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Chinese New Year is Here - Discover 4 Curiosities from the Chinese Kitchen

At Stradale, we believe in fostering an appreciation for different cultures and their culinary traditions. Today, we invite you to delve into the fascinating realm of the Chinese kitchen, where every dish tells a story.
 

Chinese New Year is Here: Discover 4 Curiosities from the Chinese Kitchen

Curiosity no.1: The Art of Dim Sum

Dim sum, meaning "touch the heart" in Cantonese, is not just a meal, but a cherished social tradition in China. These bite-sized portions of food, often served in bamboo steamers, offer a tantalizing array of flavors and textures. From delicate dumplings filled with savory meats or vegetables to steamed buns with sweet custard fillings, dim sum is a culinary experience like no other. Fun Fact: Dim sum originated as a snack for weary travelers along the ancient Silk Road!

Curiosity no.2: The Mystique of Tea

Tea is an integral part of Chinese culture, with a history dating back thousands of years. Traditional Chinese tea ceremonies are intricate rituals that highlight the elegance and beauty of the tea-making process. Did you know? China is the birthplace of tea, and it is home to a vast array of tea varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile and health benefits.

Curiosity no.3: The Secret of Wok Cooking

The wok is more than just a cooking vessel; it's a symbol of culinary prowess in Chinese cuisine. The unique shape of the wok allows for quick and efficient cooking, with ingredients stir-fried to perfection over intense heat. What's fascinating is the versatility of the wok – it can be used for steaming, deep-frying, and even smoking food! Fun Fact: The shape of the wok and the high heat used in wok cooking are believed to have originated from the need to conserve fuel in ancient China.

Curiosity no.4: The Symbolism of Food

In Chinese culture, food is more than just sustenance – it's a reflection of values, beliefs, and traditions. Many Chinese dishes are imbued with symbolic meanings, often associated with good luck, prosperity, and happiness. For example, fish symbolizes abundance and surplus, while noodles represent longevity. Even the way dishes are served and consumed can carry cultural significance, such as the communal sharing of dishes during festive gatherings

Let's celebrate Chinese New Year & join us on this culinary adventure as we continue to explore the flavors of the world together!

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Sweet Hearts, Healthy Treats - A Nutritious Valentine's Day Dessert

As Valentine's Day approaches, let’s treat ourselves and our loved ones with a dessert that not only satisfies our tastes buds, but also nourishes our bodies: Berry Parfait with Greek Yogurt and Almond Granola!
 

Sweet Hearts, Healthy Treats: A Nutritious Valentine's Day Dessert

This year, get the joy of a V-Day inspired dessert that brings together the flavors of love and health in every spoonful. The mix of berries provides a burst of antioxidants, supporting heart health and overall well-being. Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture and a dose of protein, contributing to satiety and muscle health. Find down below this recipe, highly recommended by our chefs.

Ingredients:
  • 500 g mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 500 g Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 250 g almond granola (homemade or store-bought)
  • fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

How to?

Step 1. Prepare the Berries:

Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with blueberries and raspberries. Toss gently to mix.

Step 2. Sweeten the Yogurt:

In another bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with honey or maple syrup. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Step 3. Layer the Parfait:

Begin assembling your parfait by placing a spoonful of the sweetened Greek yogurt at the bottom of each serving glass or bowl. Add a layer of mixed berries on top of the yogurt. Sprinkle a generous layer of almond granola over the berries. Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the glass, finishing with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a few berries on top.

Step 4. Garnish and Chill:

Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and aroma. Place the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the parfait to chill.

Step 5: Serve with Love:

When ready to serve, present your Berry Parfait with a smile. Encourage everyone to dig in and savor the delightful layers of flavor. This Valentine's Day, let your dessert be a celebration of love and good health! Credit Photo: by Sambazon on Unsplash

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February's Bounty - Seasonal Delights on Your Plate

As winter's grasp tightens, February ushers in a unique palette of seasonal ingredients that can transform your meals into warm and comforting delights.

February's Bounty: Seasonal Delights on Your Plate

Down below, we delve into the culinary treasures specific to February, exploring the flavors, nutritional benefits, and creative ways to incorporate these ingredients into your daily meals.

Veggies We Are Rooting For

February is the perfect time to celebrate the humble root vegetables. Explore the versatility of ingredients like sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets. From roasted root vegetable medleys to hearty soups, unlock the potential of these nutritious and earthy delights.

Cruciferous Champions

Embrace the cruciferous goodness with vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Learn how to make these nutrient-packed veggies the star of your February meals, bringing a touch of green to the winter landscape.

Herbs for Heartiness

February is a great time to experiment with robust herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage. From herb-infused roasted dishes to aromatic soups, elevate your culinary creations with the warmth and depth that these herbs bring.

Nourishing Nuts and Seeds

Incorporate the crunch and nutrition of nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds. Explore how these ingredients can add texture and a healthy boost to both sweet and savory dishes.

This February, let your kitchen be a canvas for the vibrant and wholesome ingredients that the season offers. Also, don’t forget that with many of these wonderful seasonal ingredients you also meet in the Stradale menus, every week. It's time to turn your meals into a celebration of February's bounty!

Credit Photo: freepik.com

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Food Changes for 2024

We always want to meet your needs and find the best solutions for a great lunch experience at Stradale. Meanwhile, we also look to take care of the planet and minimise the waste.

Therefore, following the latest meeting of the Food Committee, we have decided that starting on the 8th of January 2024 we will reintroduce the Menu refill option as follows:

  • Elementary Menu - 25 lei (with refill plate option): your choice of Soup, Main Course + Side
    Dish/Salad, fruit or dessert + bread
  • Secondary Menu - 35 lei (with refill plate option): your choice of Soup, Main Course + Side Dish/Salad, fruit or dessert + bread

Once a portion has been enjoyed, students can always ask for another one. That's why it is important that choices are made thoughtfully.
 
This change is the first of many we will make starting with 2024. Thank you for taking the time to complete the school’s survey. It helps us become better and provide students with the best products and services for them.
  
Stradale AISB Team

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Stradale Daily Snack - A Burst of Flavor and Nutrients

Stradale Daily Snack: A Burst of Flavor & Nutrients

Not only delicious, but also ready to give you the needed nutrition and energy, say hello to our daily snack – a wholesome combination of flavors that will surely tickle your taste buds!

Whole Grain Wassa Bread

Start your snack journey with our hearty whole grain wassa bread, a crunchy and satisfying base that's both wholesome and fulfilling. Packed with fiber, it's the perfect canvas for our tasty toppings.

Creamy Cheese

Layered generously on top of the wassa bread is a medley of cheeses, bringing a creamy and indulgent twist to every bite. Cheese lovers, rejoice!

Crunchy Bell Pepper

Adding a burst of color and crunch, our vibrant bell peppers are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. They not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute to the nutritional goodness of your snack.

Radish Freshness

Experience a delightful peppery crunch with slices of fresh radish. These little wonders add a crisp texture and a touch of earthy flavor to balance the ensemble.

Fresh Mint Lemonade

Quench your thirst with our refreshing fresh mint lemonade – a cool and invigorating companion to your snack. Packed with the goodness of citrus and the aromatic freshness of mint, it's the perfect drink to elevate your snacking experience.

Tantalizing Tangerines

End your snack journey on a sweet note with juicy tangerine slices. Bursting with vitamin C, these little citrus delights bring a natural sweetness to your palate.

Our goal is not only to satisfy your taste buds but also to provide a nourishing snack option that fuels your day with energy and vitality. The combination of whole grains, fresh vegetables, and citrusy goodness ensures a well-rounded snack that both kids and adults will love.

Head to the cafeteria and give it a try – because great snacks make great days!

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4 Star Ingredients of This Month

4 Star Ingredients of This Month

As cold as January is, it is equally a month full of options for nutritious and delicious ingredients, to keep us healthy and strong against any flues. We prepared for you a list of flavor-packed foods that will make your taste buds dance and your meals shine – find it down below.

1. Fantastic Fresh Citrus: Oranges, Lemons & Limes

January kicks off with a burst of sunshine in the form of citrus fruits. Oranges, lemons, and limes take center stage, bringing a zesty and tangy twist to your meals. Squeeze them into a refreshing homemade juice, sprinkle their zest on desserts, or simply enjoy them as a snack. These citrus wonders are not just tasty; they're also packed with vitamin C to keep you strong and healthy.

2. Cool and Crunchy Celery

Celery is like the superhero of crunchy veggies. Whether you're munching on it with peanut butter, adding it to soups, or turning it into "ants on a log" celery brings a satisfying snap to every bite. It's not just tasty; it's also a great source of hydration, keeping you refreshed and ready for whatever adventures come your way.

3. Lentils: Tiny Powerhouses of Nutrition

Lentils may be small, but they pack a mighty punch of protein and essential nutrients. These little legumes are perfect for warming up on chilly January days. Try them in soups, stews, or even as a tasty lentil burger. Lentils are not just good for your taste buds; they're good for your body too!

4. Dark Chocolate: Sweet Treat for Winter Days

Yes, you read that right – chocolate is on the list! But not just any chocolate, we're talking about the dark, rich, and slightly bitter kind. Dark chocolate is a cozy companion for winter days, and it's not just a treat for your taste buds – it also has antioxidants that can make you feel like a superhero!

So, it is time to embark on a January flavor adventure. Try out these delicious ingredients, mix and match, and let your creativity run wild in the kitchen. After all, the best meals are the ones made with love and a sprinkle of fun.

Credit Photo: freepik.com

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A New Year, a new chance to eat better

Seasonal foods for good year-round activity of the brain

... and by `better` we also mean `healthier`, of course, but not only. It’s time for your diet concerns to make peace with your diet pleasures for a mentally healthier you. We’ll teach you how to get nutritionally relaxed within your lifestyle principles.

Eating healthy should not be a struggle, but a pleasure and we have some tips for you to turn the former into the latter (apart from `one should drink more water` - that’s a classic that everyone knows, right?).

EAT MORE PROTEIN to keep your body at a high level of calorie burning and your appetite at a low level of craving. Teenage boys need about 52 grams of protein per day, while the girls should have a daily intake of 46 grams of protein. Get it from beans, eggs, fish, turkey, chicken, beef, cheese and yogurt, hummus, tofu. And think protein also when it comes to snacks, not only meals; you can find it in edamame, peanut butter, nuts, turkey or beef jerky – but the latter consumed with moderation.

BOOST YOUR METABOLISM with two powerful tools: strength training and spices! Yes, training with weights is also for teenagers and the safest way to enter this practice is to use your own bodyweight under the supervision of a professional.

Also, you can spice up your metabolism with:

  • Cayenne pepper - proven to increase the energetic processes by 5% and fat oxidation by up to 16%).
  • Ginger increases the production of body heat, boosting metabolism and enhancing fat digestion.
  • Cinnamon helps your body process sugar more efficiently, making it less likely to be stored as fat.

THINK HAPPY THOUGHTS about food, your body, and the relationship between the two. Going down the compulsive eating slide is so easy these days, with all the pressure around. First of all, you need to eat, there’s no doubt about it. Secondly, you need to love your body for what it is and for what it will become under your care. Trust the process and allow yourself to treat yourself from time to time without beating yourself about it; but also, be realistic and have a `recovery` plan for the moments when you indulged yourself way more than needed.

MIND THE GUT – it’s `the gap` we often neglect. Improve the functioning of the `installation` by adding probiotic foods to your diet. These boost the activity of the microbiota (the good bacteria inside the gut) and keep things running peacefully after every meal and smoothly on a regular basis. Yogurt, kefir, pickles, cottage cheese, sauerkraut (and you know we have a lot of it in Romania during the winter season), these are practically gut savers.

Also, the market has known a wide range of probiotic-enforced drinks during the last years, a very handy solution to enjoy life while your gut enjoys a healthy wash-down. Nevertheless, although taking probiotics every day is highly recommended, keep in mind that this type of drink may also carry a lot of sugars, artificial flavors, and colorants.

It’s all about balance; your body will feel the peace of mind you gained and will start to send you signals every step of the nutritional way, either good or unfavorable. This will help you in making the right food choices more often than you think!

May your 2024 be delicious for the body and even more for the soul!

