effect, uniting the three separate colonies — Province of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia — into a single dominion within the British Empire. While similar to Independence Day in the U.S., since they’re both related to gaining independence from the United Kingdom, Canada Day marks only one milestone on the path to full independence. It took many more years for Canada to gain complete freedom, with the passage of the Statute of Westminster in 1931 and the final passing of the Constitution Act, 1982. Canada Day is all about family, friends, and sharing the joy and pride of being Canadian. Like the Fourth of July for Americans, Canada Day is celebrated with fireworks, concerts, barbecues, patriotic parades, and fun festivals. The nation’s largest celebrations usually take place in Ottawa, the country’s capital, including performances by top Canadian musicians. Many people even paint their faces red and white, the colors of the Canadian flag! And you can’t forget the delicious food that makes this day extra special! From classic poutine and butter tarts to pancake breakfasts and maple syrup-infused treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Much like in the U.S. for Fourth of July, savory barbecue foods like grilled chicken or zesty potato salad are also very popular. And anything that celebrates the red and white colors of the flag, from strawberry bruschetta to raspberry tartlets, is sure to be a hit! #CanadaDay

Come work with us! We’re #hiring food service workers — including Cooks, Prep Cooks, Line Servers, and Dishwashers — for a private day school in Alexandria, VA! You’ll get to prepare authentic recipes, ensure community members have exceptional dining experiences, and hone your culinary skills alongside a hardworking team. You’ll enjoy continual training, summers off, and room for career growth. Apply today! https://ow.ly/kMNo50SrRQy #Virginiajobs #chefjobs #foodservicejobs #growwithSAGE