Credit Photo: freepik.com

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Bake yourself a healthy Christmas traditional treat!

Seasonal foods for good year-round activity of the brain

If you can't imagine the winter holidays without gingerbread cookies – but you also can’t imagine yourself wearing anything else but a tight and flattering dress for New Year's party – you must know there is a way to have your cake and eat it too. The healthy way and guilt free, with this gingerbread recipe. All the traditional flavor included.

WHAT YOU NEED:
  • 200 grams spelt flour – has more fiber and more nutrients than the regular wheat flour. Nourishes you better and keeps you full for longer!
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon;
  • 2 tsp grated ginger (peeled);
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg;
  • 1 tsp ground clove;
  • ½ tsp ground turmeric;
  • ground pepper to taste;
  • ¼ tsp baking soda;
  • 50 g butter (melted);
  • 2 tbsp milk (if you’re looking for the lightest in calories, then almond milk it is);
  • 100 g maple syrup – carries way less calories than sugar, but more minerals and vitamins;
  • a pinch of salt.
HOW TO OBTAIN THE MOST DELICIOUS AND HEALTHY GINGERBREAD COOKIES:
  1. Preheat the oven at 150°C.
  2. Combine the `dry` ingredients in a bowl: flour, spices, baking soda, salt.
  3. Using a blender, mix well the `wet ingredients`: melted butter, milk, maple syrup.
  4. Put the wet and the dry together and mix them well until you get a dough that doesn’t stick to your fingers. Add a little bit of flour if it’s too wet, or a few drops of milk if it should be too dry.
  5. Wrap the dough in plastic foil and refrigerate it for 30-60 minutes.
  6. Take the dough out of the fridge, place it between two pieces of baking paper and roll it out until it reaches 2-3 millimeters thickness.
  7. Cut biscuits out of it using cookie shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with baking paper.
  8. Bake for 10 minute or until golden.
  9. Take the tray out of the oven and leave the biscuits on it until completely cooled.
  10. AND, MAYBE, THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP OF ALL: impress your loved ones with these delicious and healthy gingerbread treats! That is, enjoy the flavor of the biscuits, but also the scent of satisfaction!

Merry Christmas from the Stradale team and may we all meet again healthier, happier, and more rested after the holidays!

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Tips to regain the true Christmas spirit: calm and joyful

Tips for Christmas spirit

You may not be in charge (yet) with all the Christmas preparation fuss in your family, but the overall hectic atmosphere surely gets to you too. Listen to our advice: this time of year, choose to bring more of the calming ingredients of the season to your daily life. Yes, food is included.

INHALING THE CALMNESS

You’re in luck! The Christmas cultural repertoire is filled with scents that will temper down the inherent nervousness of the holiday season when – again, we don’t know why – it seems that everything should be picture-perfect (in red & green, of course…).

  • The tangerine scent relieves stress and brings you joy – which you should really experience during Christmas, right? And we all know there’s a lot of tangerine scent (and juice drops) all over the place every time we peel one down…
  • Cinnamon will calm you down and keep you grounded at the same time. And, frankly, it’s all over the place during Christmas! Have it in your pudding for breakfast, get it from the popular gingerbread or enjoy it as hot infusion.
  • Add some ginger to your winter teas and enjoy inhaling mental and emotional balance from the steaming cup. (By the way, this will also help with an upset stomach if the Christmas dinner might be a little too much for you.)
CHEWING ON BALANCE

Step away from the `comfort food consumption` behavior – which, usually, involves a lot of junk products – and start choosing consciously the ingredients that will really make a difference in your mood these days.

  • Walnuts – to be found in most of the desserts of the season, especially in cozonac – contain a substance that triggers the release of the `happiness` hormone serotonin in the body, thus inducing a calming and mood-boosting effect.
  • Dark chocolate – a good break from all the sugary treats of the season – carries a high content of magnesium, a mineral well known for its calming effect on the brain and muscles, thus the overall body.
  • Meat & eggs. Obviously, you get cranky when you’re tired and hungry, but the incredibly appealing over-processed food in supermarkets will alleviate your state only for a little time. There’s a lot of good cooking involving meat and eggs going around for Christmas in your family, right? Well, turn to that for a better mood (and relationship with your mother, grandmother or whoever so lovingly took their time and energy to prepare all the delicious dishes). Meat and eggs contain a lot of protein, iron, and vitamin D and all of these will put you in a better functioning state and mood.

`HUGGING THE HAPPINESS` is a good piece of advice to follow disregarding the season, but Christmas it’s a good moment to start, when family and friends come together, and a lot of social occasions filled with hugging opportunities present themselves more frequently than usual. Enjoy the “cuddle hormone”, oxytocin! It helps reduce stress and strengthens bonds between people.

Happy balanced holidays from the Stradale team!

Credit Photo: freepik.com

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Less sun? More vitamin D from the kitchen!

Less sun more vitamin D

Yes, sunlight is the main – and most accessible – source of vitamin D, but no worries for the bones, immune system and overall health as the days become shorter and moments in the sun scarcer. The vitamin D intake can be supplemented by eating the right foods in the right amounts.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

1. What type of vitamin D your body uses: under sun exposure, the skin produces vitamin D3, which the liver and kidneys subsequently turn into useable vitamin D. This is important for bone health and the immune system, for lowering inflammation levels, promoting cell growth, and providing cardiovascular support.

2. Not all vitamin D sources are equal. Sources of vitamin D3 – found in animal foods – are better at improving your daily intake than the ones carrying vitamin D2 – plants and fortified foods.

3. Tips for an efficient vitamin D diet:

  • Eat fatty fish twice a week. Choose among salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring.
  • Don’t avoid egg yolks but choose to eat the eggs boiled or poached if you’re watching your cholesterol levels or are on a diet. Yes, eating an egg every day is fine, specialists in nutrition have agreed on this at last!
  • Start to fancy the liver! Not everyone’s favorite, but a taste that should be acquired rapidly, given the high content of vitamin D it carries. Remember that beef liver carries way more vitamin D than the chicken one.
  • Look for wild mushrooms to buy because they have been exposed to UV light while growing, hence are excellent sources of vitamin D2. A cup of morels, for instance, contains the equivalent of 17% of the daily value of vitamin D.
  • Consider the sprouts, especially the sunflower ones, a high source of vitamin D!
  • Add fortified foods to your diet: cereals, orange juice, types of plant milk, farmed mushrooms etc. Look for the `fortified` mention on the package.
  • Pay extra attention to your diet if you’re vegetarian. There are a lot of vegetal sources naturally containing vitamin D or fortified with this vitamin but the intake they provide you with is lower than the one deriving from animal foods. As a vegetarian, set your eyes to mushrooms, fortified plant milks (soy, almond, rice), fortified soy yoghurt and other fortified foods.

As a teenager, you need at least 600 IU of vitamin D per day, with a 4,000 IU upper limit for health reasons. Don’t worry, these units are usually written on the package of any food you buy at the grocery store.

With this, we hope to also have helped you get a better orientation among the wide variety of delicious dishes we are preparing at Stradale every day!

Credit Photo: by Polina Tankilevitch on pexels.com

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Tips for a happy Thanksgiving for all!

Seasonal foods for good year-round activity of the brain

Thanksgiving dinners are meant to bring families together, but it seldom happens for some to feel left out of the celebration – especially the kids. Giving thanks is a tradition for all ages and a great opportunity to teach the little ones about the importance of giving back, about gratitude and empathy. So, don’t neglect them!

HENCE, LET’S SEE SOME ADVICE ON HOW TO MAKE EVERYONE FEEL INCLUDED IN THE CELEBRATION.

Everyone should take part in setting up the place.

It is possible that not every participant of the dinner

It is possible that not all participants at the dinner will be ready yet to handle the hot stove or the knives, but they could turn the dining room or the table itself into the most creative – and a more adequate – place for celebrating Thanksgiving. Kids can craft felt coasters for the glasses used at dinner and decorations for the furniture using twigs and leaves colored prettily by autumn.

Put your graces together.

Gratitude carries such a healing power for the soul and every human should learn to exert it since the early years, like a valuable training for the harder days of adulthood. Encourage the kids to give grace disregarding how futile their thanks may be – it’s creating the habit that counts.

Buy an appropriately large turkey.

First, you have the list of guests who have confirmed the attendance. Then you have to calculate the size of the turkey to feed them all. And this is pretty easy: you need about a half of kilogram of turkey for each (or 1 ¼ pound). Does it seem like a lot? It isn’t, because you must take into account the parts you’re not actually eating, like the bones, that also tip the scales. So, for a party of 10, your turkey should weigh more than 5 kilos for sure.
And even if your dinner table gets more crowded than expected in the last moment, don’t worry about underserving turkey to your guests: they will be too smitten with the side dishes and dips filling out the table to be preoccupied with the bird.

STILL, LET US GIVE YOU A HAND WITH THE TURKEY!

You start writing the invitations and let us in charge with the main `piece` of your Thanksgiving dinner: we will prepare a delicious turkey and have it delivered straight to your door!
We are talking about turkey brined for 24 hours, marinated with fresh herbs and slow cooked with onion, carrots, celery, and lemon stuffing.
You can choose between the two types of sauces for your turkey: gravy or cranberry and you will also get equipped with heating instructions by our team.

So please reach out to us as soon as possible if this sounds appealing to you. You can also find more information about our offer here: https://aisb.flavours.ro/blog/2023-10- 20/thanksgiving-dinner
We should have the necessary time to complete all the arrangements so that your family can enjoy the most delicious Thanksgiving dinner you can remember!

Credit Photo: freepik.com

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Get label savvy!

Get label savvy!

In a time when everybody’s concerned with brands and tags, get informed about the only labels that really matter for your health: the ones attached to the food products!

Here are some tips to decipher them, helping you to make a more informed decision about what to choose for a meal or a snack:

CHECK THE SERVING SIZE

You may want to eat that whole jar of fruity yogurt, but that container may carry more than one serving size. Since the list of nutrients on the label are usually valid for a single serving size, you could pack on a lot more fats and sugar than recommended. Paying attention and doing the Math right will help you eat healthy.

WEIGH FATS CORRECTLY

Besides the fact that fats carry a lot of calories (but you’re going through a full growth process right know and need a lot of energy), most of the food products these days are packed with saturated fats, with an unwanted impact on your health. What to know in terms of fats (lipids) per 100 g of product:

  • Low fat: 3 g or less
  • High fat: 17.5 g or more
  • Low saturated fat means: 1.5 g or less
  • High saturated fat means: 5 g or more
SPOT THE SUGAR

Sugars in food products come under various names, but they are equally to be considered when caring about a balanced diet. So, besides the `sugar` itself, sweet ingredients are called either honey, syrup, fruit juice concentrate, nectar, molasses, or anything ending in `ose` - glucose, fructose, maltose, dextrose. How things look for 100 g of product:

  • Low sugar: 5 g or less
  • High sugar: 22.5 g or more

There is a whole lot of information on each label, but there’s no need to become a scientist to eat healthily. Just follow a SIMPLE RULE when picking a food product among the many on the shelf: choose the one with the shortest list of ingredients. Specialists say it would be great to have a maximum of five!

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Flavours From Around The World with Stradale AISB. 2nd edition

Seasonal foods for good year-round activity of the brain

Inspired by the American International School of Bucharest values, at Stradale we aim towards a culturally inclusive environment. Thus, we plan to offer students opportunities for a better and more profound knowledge of different cultures, through food, of course. Sharing cooking secrets and delicious recipes from around the world is our way of getting closer to that mission.

We are back and happy to announce that between October and June, we will take you again on an exciting trip of Flavours from different parts of the world. As you already might be familiar with this concept, every month, we will have a special week of serving international dishes in the school cafeteria.

Important tip! Make sure you keep this special card – your culinary passport – and get the stamp for each international week. At the end, we will ask you to show us your passport with the stamp collection. Depending on how many stamps you have, you can win different surprising gifts.

International Week No.1 | Greece
  • Meat Soup: Avgolemono Chicken Orzo Soup
  • Vegan Soup: Greek Red Lentil Soup
  • Red Meat: Beef Stew
  • White Meat: Chicken Gyros
  • Fish: Shrimp Saganaki
  • Vegetarian: Spanakopita Spinach Pie
  • Steamed/Baked Veggies: Briam Roasted Veggies
  • Side Dish: Pita & Tzatziki
  • Salad: Greek Salad
  • Dessert: Portokalopita Orange Cake
Find below the following culinary adventures!
  • International Week No.2 | Germany
  • International Week No.3 | Thailand
  • International Week No.4 | Indonesia
  • International Week No.5 | Lebanon
  • International Week No.6 | Egypt
  • International Week No.7 | Colombia
  • International Week No.8 | Argentina
  • International Week No.9 | Nigeria
  • International Week No.10 | Madagascar
Time to get your culinary passports!

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THANKSGIVING DINNER

Thanksgiving Turkey

Start writing your invitations, we will take care of your Thanksgiving Dinner! This special day is about spending time with your loved ones and we want to help you enjoy it as much as your guests. Let us take care of all the food preparations so you have less to worry about. We will prepare for you a delicious turkey and have it delivered straight to your door.

CHOOSE THE BEST OPTION FOR YOU
  • Stradale Whole Turkey
    Delicious Thanksgiving Turkey held in brine for 24 hours, marinated with fresh herbs, and slow cooked with onion, carrots, celery & lemons stuffing. Turkey stuffing is included in the total price. There are also two types of available sauces: gravy and cranberry. Heating instruction included.
    Price: 98 lei/kg (weight of 1 turkey from 5 kilos uncooked)
  • Your own Turkey cooked Stradale style
    We will prepare the turkey you buy, our own way. Turkey stuffing is included in the total price. There are also two types of available sauces: gravy and cranberry. Heating instruction included.
    Price: 98 lei/turkey cooked
  • Note: please bring the turkey one day before, latest 21 st of November @12 PM, at US Embassy or at Stradale AISB.
ORDER & PAY YOUR THANKSGIVING TURKEY FROM STRADALE
  • US Embassy
    Felicia Sandu: 0742 684 167, manager.stradaleusembassy@flavours.ro
  • AISB Community
    Octavian Stoica: 0723 657 809, manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro
    Please place your order until 23 rd of November, by sending an email with the following details:
    - number of turkey you wish & its size 5kg+ (if made entirely by us)
    - delivery address and contact number
    The payment can be done at the Mitzu Coffee Shop (US Embassy or AISB), Monday to Friday, 8AM – 2 PM or direct charge to your child account (AISB).
GET YOUR ORDER

Deliveries will be sent on the 23 rd of November, between 12 PM and 4 PM. Disclaimer: delivery hours are up to change due to traffic and number of orders. 24 hours before, a colleague will contact you to confirm the details. Delivery is free of charge.

 

ENJOY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER!

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Take a healthy advantage of the grape season!

Take a healthy advantage of the grape season

Every autumn, Romania enjoys a rich grape season with juicy vegetable droplets coming in a wide range of colors and flavors. As tasty as they are, their name has always been related to a lot of hearsay about their impact on human health. Let’s clear that out for you to enjoy this nature’s treasure in peace.

Opinion: Grapes carry a lot of calories and little nutritive value

Absolutely untrue! A cup of grapes contains 100-130 calories and a lot of vitamins and minerals: vitamin C, carotenes (that the body converts into vitamin A), iron, copper, potassium (that regulates your blood pressure), manganese, calcium, and some fiber – very helpful for digestion.

Opinion: Seedless grapes and grapes with seeds carry the same nutrients

Not quite: grape seeds contain a lot of substances which play an important role in supporting health. You have heard about grape seed oil being widely used in cosmetic products nowadays, haven’t you? It has become so popular for some very good reasons: polyphenols (a strong aid in preventing the ageing process) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (very important for brain and muscle health, for example).

Opinion: Red grapes are more nutritious than green or white grapes

This is actually a fact: dark grapes are higher in antioxidants than light-colored ones. These substances protect the cells of your body from damage, being involved in the prevention of important diseases like diabetes, cancer, heart disease etc.

So, don’t hold back on choosing a handful of grapes every day for dessert while they’re in season. Enjoy their delicious flavor, a better mood and the benefits of an improved immune system!

Credit Photo: freepik.com

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The importance of carbs

Benefits of carbs

So blamed for so much time, the carbs actually are a blessing for your growing body and, especially, for your heavily working brain! Still, what you must pay attention to is choosing unprocessed foods that also carry vitamins and minerals for supporting the good functioning of your body while enjoying the flavor and the energy released by the carbs.

WHY ARE CARBS SO IMPORTANT:
  • They keep you going for longer. Carbs supply 60-80% of the daily energy requirement of the body and It’s not just your muscle and bone systems that need the carbohydrates for moving around. It’s your entire body using the glucose derived from breaking down the carbs.
  • They support the nervous system. Remember: brain cells need twice as much energy as the cells in the rest of the human body to function properly. Considering that the brain cannot store glucose as the muscles do, you must resupply your `computer` with carbs every single day.
  • `Good carbs` keep you full for longer. We’re talking about plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains that carry a lot of fiber supporting digestion, regulating the hunger sensation and blood pressure. Thus, you develop a healthy balanced relationship with food.
  • Carbs prevent protein usage in times of great effort by supplying the muscles with glucose, the fuel they need to cope. Thus, protein breakdown is prevented and your muscle mass protected.

Every day we are waiting for you at Stradale for lunch with a wide array of dishes based on healthy carbs. Take your pick and enjoy the good energy of the body, brain, and emotions!

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Happy Vegetarian Awareness Month of October!

Seasonal foods for good year-round activity of the brain

The world is kicking-off Vegetarian Awareness Month on October 1 st . Every year, this should be about carrying out a more efficient information process about the benefits and difficulties of vegetarian and vegan diets. Which you definitely need to be aware of as a person going through a life phase with such important body transformations and a tremendous learning process.

THE BENEFITS YOU ARE IN FOR WHEN VEGETARIAN:
  • Your cardiovascular system is more likely to develop in a better shape: vegetarians are confronted with a lower risk of heart disease and usually don’t face hypertension in adulthood.
  • Obesity and type-2 diabetes are usually kept at bay: with a diet that does not include high amounts of saturated fats and cholesterol, like the vegetarian or vegan ones.
WHAT YOU MUST NOT NEGLECT:
  • The vegetarian sources for important nutrients like calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12 (the latter is essential for forming blood cells, the ones that carry oxygen throughout the body). So, if you’re going 100% vegan, turn to broccoli, spinach, and seeds for calcium, to mushrooms, fortified tofu, and fortified orange juice for vitamin D, and to fortified breakfast cereals and nutritional yeast for B12.
  • The vegetarian sources of protein – the bricks that construct the muscle system, especially during the growth years, like adolescence. And we’re talking about very popular foods nowadays: lentils, beans, chickpea, quinoa, edamame, soybeans & soy milk, peanut butter etc.
  • The vegetarian sources of iron – for preventing anemia, headache, fatigue, all these conditions leading to a low quality of life and a poor learning process. So, snack on nuts (especially cashews), sunflower seeds, dried fruits (especially apricots, raisins, and dates) and befriend the healthy avocado.

Remember: with skilled professional nutritional guidance you can safely carry a healthy and fulfilling life as a vegetarian. And we proudly state that you can find the best food choices suiting your diet at Stradale.

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Seasonal foods for good year-round activity of the brain

Seasonal foods for good year-round activity of the brain

Yes, your brain is your most important ally in the heavy learning process you are going through, but remember it is foremost of all the `computer` that controls the functioning of your entire body. So feed yourself wisely to support your brain’s activity.

WHAT TO CHOOSE FROM THIS SEASON’S TREASURES::
  • Nuts & seeds: walnuts, almonds, peanuts, pumpkin & sunflower seeds are high in protein and omega fatty acids; both these types of nutrients help the neurons communicate with each other, creating synapses.
  • Broccoli: is packed with vitamin K, proven to support the memory and the cognitive processes. It also contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances that protect the brain against damage from free radicals and through the ageing process.
  • Beans are important for supporting brain activity due to their important content of vitamin B that relieves `brain fog`, improving mind clarity.
  • Avocado’s vitamin E protects brain cells’ membranes from deterioration caused by the free radicals, respectively the omega fatty acids are essential for brain development.

Hope we’ve made it a lot easier for you to fill up your plate at this season’s meals. And always remember that we, at Stradale, cook for your health, soul, mood, and mind.

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Back to the healthy roots of autumn!

Back to the healthy roots of autumn

Nature’s power also lies in the underground, in its miraculous roots sought after by humans since the beginning of time. Give these strong textures a try for strong health benefits!

What to look for:
  • Ginger acts really strong in fighting germs and restrains the growth of many types of bacteria. Also, its anti-inflammatory properties will help your muscles recover after a challenging gym class. Boil some ginger tea and enjoy it with lemon and honey or you can even chew on it as such once you get used to the spicy flavor.
  • Turmeric, probably India’s most renowned root, highly responsible of the curry powder color, has been traditionally used for alleviating problems of the skin, improving the activity of the digestive system and soothing allergies. Turmeric’s therapeutic properties are enhanced by cooking it with oil and pepper. So that’s a curry dish for you next time you have lunch!
  • Horseradish, bearing high sulfur levels, will clear out your sinus passages and relieve you of mucus when hit by a cold. Other natural chemicals it contains will boost your metabolism and the vitamin C content will support the functions of the immune system. Pair an autumn salad of grated horseradish root with a beef steak and you will be forever grateful to us!

So come check out the `root collection` we work with for preparing lunch at Stradale. We love working with them because they taste good and do good!

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Price Adjustments for 2023-2024 Academic Year @Stradale

Produse de la linia de servire Stradale

Dear parents,

We all feel and are affected by the ongoing economic changes. These very changes are what lead us to decisions necessary to conduct our activities in line with the values promised at the beginning of our collaboration.

Therefore, we see ourselves compelled to adjust the prices related to the services provided for the American School of Bucharest, starting with the new academic year (2023-2024).

Below you will find the new prices.

For ELC – Grade 1:
  • Semester Plan: 2250 lei
  • Annual Plan: 4500 lei
Grade 2 – Grade 12:
  • Elementary Menu – 25 lei
    Soup + Main Course + Salad/Side Dish + Fruit/Dessert
  • Secondary Menu – 35 lei
    Soup + Main Course + Salad/Side Dish + Fruit/Dessert
Split Menu Elementary:
  • Soup – 6 lei/150 ml
  • Main Course – 10 lei/75 g
  • Special Food Day (ex: Pasta Day) – 16 lei/200 g
  • Salad/Side Dish – 6 lei/125 g
  • Fruit – 3 lei
  • Bread – 2 lei
Split Menu Secondary:
  • Soup – 11 lei/300 ml
  • Main Course – 18 lei/150 g
  • Special Food Day (ex: Pasta Day) – 29 lei/200 g
  • Salad/Side Dish – 11 lei/125 g
  • Dessert – 7 lei/120 g
  • Fruit – 3 lei
  • Bread – 2 lei

We know that only together, through close and long-lasting partnerships with strong educational institutions like the American International School of Bucharest, we can keep inspiring and educating children on how to make healthier, more nutritious, and at the same time, fully delicious food choices.

Thank you for your constant support,
Stradale AISB Team

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Welcome to 2023-2024 Academic Year!

Healthy eating is a big part of this unique amazing experience. So, find out everything about how you can enjoy a delicious lunch at Stradale AISB!

Please read carefully all the information below. You will find more details about how to update your existing account or create a new one and the latest price adjustments for this academic year. If there are any other questions unanswered, feel free to send us an email at manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro.

UPDATE YOUR EXISTING ACCOUNT

• If you already have one, you can just start using it. As you already know, we will honor any credit left from last academic year.
• In case the existing amount is less than 100 lei, please top up your account with the missing amount, depending on your lunch option.

CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT

In order for your child to enjoy a meal at Stradale or a snack from our Mitzu Coffee Shops, you just need to create a dedicated account.

1. Make a deposit
For ELC – Grade 1, you have two payment options:
Early Booking (until the 1 st of September 2023):
  • Semester Plan: 1800 lei
  • Annual Plan: 3600 lei
Late Booking (after the 1 st of September 2023)
  • Semester Plan: 2250 lei
  • Annual Plan: 4500 lei


Please take in consideration that the menu for these students is fixed and they will get their food delivered in the classroom / ELC Cafeteria or in the Main Cafeteria (for Grade 1). You will be able to check the daily menu here 2 days before school starts.

 

For Grade 2 – Grade 12 students:

• A minimum deposit of 700 lei is needed in order to use the account. Once they get in the cafeteria, the students will choose their favorite menu, pass by the cashier desk and the money will be withdraw from their account. You will be able to check the daily menu here 2 days before school starts.
• Here is also a kind reminder that the accounts will not be able to function once they get to 0 deposit and in this case, we will not be able to serve the student with lunch or any other Stradale & Mitzu products. When your account reaches 100 lei, we will let you know via email.

2. Use the following details
  • Bank account: RO14BTRLRONCRT0442843205 opened at Banca Transilvania
  • Company name: OCEANUL INDIAN SA
  • CUI RO17572759
  • Registration no. J40/5807/2010.
  • Details field – please mention AISB and your child’s full name.

Once the payment is done, please send the confirmation at manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro with the following information included, in order for us to create or update the account:

MANDATORY
Full name of your child (name and surname):
Grade:
Full name of the parent/parent 1:
Email address: (When your account reaches 100 lei, we will let you know via email.)
Phone number:

OPTIONAL
Full name of the parent/parent 2:
Email address:
Phone number:
-  Once we receive all the above info, within maximum 2 days, the account will be created, and the contract with the invoice will be sent to you for signing. -  After you sign it, please send it via email at manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro -  You will be able to start using the account the minute we send you the user’s name and password.

STRADALE AISB MENU FORMAT FOR 2023-2024

For Grade 2 – Grade 12 students the 2 menu options are the following:

The Elementary Menu – 25 lei 
Soup + Main Course + Salad/Side Dish + Fruit/Dessert – recommended for Grades 2 to 5

The Secondary Menu – 35 lei
Soup + Main Course + Salad/Side Dish + Fruit/Dessert – recommended for Grades 6 to 12

Split Menu Elementary:

  • Soup – 6 lei/150ml
  • Main Course – 10 lei/75 g
  • Special Food Day (ex: Pasta Day) – 16 lei/200 g
  • Salad/Side Dish – 6 lei/125 g
  • Fruit – 3 lei
  • Bread – 2 lei

Split Menu Secondary:

  • Soup – 11 lei/300 ml
  • Main Course – 18 lei/150 g
  • Special Food Day (ex: Pasta Day) – 29 lei/200 g
  • Salad/Side Dish – 11 lei/125 g
  • Dessert – 7 lei/120 g
  • Fruit – 3 lei
  • Bread – 2 lei

ENJOY THE FOOD!
After all the operational part, you have only one more thing to do – enjoy our food. From vegetables to meat, from creamy soups to meaty Romanian “Ciorbe”, from pasta to burgers, daily we try to surprise you with delicious food. Chef Foa together with our local Chefs choose carefully all the ingredients in order to create seasonal, healthy menus that will not only impress your taste buds, but keep you in good shape!

Looking forward to meeting you again!

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New Academic Year is About to Start!

Healthy eating is a big part of this unique amazing experience. So, find out everything about how you can enjoy a delicious lunch at Stradale AISB!

Please read carefully all the information below. If there are any other questions unanswered, feel free to send us an email at manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro.

UPDATE YOUR EXISTING ACCOUNT

• If you already have one, you can just start using it. As you already know, we will honor any credit left from last academic year.
• In case the existing amount is less than 100 lei, please top up your account with the missing amount, depending on your lunch option.

CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT

In order for your child to enjoy a meal at Stradale or a snack from our Mitzu Coffee Shops, you just need to create a dedicated account.

1. Make a deposit
For ELC – Grade 1, you have 2 payment options:

• Semester Plan: 1.800 lei
• Annual Plan: 3.600 lei
Please take in consideration that the menu for these students is fixed and they will get their food delivered in the classroom / ELC Cafeteria or in the Main Cafeteria (for Grade 1). You will be able to check the daily menu here 2 days before school starts.

For Grade 2 – Grade 12 students:

• A minimum deposit of 700 lei is needed in order to use the account. Once they get in the cafeteria, the students will choose their favorite menu, pass by the cashier desk and the money will be withdraw from their account. You will be able to check the daily menu here 2 days before school starts.
• Here is also a kind reminder that the accounts will not be able to function once they get to 0 deposit and in this case, we will not be able to serve the student with lunch or any other Stradale & Mitzu products. When your account reaches 100 lei, we will let you know via email.

2. Use the following details
  • Bank account: RO14BTRLRONCRT0442843205 opened at Banca Transilvania
  • Company name: OCEANUL INDIAN SA
  • CUI RO17572759
  • Registration no. J40/5807/2010.
  • Details field – please mention AISB and your child’s full name.

Once the payment is done, please send the confirmation at manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro with the following information included, in order for us to create or update the account:

MANDATORY
Full name of your child (name and surname):
Grade:
Full name of the parent/parent 1:
Email address: (When your account reaches 100 lei, we will let you know via email.)
Phone number:

OPTIONAL
Full name of the parent/parent 2:
Email address:
Phone number:
-  Once we receive all the above info, within maximum 2 days, the account will be created, and the contract with the invoice will be sent to you for signing. -  After you sign it, please send it via email at manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro -  You will be able to start using the account the minute we send you the user’s name and password.

STRADALE AISB MENU FORMAT FOR 2022-2023

For Grade 2 – Grade 12 students the 2 menu options are the following:

Red Menu Tray – 20 lei - small portion
Soup + Main Course + Side Dish + Dessert – recommended for Grade 2 until Grade 5

White Menu Tray – 30 lei - big portion
Soup + Main Course + Side Dish + Dessert – recommended for Grade 6 until Grade 12

Extra Options
If they are choosing only one dish, they will be charged separately:
• Soup – 10 lei
• Main Course – 16 lei
• Side Dish – 10 lei
• Dessert – 7 lei
• Fruit – 3 lei


Special Days (Pasta Day, Tacos Day, Burger Day, Sushi Day)
• Small Portion, served on the red tray - 20 lei
• Big Portion, served on the big plate - 30 lei

Grab & Go
• Selection of Sandwiches – from 15 lei/Sandwich
• Slice of Pizza – 10 lei
• Calzone – 15 lei
• BIO Juice – 7 lei
• Salad Bar: Big Salad – 24 lei/Small Salad – 15 lei

ENJOY THE FOOD!
After all the operational part, you have only one more thing to do – enjoy our food. From vegetables to meat, from creamy soups to meaty Romanian “Ciorbe”, from pasta to burgers, daily we try to surprise you with delicious food. Chef Foa together with our local Chefs choose carefully all the ingredients in order to create seasonal, healthy menus that will not only impress your taste buds, but keep you in good shape!

Looking forward to meeting you again!
Stradale AISB Team

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Top 3 healthy drinks to warm you up this winter

Nothing is more comfortable during winter than sitting in a blanket and holding a hot mug of steaming… something. It seems like anything hot works, but what about a healthy version of the winter drinks? Find below some tips on how you can easily prepare nutritious & super tasty warming beverages. 

The Golden Milk

Turmeric & honey mixed in milk – A powerhouse of nutrients! This magic potion has been used by Indians for centuries for its various medicinal and health benefits. Drinking it on a regular basis can help you sleep better, reduce inflammation and boost immunity level.
Tips for preparing it: 
•    Warm up any milk type you prefer – almond, coconut, oat, soy, or rice milk, it’s your choice!
•    When milk starts to boil, add ½ teaspoon of turmeric, a pinch of freshly crushed pepper, and ½ teaspoon of coconut oil.
•    For bubbly golden milk, cool down the drink by pouring it in different containers – repeat this until the milk is at your preferred temperature. 

Hot Lemonade 

Wait, isn’t lemonade a summer drink? Yes, it is, but this summer drink has also a popular winter version. The lemon-hot water combination is great for detoxing the body, and the turmeric has also amazing healing benefits.
Tips for preparing it: 
•    Besides the boiling water and the freshly squeezed lemon, add ¼ teaspoon of turmeric. 
•    A pinch of sea salt will enhance even more the flavors. 
•    Give it a sweet taste by adding a teaspoon of honey once the drink is slightly cooled down. 

Chamomile Tea, With a Flavor Twist

Even used by Ancient Greeks and Romans as a cure for digestive and sleeping disorders, chamomile tea induces calm, boosts the immune system, and reduces inflammation. Ready to relax and unwind on a cold night with a delicious cup of chamomile?
Tips for preparing it: 
•    In the infused chamomile drink, you can also add few mint leaves. 
•    If you want to go for an extra flavor, prepare this drink together with lavender flowers, mint leaves & lemon juice.  

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the… hot drink is sooo delightful! :) On the winter nights that are to come, get chill & cozy with your favorite warming beverage!  


Credit Photo: Azerbaijan Stockers, freepik.com

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Pickles: get your taste buds tickled

Starting 1st of December, winter season is on, so it’s time for the delicious pickles to be in the spotlight. 

If carefully prepared with the right ingredients, many types of pickles are nutritious and full of flavor. Find below the health benefits of each popular pickle type and some tips of how you can enjoy them.  

Grandma’s Secret Dill Pickles

Eat them because…
Fresh or pickled, cucumbers are low in calories but contain many important vitamins and minerals, as well as a high water content. Eating cucumbers may lead to many health benefits such as weight loss, balanced hydration, and lower blood sugar levels. 
How to enjoy them?
Did you know that pickled cucumbers are delicious in combination with cheddar or goats cheese? And if you’re tired of the boring old sandwhiches, add a few slices of pickled cucumbers to give them a fresh new flavour. Kind of a big dill, right?  

Beetroot Pickles 

Eat them because…
Pickled beets are powerful antioxidants that have been shown to reduce inflammation and help boost your immune system. They are also a good source of potassium, calcium, and iron.
How to enjoy them? 
You can serve pickled beets as a side dish sprinkled with a little feta cheese, or you can add them in your favorite salad. Also, slice and layer them with hardboiled eggs to make a tasty pickled beet sandwich.

The Japanese Pickled Ginger 

Eat it because…
Called gari or amazu shoga in Japanese, pickled ginger is rich in antioxidants and have the added health benefits that come from vinegar. Pickled ginger is also low in calories, so it may help you get closer to your weight goals.
How to enjoy them?
Pickled ginger is served with sushi or sashimi and it enhances flavors. You can slice it into thin strands and use it in salads. Its juice can replace the vinegar for an Asian-influenced salad dressing.

Not everything good tastes sweet, and pickles seem to be the proof. For a delicious and healthy meal side, at Stradale, we make sure that pickles are often included in our menus. These being said, we wisk you a pickllicious lunch!

Credit Photo: freepik.com

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Top 5 ingredients for energy

Seasons change and so does your mood; in order to stay healthy & energized during the cold season it’s best to try some highly nutritious ingredients. 
Find out which are the best ones for you and how you can enjoy them.

WATER 
You might see it as rather common, but in reality, water is the essence of life and energy. Not drinking enough water may lead to dehydration, which can slow your body functions, making you feel tired and joyless.  
Bonus tip: You can avoid dehydration by drinking water even if you’re not thirsty. Do this regularly during the day and you’ll get an instant boost of energy!
 
BANANAS 
Even eaten by athletes before their training, this tropical gift is perfect during cold seasons: full of carbohydrates, potassium and vitamin B6, bananas become a sure and prolonged source of energy. 
Bonus tip: in case you want a healthy snack in your diet, bananas reduce your appetite and help keep you full. 
 
SWEET POTATOES 
Aside from being delicious, sweet potatoes are a nutritious option for those looking for an extra energy boost. Thanks to their high dose of fiber, carbs and vitamin A, your body will digest them slowly so you can get a steady supply of energy. 
Bonus tip: In case you want your doze of energy straight in the morning, you can enjoy sweet potatoes toast as tasty breakfast alongside peanut butter, yogurt and fresh fruits.  
 
FATTY FISH 
A meal with salmon or tuna is your daily source of proteins and B vitamins. As these nutrients fight against inflammation in your body, the fatigue sensation is reduced. 
Bonus tip: In only 20 minutes spent in the kitchen, you can enjoy a salmon dish together with tasty garlic, lemon & spinach.  
 
EGGS 
If you know them as the delicious source of protein, then you’re right! Not only are they packed with protein, but they’re also rich in B vitamins – the perfect combo for a day full of energy. 
Bonus tip: Did you know that there are at least 100 ways to cook an egg? Scrambled, poached, soft or hard boiled, pickled, baked, or in an omelet and the list goes on – so no excuse to not include them in your meals :)


As you have these in your daily meals, go dance, swim or run and have fun! Now you’ll have all the energy you need.
 

Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash

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Sun is up: It’s breakfast time!

Healthiness & tastiness alert: we found out the new trends for a nutritious, delicious and easy to cook breakfast.

Eating a healthy breakfast before starting the day is linked to better focus, increased energy, a higher intake of vitamins and minerals, and even a healthier body weight. Apart from being essential to your well-being, breakfast can also be super fun and easy to prepare. Find below 3 of our favorite breakfast ideas.

No. 1 – Healthy Overnight Oats

This popular meal is cooked in only 5 minutes! To prepare it, you simply add your oats and chia seeds into a bowl, pour some milk on top and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight. 
Bonus Tip: Personalize it by adding strawberries, bananas, blueberries, walnuts, apples or even peanut butter. Your choice.

No. 2 – Fruits & Yogurt Parfait  

Calling out all fruits & granola lovers: this is the perfect breakfast for you! Take the ingredients and play the following game: one layer of yogurt, one of your favorite berries and repeat! At the end, you add some crunchy granola and nuts and your sweet and fresh breakfast is ready.  
Bonus Tip: For extra flavor, you can also add coconut flakes or a dash of honey. 

No. 3 – Avocado & Strawberries Smoothie 

This is your creamy breakfast-friendly blend for a morning portion of calcium and proteins. All you have to do is blending the avocado and strawberries together with 4 tablespoons of yogurt and 200 ml of milk. 
Bonus Tip: Upgrade this recipe by adding a tiny bit of lemon juice and a drop of honey. 
With these quick and delicious recipes, you can consider yourself covered for a healthy breakfast. 


Photo by Brooke Lark, Food Photographer | Jennifer Pallian, amirali mirhashemian, Denis Tuksar for Unsplash

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Healthy Mummy Pizzas (gluten free)

Healthy-fun pizza? YES! We found the best recipe for this one. 

As a main ingredient, spinach improves digestion and sustains eye health. Popeye’s favorite is also your comrade against stress and heart diseases. For this healthy, tasty & gluten-free dish, check out the recipe below. 

Cook time: 30 minutes
Portions: 4 mummy pizzas 

Ingredients:
o    4 tablespoons of tomato sauce
o    300 g of ground chicken
o    5 mozzarella sticks
o    85 g of spinach
o    1 egg
o    1 large tomato
o    4-5 green olives
o    4-5 black olives
o    a pinch of salt & a pinch of pepper
o    olive oil for greasing the surface

How to
Step 1. Preheat oven to 170°C. Use the blender to transform the spinach leaves into a paste-like mixture and transfer it to a bowl.
Step 2. Add the egg, season with salt and pepper, and stir in the ground chicken. Mix to combine all the ingredients. 
Step 3. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper place a springform pan (remove the bottom first leaving only the outer ring). Grease with vegetable oil. You can use an even smaller pan or any similar round shape for the chicken spinach pizza base. Press the chicken and spinach mixture into the mold and even it out so it becomes about 2-3 cm thick.
Step 4. Do the same for the rest of the pizzas. When ready, transfer to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. 
Step 5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, add 1-2 tablespoons of tomato sauce onto each flat circle of the pizza „dough‟. Upgrade them with one more layer of a tomato slice and mozzarella strips. 
Step 6. For melted and slightly golden-brown edges of the cheese, bake for another 10 minutes. Finally, once the pizzas are baked, it’s time to be playful and decorate them with sliced olives to create the eyes. 

Dinner is now served! 
 

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To all veggies lovers out there…

In some parts of the world, October is considered the Vegetarian Awareness Month, so we thought this is the perfect moment to celebrate it and show some appreciation to the vegetarian community. 
If you’re curious to find out more about the vegetarian lifestyle and you’re wondering how veggies can substitute the most important nutrients in meat, below you have some tips. 

Proteins 
The most frequent question: if not meat protein, then what? There is no doubt that meat provides proteins, but so do beans, broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, lentil or chickpeas. Absolutely delicious in a Baba Ganoush dish or simply grilled with cheese and herbs, eggplants are also a source of proteins. 
Curious fact: Did you know that broccoli contains more protein per calorie than steak?
 
Minerals & vitamins 
Truth be told, meat is so much more than protein. It is also rich in B vitamins, zinc or iron, essential nutrients for a better concentration and an agile mind. Always found in salmon or tuna, you can also take these minerals and vitamins from leafy greens, kale, or the strong flavored garlic. 
Curious fact: If you need a sweet touch-up to a salad, you should know that kale becomes sweeter after freezing.
 
Lipids 
Scary as they seem, fats are still important for your body – fat in food serves as an energy source and it helps keep you full longer. To replace these from meat, you might go for products such as avocados, olives, nuts and seeds. 
Curious fact: Avocados are nutritious fruits with about 77% fat (by calories), making them even higher in fat than most animal foods.
 
Either you love the vegetarian lifestyle or you simply want to reduce meat for a little detox, at Stradale Carnivale we take good care of your food choices – each day we prepare special vegetarian menus for a healthy, fresh & delicious lunch!

Photo Credit: Nadine Primeau on Unsplash

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To salt or not to salt?

If you search carefully enough for the right one, you’ll find out that salt is, in fact, essential to life. 
 

 
Did you know that salt helps the brain function, carries nutrients inside our bodies, supports digestion and maintains blood pressure? Then why does salt have such a bad reputation? To solve this mystery, find below the different types of salt and the way they affect (or not) our health. 
 
Refined Salt
Known as Table or Cooking Salt, this one started out as a beneficial ingredient, but unfortunately is heavily processed and thus, has been cleared of its healing minerals and natural nutrients. Table salt is still used widely around the globe. 
The verdict: despite its popularity for home cooked food, refined salt deserves its bad reputation. When consumed too much it can give you headaches, stomach pains and it affects the health of your heart.  
 
Sea Salt 
With a huge texture difference as compared to the traditional table salt, sea salt gives a nice flavor to dishes such as Sea Salt Sweet Potatoes or Tomatoes Soup with Cheese Toasts.
The verdict: sea salt contains important minerals for a healthy body. While sea salt is definitely a better choice than refined table salt, it’s still not the best, because the oceans and seas are becoming increasingly polluted.
 
Celtic Salt
Thanks to its mysterious texture, Celtic Salt will always be moist to touch. Except for this curious fact, Celtic Salt is also the missing ingredient in a morning smoothie as it adjusts its flavor. 
The verdict: Celtic Salt is able to offer numerous health benefits; rich in minerals and vitamins, it’s simply nutritious.   
 
Pink Himalayan Salt 
Pink, exotic and with a strong flavor, Himalayan Salt is a key ingredient when cooking a steak recipe, vegetables, seafood and plenty of other tasteful dishes. 
The verdict: Pink Himalayan salt is even recommended by doctors. Filled with minerals, it helps eliminate the toxins in your body. And guess what? It is also the one we use at Stradale, when cooking our delicious recipes.
 
So, is it safe to use salt? As long as you choose mindfully, the answer is absolutely. In reality, eating too little salt is harmful, as it makes you lack important nutrients that help balance your body functions. Get your salt shakers ready and salt up your life!  
 
Photo by Anastasia Zhenina on Unsplash

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Set your heart on healthiness!

On the 29th of September we celebrate the engine of our bodies through a very special event – World Heart Day. Therefore, it’s the perfect moment to remind ourselves how to take good care of the one that is ticking day and night for us and for our loved ones.

A healthy heart means an overall good health. Embracing a healthy lifestyle improves physical fitness and lowers stress, two essential steps to prevent heart disease. Below are some tips to help you take care of your tiny ticker.

•    Choose colorful veggies. Fresh or frozen, a colorful plate of red peppers, orange carrots and green spinach helps you get the needed vitamins and minerals.
•    Don’t neglect the shape either. The outside look of the veggies matches the inside world of the bodies. Not only does a tomato looks like a heart, but it’s also the one that keeps it strong, treating high blood pressure.
•    Keep your friends close, and the… fats even closer. Healthy fats coming from olive oil, avocado and seeds are safe and nutritious for your heart.
•    Choose strength. Eggs, fish, yogurt and soybeans are a wealthy source of healthy proteins for a fit body and heart.
•    Don’t forget about the whole grains. Brown rice, quinoa and oats are rich in the vitamins that your heart craves.
•    Be creative with your meals. If you have a salmon dish one day, try some grilled Mediterranean veggies in the next one. Variety makes your meals more fun and it gives your body the needed nutrients.


At Stradale Carnivale, we make each day a special occasion to take care of the little drum in your chest. While you follow the above tips at home, we’ll cook delicious and nutritious food in our canteen to win your hearts forever.

Stay greedy for healthy food and make your heart happy!


Photo by Anna Kolosyuk on Unsplash
 

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Celery juice: the miraculous remedy

Popular in soups or salads, celery is now upgraded to being one of the healthiest ingredients thanks to its juice. 

Celery itself is the undiscovered medicine of our age. It’s that vegetable that can be consumed entirely, from roots to leaves. Even so, there is one certain recipe that is considered the secret for a healthier life: the miraculous celery juice. Below you will find all the interesting facts about its story, the benefits and the ways you can enjoy it. 
 
The Man Who Made Celery Juice Famous
Few years ago, the best-selling author Anthony William (also known as the Medical Medium) transformed celery into a superfood and its juice into a wellness elixir. Ever since, hundreds of people from doctors to celebrities and to healthy food lovers shared their happy story and amazing results with the celery juice. 
So, what makes it so special? We would say it’s less about the taste and more about the benefits brought to your body.
 
Green, Fresh and Rich in Benefits 
Filled with antioxidants, celery juice is one of the most profound ways, if not the most profound way, to restore digestive health. Being super rich in vitamin C and minerals, celery juice sustains energy, it balances your mood and it gives you a better mental clarity. 
More than this, its juice is a powerful healing remedy. Full of water and low in sugar, celery juice keeps your skin hydrated, prevents wrinkles and it can even treat acne. It is also known for curing all kinds of illnesses such as migraines and allergies. It also reduces inflammation and the level of stress. 
 
How Can You Enjoy It?
Anthony William suggests that the most effective way of drinking celery juice is on an empty stomach, with no other ingredients mixed in. The quantity? Almost half a liter :)
However, if you want to enjoy it with some other ingredients, you can add the juice of one cucumber and one apple. This is a great option to adjust the flavor of celery in case it is a bit too strong for you. 

Now that the secret is revealed, we believe that celery juice worth a try. After all, joining the healthy, cured and happy group of people sounds like a good plan. Let’s raise our glass of celery juice, cheers!
 
Source: www.celeryjuice.com 
Photo by Jan Sedivy on Unsplash

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The flavors of fall

We’ve spotted 5 famous products that can make your autumn tastier and healthier. 

Eating seasonal (mainly fruits & vegetables) improves your immune system, enhances your digestion and balances your mood (from grumpy or irritated to smiley and calm). More than this, these products have the most intense flavor during their peak season. Fair enough, right?  

From fresh and juicy apples, pears, grapes or plums to the mellow pumpkin, you can find each one of them below with all their benefits and different sugestions about how you can enjoy them. 

Apples. The rocket fuel

An apple a day indeed keeps the doctor away, and this becomes even more valuable during the months of the cold season. Why are they good for you: Apples will always give you a powerful jolt of energy. High in fiber, apples take longer to digest, so they’ll give you a more prolonged lift than many other fruit picks. How you can enjoy them: Fresh, simple or with some cinnamon, cooked in pies, muffins or even in healthy apple chips.  

The Prickly Pears 

Since they are declared as apples’ sisters, you can guess the remarkable benefits that they can provide during the cold season that is about to start. Why are they good for you: Being filled with nutrients, vitamin C and minerals for a powerful immunity, they will also keep your mind sane and agile and your heart healthy. How you can enjoy them: Pears are shockingly tasty in a dish like chicken with pear sauce or desserts such as a compote or cakes. And… did you know that they are delicious in a sweet soup? 

Grapes. The happy grains

The more, the merrier. These little drops of sweetness will always show up together to become the perfect snack and the energy dose that you need between meals. Why are they good for you: White, pink or black, smaller or bigger, grapes are the ones that will keep you hydrated and will help you get rid of all toxins in your body. How you can enjoy them: As such, from a box of fruits salad, or in the carefully prepared muffins and tarts. Also, when roasting them for few minutes, they become the missing piece of any highly nutritious porridge. 

The chubby plums 

Chubby with a good reason, plums are filled with nutrients and delicious juice. Why are they good for you: As they are full of vitamin C and other minerals, the plums are the secret of better memory and higher level of energy. Moreover, eating them dried, plums improve your digestion. How you can enjoy them: These fruits are so popular thanks to their jam or to the sweet and healthy plums cake and cookies. 

The Good Old Friend Pumpkin

Sweet and strongly flavored, pumpkin is one of the autumn’s stars. 
Why is it good for you: Like the carrot, pumpkin is rich in vitamin A and it improves your sight. Besides, it reduces tiredness and keeps any bothering cold away from you. How you can enjoy it: Except for pumpkin pie? As a creamy nutritious soup or in an easy-to-cook dessert such as baked pumpkin with cinnamon. 

During the fall season, at Stradale Carnivale, we include all these delicious veggies and fruits in our daily menus so your child gets each day the best dose of nutrients.  It is one of our values – cooking locally and seasonally – and we love respecting it each and every single day. 


Photos by Ja Ma, Anastasiya Romanova, LuAnn Hunt, Olesia Buyar, Maja Petric, Jasper Benning, Maddy Baker on Unsplash

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How to create an account @Stradale AISB

For enjoying the Stradale lunch and a quick healthy snack from our Mitzu Coffee Shop, your child just needs a dedicated account. Here is how you can create it.

For enjoying the Stradale lunch and a quick healthy snack from our Mitzu Coffee Shops, your child just needs a dedicated account.

Make a deposit.

For Grade 2-Grade 12 Students the necessary minimum deposit is 700 lei.

Make a deposit using the following details
  • - Bank account: RO14BTRLRONCRT0442843205 opened at Banca Transilvania
  • - Company name: OCEANUL INDIAN SRL
  • - CUI RO17572759
  • - Registration no. J40/5807/2010.
  • - Details field – please mention AISB new registrations and your child’s full name.
Send the confirmation

- Once the payment is done, please send the confirmation at manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro with the following information included, in order for us to create or update the account:

MANDATORY
Full name of your child (name and surname): __
Grade: __
Full name of the parent /parent 1: __
Email address: __ (Once your account will reach 50 lei, we will let you know via this email address.)
Phone number: __

OPTIONAL
Full name of the parent /parent 2: __
Email address: __
Phone number: __

-  Once we receive all the above info, within maximum 2 days, the account will be created, and the contract with the invoice will be sent to you for signing. 
-  After you sign it, please send it via email at manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro 
-  You will be able to start using the account, the minute we send you the user name and password.

Looking forward to meeting you again!

Photo by Bermix Studio on Unsplash

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Starting 1st of March, Stradale Cafeteria Reopens for Grade 2 to Grade 5 Students.

As promised, more good news is coming and reopening the Cafeteria for some of our Students is one of them. Please find below all the changes and the steps you need to follow in order for your child to enjoy their delicious lunch.

GRADE 2 TO GRADE 5 STUDENTS

1. Snack Delivered in the classroom

Daily, between 8:30 and 9:30 your child will get their snack delivered in the classroom. You can check it here.

2. Lunch Schedule

Stradale AISB reopens its doors and the children will be able to enjoy their lunch in the cafeteria again. In order to respect the safety measures, they will have different lunch schedules, as follows: • 11:20-11:40 – lunch reserved for Grade 2
• 11:45-12:05 – lunch reserved for Grade 3
• 12:10-12:30 – lunch reserved for Grade 4
• 12:35-12:55 – lunch reserved for Grade 5
• 12:55-14:00 – lunch opened

3. Safety measures

Between each lunch slot, all the tables will be sanitized with a disinfectant, making sure the kids will enjoy their food in the safest environment possible. Also, there will be 2 different lines with specific directions for serving the food and paying at the cashier desk – they area created so the children interact as little as possible. Since any kind of contact is not recommended during these times, with the help of the teachers, we will recognize each kid and mark his/her menu manually – no fingerprint being involved. The entire lunch will be served only in to go boxes, so there will not be extra dishes involved.

4. Menu Options

As you are already used to, the lunch will include 2 different menu options for meat lovers and 2 for vegan ones. Each menu includes a soup, a main dish with a side/salad and a dessert/fruit – price for a full meal 28 lei. Each Friday, the menu for the following week can be found here.

ELC AND GRADE 1 STUDENTS

1. Snack & Lunch delivered in classes

This will remain as it was until now. If your child has an active account, he/she will get the packaged lunch delivered in the classroom. If you want to see the menu, please check it here.

2. New lunch memberships for ELC and GRADE 1
  • 2 months lunch membership – 620 lei
    Includes: lunch for two months
  • Full semester membership – 1,620 lei
    Includes: lunch valid until end of school year

Once you decide, please make a deposit in your account and send the confirmation email to manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro.

UPDATE YOUR EXISTING ACCOUNT

  • If you already have one, you can just start using it. As you already know, we will honor any credit left from last academic year.
  • In case the existing amount is less than 100 lei, please top up your account with the missing amount until 620, 1,620 or 700 lei, depending on your lunch option.

CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT

In order to enjoy the Stradale lunch and a quick healthy snack from our Mitzu Coffee Shops, your child needs a dedicated account.

Make a deposit:
  • For ELC and Grade1 Students:
    2-month lunch membership – 620 lei
    Full semester membership – 1,620 lei
  • For Grade 2-Grade12 Students
    the necessary minimum deposit is 700 lei.
Make a deposit using the following details
  • Bank account: RO14BTRLRONCRT0442843205 opened at Banca Transilvania
  • Company name: OCEANUL INDIAN SRL
  • CUI RO17572759
  • Registration no. J40/5807/2010.
  • Details field – please mention AISB new registrations and your child’s full name.
Send the confirmation.

Once the payment is done, please send the confirmation at manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro with the following information included, in order for us to create or update the account:

Mandatory info
Full name of your child (name and surname): __
Grade: __
Full name of the parent /parent 1: __
Email address: __ (Once your account will reach 50 lei, we will let you know via this email address.)
Phone number: __

Optional info
Full name of the parent /parent 2: __
Email address: __
Phone number: __


- Once we receive all the above information, the account will be created within 2 days maximum, and the contract with the invoice will be sent to you for signing.
- After you sign it, please send it via email at manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro
- You will be able to start using the account, the minute we send you the user name and password.

Enjoy Stradale AISB delicious food!

Foto: twenty9studio.com

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3 Ideas For a Healthy Breakfast

For some of you breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And it is normal to be like that, since this meal can offer you the energy for a very productive day. Here are 3 quick and easy ideas in case you have time to prepare the breakfast at home. If not, at Mitzu Coffee Shop you will always find some goodies.

EGG AND AVOCADO SANDWICH

Ingredients for 2 servings

• 2 eggs
• 1 avocado
• 2 whole wheat bread slices

How to:

Put the slices in the toaster or on the grill for few seconds – just to be a bit crunchy. Prepare the eggs boiled or sunny side up. Spread on each bread slice few avocado slices. Add 1 egg per slice and some fresh pepper and a bit of salt.

RASPBERRY AND OATS BOWL

Ingredients for 2 servings

• 80 g of oats
• 500 ml diary free milk
• 100 g raspberries
• 2 tbs of honey

How to:

Mix the oats, raspberries and honey. The ideal version would be to prepare this bowl a night before and keep the mix in the fridge until the morning. Once you take it out, you add the raspberries and you enjoy it. In case you can’t do the over the night move or you simply forget about it, mix everything (except the fruits) and leave it for 15 minutes – it’s important for the oats to hidrate very well. Afterwards, add the fruits and enjoy the meal.

PINEAAPLE & BANANA SMOOTHIE

Ingredients for 2 servings

• 2 bananas
• 2 pineapple slices
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 1 mango
• 400 ml of water
• ½ teaspoon of curcuma powder
• Fresh pepper

How to:

Cut the fruits in small pieces and put all the ingredients in the blender. Mix for 30-60 seconds until smooth. Enjoy!

YOUR TO-GO BREAKFAST FROM MITZU COFFEE SHOP

For the days when you don’t have time to prepare anything at home for you or for your little ones, at Mitzu Coffee Shop, you will always find lots of goodies – from sandwiches to salads and from fresh juices to different puddings. Mihaela is there for you and she will let you know about the daily options.

Article written in collaboration with Madalin Constantin, Health Coach.

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash/ Photo by Ben Kolde on Unsplash/ Photo by Cleanlight Photo on Unsplash/ Photo by YesMore Content on Unsplash

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Looking forward to meet you again! Your Stradale Lunch Experience – all you need to know

With every dish we prepare and every menu we create, we strive to offer your child the best lunch experience within AISB.

For this new semester we have done some adjustments for the lunch flow, having in mind the existing social context – packed lunch delivered in classes for ELC and Grade 1 and other good news in order to make your child’s lunch experience better and your life easier.

Please find below all the necessary information for all students and all the details related to the new lunch adjustments.


ELC AND GRADE 1 STUDENTS

1. Lunch delivered in classes
Since we are facing lots of adjustments, and also your child needs to adapt, we have prepared the following:
  • Each lunch will be individually packed;
  • From 8th of February until 12th of February the packed lunch will be delivered in classes for all ELC and Grade 1 students, based on the existing active accounts;
  • Until 12th of February, if you want us to continue delivering lunch your child, you will have to make a specific request for the lunch option.
2. New lunch memberships
Until 12th of February please check the status of your Stradale account by email to manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro and decide the lunch options for your child:
  • 2 months lunch membership – 620 lei
    Includes: the lunch during February and March
  • Full semester membership – 1,620 lei
    Includes: the lunch valid until end of school year

Once you decide, please make a deposit in your account and send the confirmation email to manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro.

The menu will be displayed on our site here, each Friday, for the following week. For special diet and allergies, we also have different menus options: gluten free, diary free, vegetarian, etc. Please email your request to manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro.

3. New lunch option packaging
Because we want to make everything even safer for your little ones, starting with this semester we will implement dedicated lunch kits for each kid.

Lunch Kit Price: 50 lei

  • This includes: soup bowl, lunch box for main dish, cotton bag and strong plastic cutlery
  • The kit is reusable and will be valid for one semester
  • After each lunch, all the boxes will be washed at 100°C and kept under UV lamps for a complete sanitization process.

! We have taken this decision in order to create a safer lunch experience and also a more practical moment, taking in consideration all the new restrictions.

In case you will not choose the new Lunch Kit, the lunch will be delivered in the Stradale boxes you’ve already been accustomed to – eco-friendly, 100% recyclable.


GRADE 2 TO GRADE 12 STUDENTS

1. Online Ordering
The system we have implemented during summer will still be available, but with some small adjustments.
  • Please check your account and make sure you have at least 100 lei. If not, please make a deposit of 700 lei.
  • Check the Daily Take Away Lunch Menu here
  • Log in into your account. If you don’t have one, please find below a short guide for creating one.
  • Browse through the menu. Daily there are 4 different menus, with one vegetarian option included and some other extra goodies.
  • Place the order a day before until 8 PM.
  • Next day, please pick up the order from your selected location in the AISB Campus:
  • Elementary Students from Mitzu Coffee Shop (the one at the Main Entrance)
  • Secondary Students from Stradale Pick-Up Point 3 (the one next to the Cafeteria Entrance)
2. New payment option: Snack Token, valid for Grade 11 or 12 Student
Except the payment method you are already use to – via the account – we have added another method, adjusted to this new social context – no touching, less interaction.
  • If your child is a Grade 11 or 12 Student, he/she needs a special Snack Token for making the payments in the Mitzu Coffee Shop next to the Cafeteria.
  • In order to get one, you have to send a request via email to manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro.
  • We will coordinate with the Secondary Administrative Office Team and within 1 day your child will receive the Snack Token in an envelope in the classroom. The token can be handed only to your child, with the contract signed by a parent.
  • For the new registrations please leave the contract at the Secondary Administrative Office.
  • In case of misplacement or lost, the cost for the replacement of the token is 25 lei.

We have created this system adapted to the new social context – no touching, less interaction.


UPDATE YOUR EXISTING ACCOUNT

  • If you already have one, you can just start using it. As you already know, we will honor any credit left from last academic year.
  • In care the existing amount is less than 100 lei, please top up your account with the missing amount until 620, 1620 or 700 lei, depending on your lunch option.

CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT

For enjoying the Stradale lunch and a quick healthy snack from our Mitzu Coffee Shops, your child just needs a dedicated account.
Make a deposit:
  • For ELC and Grade1 Students:
    2-month lunch membership – 620 lei
    Full semester membership – 1,620 lei
  • For Grade 2-Grade12 Students
    the necessary minimum deposit is 700 lei.
Make a deposit using the following details:
  • Bank account: RO14BTRLRONCRT0442843205 opened at Banca Transilvania
  • Company name: OCEANUL INDIAN SRL
  • CUI RO17572759
  • Registration no. J40/5807/2010.
  • Details field – please mention AISB new registrations and your child’s full name.
Send the confirmation.
Once the payment is done, please send the confirmation at manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro with the following information included, in order for us to create or update the account:

Mandatory info
Full name of your child (name and surname): __
Grade: __
Full name of the parent /parent 1: __
Email address: __ (Once your account will reach 50 lei, we will let you know via this email address.)
Phone number: __

Optional info
Full name of the parent /parent 2: __
Email address: __
Phone number: __


- Once we receive all the above info, within maximum 2 days, the account will be created, and the contract with the invoice will be sent to you for signing.
- After you sign it, please send it via email at manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro
- You will be able to start using the account, the minute we send you the user name and password.
- Once we receive all the above info, within maximum 2 days, the account will be created, and the contract with the invoice will be sent to you for signing. 
- After you sign it, please send it via email at manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro 
- You will be able to start using the account, the minute we send you the user name and password.

Enjoy Stradale AISB delicious food!

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Egg-cellent. Unexpected facts and benefits of eggs

We all love them and eat them in many forms and with almost every meal, from savory breakfasts to late night desserts. However, how much do we really know about them, and what makes them so egg-cellent?

Common Misconceptions

1. Brown eggs are more expensive than white ones but not because they are more nutritious or tastier.
Brown eggs are indeed more expensive, interestingly though, the price difference has nothing to do with its quality. Brown eggs are laid by a different breed of hens, that are larger than the ones that lay white ones, thus these hens require more food and hence incur more costs per egg produced even if both hens produce similarly sized eggs.

2. All eggs are hormone free.
There is much speculation around the notion that eggs and hens are filled with hormones, and even many producers promote their eggs as being hormone free, however all eggs are. Since 2006, here in Romania, all livestock is banned from being fed with any kinds of hormones. Thus, all eggs are in fact hormone free, despite the widespread misunderstanding. However, eggs are indeed allowed to be fed various antibiotics which can have an impact on us as well after consumption.

Nutritional Value of Eggs

1. Eggs are the ultimate hunger squasher.
Eggs are very rich in muscle building proteins and in healthy fats – studies show that those who eat eggs for breakfast are more likely to eat less during the day, as they already start the day with a healthy amount of nutrients. Eggs are also very low in calories; one whole egg contains 80 calories and an egg white has just 15.

2. Eggs can be heart healthy.
Eggs have a bad reputation of being high in cholesterol, however the American heart association conducted research and concluded that for a healthy individual, one egg a day (or 7 a week) is perfectly healthy. Furthermore, egg whites contain 0 cholesterol, and can be consumed with unlimited quantities. However, don't neglect egg yolks, they contain more nutrients and the same amount of protein! Also, for those with high cholesterol, take it easy with egg consumption, a maximum of 3 eggs a week is advised.

3. Eggs are a great source of vitamin D.
Vitamin D is most often ‘consumed’ through exposure to sunlight. Besides this, vitamin D is scarcely found in foods besides some fish, dairy products, and eggs. Vitamin D is very beneficial to the immune system and there is among the most neglected in consumption vitamins globally. To ensure you get the most vitamins out of an egg, avoid eating baked good with eggs or omelets and eat them fried or boiled.

Next time you eat eggs for breakfast, in baked goods, or with your meals, keep in mind these interesting facts and enjoy them even more! Don’t forget, daily you can find at our Mitzu Coffee Shop products that contain eggs in different forms – from sandwiches to salads or cakes. But also keep in mind, everything with moderation!

Have an egg-tastic weekend!

Photo: unsplash.com

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Three teas types that are useful in the cold season

Tea is one of the most consumed beverages, especially in cold weather. It is the perfect addition to a cozy relaxing moment, or one to reenergize or to recover from physical effort – depends which type of tea you choose.
In order to make your choice easier, we have chosen the best three teas that you must not miss this cold season. Below you can find the reasons why they are so good for you.

GINGER TEA
You can buy it ready-made or you can make it yourself by cutting up ginger root and boiling it for 10-20 minutes in water.

Why it is so good for you:

  • Stimulates digestion
  • Prevents oral infections
  • Great antioxidant and energizer
  • Good remedy to alleviate symptoms in cold and flus
  • Reduces nausea

CHAMOMILE TEA
Be careful when you buy it in satchels that it is not mixed with other flowers. If you can make it yourself from chamomile flowers, it is even better.

Why it is so good for you:

  • Reduces inflammation
  • Calms digestive problems
  • Improves sleep quality
  • Calms down menstrual pains
  • Useful in skin eruption’s

ECHINACEA TEA
Should not be skipped during stressful times such as exams or when you have demanding projects ongoing.

Why it is so good for you:

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Aids in optimum brain function
  • Reduces anxiety
  • Useful in extreme sports performance
  • Improves digestion

Tips and tricks Avoid adding sugar to your tea. If you do not like it unsweetened, add a bit of honey and lemon juice, to improve the taste of your tea.

Enjoy the tea variety from Mitzu Coffee Shop Daily, at our Mitzu Coffee Shop you will discover different types of tea, perfect for the cold days.

Article made in collaboration with Madalin Constantin; Health Coach Photo: Unsplash

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Stradale is crazy about healthy, nutritious food!

The focus at Stradale for AISB is about healthy, nutritious food, that not only fills you up, but makes you feel better, both short and long term. And this is what we are trying to provide daily for your children.

Healthy food for a healthy body
We understand that, by helping create good eating habits in children and young adults, we create good eating habits in the future adult generations. Especially in challenging and stressful times, it is important to take care of ourselves and maintain our balanced eating habits. This will help us stay healthy both physically and mentally. No matter the changes that occur around us, our Stradale pillars remain the same, namely: fresh and local food, clean eating, live transparent cooking, freshly baked bread and using innovative cooking technology.

Our team is always at your service
Given the new economic context, we have taken extra steps in order to ensure that we deliver the same nutritious food. Chef Foa along with our manager, Octavian, have created a general menu pattern, with the help of our in-house nutritionist. The new menus use more ingredients that help boost our immunity, such as turmeric, garlic, dark chocolate, onion and spinach. Furthermore, they are created that they are just as delicious when served to-go. Following the feedback received, we have also introduced a daily fish option. But as always, we are open to any other suggestions, which you can send to Octavian.

Kind reminder for your lunch! You can order your lunch following these steps:

  • Check the Menu. Log in into your account and place the order a day before until 8 PM.
  • If you don’t have an account, please send an email to manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro and we will get back with all the details.
  • Next day, pick up the lunch from the chosen pick-up points:
    • Elementary Students from Mitzu Coffee Shop (the one at the Main Entrance)
    • Secondary Students from Stradale Pick-Up Point 3 (the one next to the Cafeteria Entrance)

Photo credit: Eszter Orban, Mircea Achim

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Celebrate this Halloween with healthier sweets

This Halloween, don’t worry about the sugar intake, as sweets and candy are the favourite treat to receive. Chef Foa has prepared for you a super simple and healthy muffin recipe, that you can make along with your children and decorate it as spooky as you‘d like. Check it out below.

Cocoa Muffins with Pumpkin Filling

Ingredients:
- 150 gr almond flour
- 50 gr cocoa powder
- 150 gr maple syrup
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

Optional add-ons:
- baked pumpkin (butternut squash)
- walnuts
- dried apples
- anything else that you family would enjoy :)

Method:
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees C, or about 370 Fahrenheit. In a big bowl, start mixing the almond flour, cocoa powder and maple syrup together until well combined. Then add the rest of the ingredients and mix them until you get a fine batter. Pour the batter in a prepared muffin tin and add a chunk of baked pumpkin in the middle for a spooky surprise element. Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, until the cake tester comes out clean.

What’s in for you and your loved ones:
This recipe is not only sugar and gluten free, it also contains pumpkin, that is in season and incredibly high in vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. By consuming pumpkin on a regular basis, you are likely to boost your immunity, improve your vision and aid your digestion, due to its high fibre content. Photo: Nick Fewings for unsplash.com & Chef Foa

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The top 3 ingredients for a healthy life

Eating healthy is one of the important things you can do for your health. But if the other things are not in place, just eating healthy will not be enough. Our bodies need a mix of everything for a great mood – food, sleep, fresh air and vitamin D. As we always talk about food, this time we want to remind you about the other important habits in our lives. So, find our how these extra elements will help you feel good from the inside and out.

Sleep is always no. 1
Without adequate rest, our nervous system will not have enough resources to work at full capacity. What does this mean? It could mean memory loss, both short and long term, difficulty concentrating, a diminished capacity to learn new things, increased risk in obesity and nervous system problems. Try to have about 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. 1-2 hours before going to bed, enjoy a calming tea, turn of the blue light sources (TV, laptop, phone) and read a book by candlelight. You will see the results in no time.

Fresh air is always good
Without fresh air and correct breathing, our body will not be oxygenated correctly. The consequences can include respiratory problems, circulatory problems, cold feet and hands, a weakened nervous and immune system. Try to enjoy a breathing session in the morning with the window wide open or every time you can’t focus good enough.

The mighty sun
The sun sustains life on the planet in ways that researchers are only starting to understand. What we know so far is that it dictates our circadian rhythm, it ensures adequate vitamin D levels and an optimal functioning of the body cells that produce energy. A lack of sun exposure affects us both mentally and physically. A constant sun exposure (excluding midday in the hot season) can aid us perform better in every aspect of our everyday life.

Article made in collaboration with Madalin Constantin, Health Coach, Photo Unsplash

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Put the healthiest fruits & vegetables in your place

What does healthiest mean? How you can choose the fruits to be like this? And why are they good for your body? Find out below.

When talking about your meal plan you should take in consideration 2 atributes – seasonal & local. This is the guarantee you make the best decisions for your body. Eating properly and clean means more energy, better concentration and overall better mood.

Choose seasonal

Each time of the year brings specific products rich in nutrients and vitamins, so choosing wisely from your grocery is the safe move if you want a healthy body. In the summer we consume less calories, considering the high outside temperature. It is also advisable to consume lighter, fresher foods that do not take a long time to digest. These are exactly the foods that are naturally in season. Include in your diet salads, vegetables (either raw, baked or steamed), fruit in moderation, dairy and lean meats from the best sources, whole wheat cereal and healthy fats (such as fish, olive oil, seeds & nuts). In the winter, we tend to deposit more fat, so that the body can naturally protect itself against the low temperatures. Therefore, we can be more relaxed to consume high calorie foods, like meat and nuts & seeds. Furthermore, it is ideal to include fermented foods in our diet, such as sauerkraut or pickled vegetables, for their natural probiotics. These will aid our digestive system and improve our immunity, since over 70% of our immune system is in our digestive tract.

Choose local

Good for you and for the environment. This is the best way to ensure the freshest produce, for which the least resources have been used, such as transport. It might seem like a minor aspect, but if more and more people contribute by choosing a majority of local produce, the impact on the wellbeing of our planet can be major.

Enjoy your healthy lunch from Stradale AISB

Using seasonal and local ingredients is one of our core values. So everytime you will enjoy a Stradale menu, you will also get the daily health dose. You can order your lunch following these steps:

  1. Check the Menu on our website. Log in into your account and place the order a day before until 8 PM.
  2. If you don’t have an account, please send an email to manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro and we will get back with all the details.
  3. Next day, pick up the lunch from the chosen pick-up points:
  • Elementary Students from Mitzu Coffee Shop (the one at the Main Entrance)
  • Secondary Students from Stradale Pick-Up Point 3 (the one next to the Cafeteria Entrance)

Article made in collaboration with Madalin Constantin, Health Coach; Photo Credit: Isabella and Louisa Fischer on Unsplash

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Stradale Sweet Tooth, Our Dessert Varieties and How We Make Them

While our focus at Stradale for AISB is largely around nutritious food and healthy eating, we don't forget the students & teachers’ sweet teeth. Furthermore, we apply the same healthy principles to our sweets that we apply to our snacks and other savory dishes.

Made Fresh Daily

Like the rest of our food, all of our sweets are produced in house (at Stradale AISB), fresh, daily, and have no additives or conservatives. Our pâtissier Nico prepares all of the creams and doughs herself, and bakes early in the morning, so you can enjoy a delicious treat during the day. And since we know how important is to have a balanced diet, we always try to add seasonal fruits for our desserts, so during fall we will surprise you with apples, pears, plumps, grapes and many more.

Options for everybody

Our variety of sweets is large, and has in mind all age groups and diets. While we produce deliciously desserts such as eclairs and panna cotta, we always have seasonal fruits readily available as a post meal treat. And we also prepare healthy options such as our granola, honey, and yogurt jars readily available. Furthermore, we don’t forget the parents and teachers here at AISB, creating other desserts such as our decadent fruit tarts and rich chocolate brownies produced specially for them.

Prepacked and ready for you to order!

You can enjoy our desserts from the Mitzu Coffee Shop next to the cafeteria or by ordering your lunch.
- You can buy them from Mitzu Coffee Shop only if you are a Grade 11 or 12 Student. More info about how to get one you can find here.
- You can order your lunch following these steps:

  • Check the Menu on our website. Log in into your account and place the order a day before until 8 PM.
  • If you don’t have an account, please send an email to manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro and we will get back with all the details.
  • Next day, pick up the lunch from the chosen pick-up points:
    • Elementary Students from Mitzu Coffee Shop (the one at the Main Entrance)
    • Secondary Students from Stradale Pick-Up Point 3 (the one next to the Cafeteria Entrance)

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All about our fresh bread baked in the morning

Part of the Stradale philosophy and goal, is for all of our produce to be freshly made in house, from scratch. This includes everything from our desserts, foods, and baked products. This is done in order for us to have complete control over our produce and to ensure the healthiest possible meals for the students. We have always been particularly proud of our bread and bread-based products.

How we do it

Every morning at 5AM Mihai, our baker at Stradale AISB for many years now, arrives first in the kitchen and starts shaping the dough that was prepared the previous day and kept in our special fridges overnight. After he molds them into various shapes and sizes, he then lines them up and arranges them in our baking trays and bakes them in our professional baking ovens. Our bread contains only flour, water, yeast, salt, and sometimes olive oil, nothing else, no additives whatsoever.

What we do

We prepare a very large variety of bread and bread-based products. From buns with various seeds to eat with your lunch, to flatbread and bagels for the sandwiches, and even sometimes focaccia on special days, we never stop adding new baked products. Furthermore, our pizza and calzone is also made in house from the dough up daily.


Don’t forget to order the lunch online!
With just few clicks you can fix your child’s lunch. Check the Menu. Log in into your account and place the order a day before until 8 PM. If you don’t have an account, please send an email to manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro and we will get back with all the details. Next day, pick up the lunch from the chosen pick-up points:

  • Elementary Students from Mitzu Coffee Shop (the one at the Main Entrance)
  • Secondary Students from Stradale Pick-Up Point 3 (the one next to the Cafeteria Entrance)

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Peachy August, a savory and simple peach, grilled chicken & bulgur salad recipe

August is the national peach month here in Romania, and now they are perfectly ripe for the picking. Besides their delightful flavor, peaches are also a very beneficial addition to your diet. 

Health Benefits 

Peaches are very rich in fibers, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain many antioxidants, which can aid in protecting your body from aging and disease. Peaches also have a high percentage of insoluble fibers which helps with digestion and can prevent constipation. 

Choosing Your Peach

It is also important to choose your peaches wisely! Look out for peaches that smell sweet and are firm yet give in very slightly when pressing on their skin. Also make sure to avoid bruised or browned peaches! 


Peachy Chicken and Bulgur Salad 

While peaches are traditionally associated with baked foods and desserts, their natural flavor and sweetness makes them shine in healthy and savory dishes as well. We suggest a simple grilled chicken and bulgur salad, with a peachy twist. 

Ingredients:

- 300ml water
- 150g bulgur
- 450g chicken breast cutlets
- 80g arugula
- 300g cherry tomatoes halved
- 400g sliced peaches
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 
- salt & pepper 

Bring the water with the bulgur to boil then reduce to simmer and leave for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse the bulgur under cold water and let dry on paper towels. Meanwhile heat up a grill pan coated with some cooking oil over high heat. Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt & pepper then grill turning occasionally until done, or for about 7-8 minutes. Remove the breasts and let them rest on a cutting board for a couple minutes, then slice in strips and place aside. 

Place the bulgur, arugula, cherry tomatoes, and peaches inside a large bowl. Add the olive oil and vinegar, some salt, and then toss well to mix the salad. Divide the salad among 4 plates and serve with the grilled chicken on top. 

Enjoy! And have a peachy august :) 

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Get your Summer vitamins!

Yeah, we know: everyone’s telling you about the miracles of vitamin D, especially during Summer, the season of sun exposure and trips to the beach. But a body in full growth needs more than a single letter in the alphabet of nutrients: it also needs the A, B, C, E, K.

Summer fruits are awesome sources for these vitamins and you can find plenty of them in the markets and supermarkets. 

Every bite on these fruits is a burst of joy, but let’s see what each of them can do for our health:

Cherries and sour cherries – you can buy them at the market as far as mid-July, and they are great for your body’s defense mechanisms (parents would say these fruits help with immunity). Shortly, they keep you healthy and strong – due to their iron and calcium content.

You will also sleep better if you consume cherries and sour cherries regularly, due to them containing natural melatonin. 

Mulberries – you can enjoy them until early August, a true proof of longevity among Summer fruits. They bring significant quantities of vitamins C, K, E, B, and lutein – a very useful substance for eye health. All these vitamins support your body (muscles, skin, bones, tissues, organs) to adapt properly to the accelerated growth process it is going through.

Berries – they are available throughout the Summer; buy them as fresh as possible for their full pack of benefits: they are an excellent snack for people with diabetes, they take care of heart health and keep your mind sharp and focused. 

Apricots – also called “the nutritional heavyweight” among fruits, they protect your vision against degrading and your skin against sun and pollution damage. Apricots also strengthen your bones with calcium and support heart function with potassium. And this will help you a great deal in playing sports as intense as you please. 

With Summer fruits in your diet, your tummy will also be happy, working properly with all that fiber. And a smooth digestion always translates into a good mood. So, add some color to your shopping list with these Summer wonders!

Photo by Sophie Vinetlouis on Unsplash

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Only benefits in cooking with kids!

Cooking with kids may need some extra time to organize everything or extra energy and patience to handle anything in the kitchen, but boy, does it bring a lot of benefits to the little helpers’ development!
You can start with simple recipes, like salads, fried eggs, and pancakes to introduce the child to the cooking universe. The more familiarized the children are with the ingredients, the crockery, the hot surfaces, the sharp utensils the lesser the risk of anything going wrong in the process.


So set your mind to doing this because you are about to endow your kids with an unbelievably valuable pack of skills they can use for the rest of their lives: 
Children develop fine motor skills by handling things with care around the kitchen: by holding and not squeezing, by patting and not hitting, by pouring without spilling and so on.
Children enrich their vocabulary only by getting to know the ingredients while using them: fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs, types of meat and flour, pasta, oils and so on, by using the tools needed for cooking and by speaking the terms of the cooking language.
They become functional readers and practice some math, too, while learning to cook by written recipes, following directions, and measuring ingredients. This will also enhance their attention span, develop their attention for details and the interest of pursuing an action to its outcome. That is: to finish something they started. 


They get keen on good nutrition, growing up with the idea that a good meal is a cooked one, not a semi-processed one thrown in the shopping cart at the supermarket and heated in the microwave oven at home. It is very important for children to form a positive experience with produce and fresh food since early years because this is the foundation for the nutrition choices they will make later in life.
And maybe the most important thing of all: cooking with kids means family time, spending quality time together, connecting with the little ones and creating more wonderful childhood memories.

 
Foto Credit: Tanaphong Toochinda, Unsplash.

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Eating seasonal and local produce improves your health and the Earth’s as well

Modern times have transformed our eating habits so much that one can barely discover any similarities between food consumption nowadays and the way our grandparents organized and integrated food in their lives. We grew up to a reality where supermarkets are full of tomatoes and berries all year round, where you can squeeze oranges for juice in the summer and have a green salad as a side dish in the winter.

But this is not the way our grandparents ate back in the day. Their plates were mainly restricted to the season’s crops; thus, the entire food consumption process was based on the nature’s cyclicity and good energy. Their diet was influenced by the regional climate and the human body complied to this and not only did it survive, but it thrived through the centuries.

So, there’s no wonder that more and more voices – especially among specialists in health and nutrition – have been lobbying for the seasonal eating method: its benefits for human health, as well as for our planet’s health are indisputable

Eating seasonal is more nutritious because fruits and vegetables are picked at exactly the right time for consumption when the nutrients have fully developed in their flesh. Early picking in view of shipping them overseas, for instance, stops nutrient development and deprives the consumer of a good bite of vitamins and minerals.

Eating seasonal is healthier due to the lower intake of chemicals such as pesticides and preservatives. These substances are used for crops meant to survive shipping on long distances and most of them end up in our bodies, generating health problems.

Eating seasonal meets the body’s nutritional needs. This is linked to the cyclicity of nature for thousands of years and the population adapting to the range of fruit, vegetables, grains and nuts each season brings. For instance, the body needs more vitamin C in the winter, so the citrus comes to the rescue. When the sun gets stronger in early Summer, we can protect our skin with the beta-carotenes in apricots, carrots, red and yellow peppers, and romaine lettuce.

Seasonal produce has more flavor because they are allowed to grow at their own pace, without the haste imposed by commercial reasons. Also, chilling the crops to prevent spoiling during transportation takes away some of their flavor.

Eating seasonal and local is more environmentally friendly by reducing pollution with transportation, refrigeration and chemical treatments applied to fruits and vegetables to prevent altering.

And last but not least, choosing seasonal fruits and vegetables at the local traditional markets instead of supermarkets means supporting the local producers and economy.
 
Using seasonal ingredients is one of Stradale’s values. Our entire food is cooked having this in mind, so you will always find in our menu delicious products based on fresh ingredients.

Credit Foto: Markus Spiske; unsplash.com
 

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Everybody loves pizza! The Stradale Recipe

At Stradale Carnivale, we like to collect smiles, and when Pizza Day comes along, we see the widest smiles of them all. Who doesn't like a pizza made with soul and imagination?

The different types of pizza and crust out there are endless, from thick & puffy crusts to thin crispy ones and from a plain old margherita to Hawaiian pizza with pineapple and ham, pizza seems to be all about creativity and style. 

Because it is one of our favorite foods to make at AISB, and we love our recipe, we decided to share it with you here. 

Pizza Dough:
•    1 kg flour 
•    650 ml warm water
•    50 g fresh yeast
•    2 teaspoons of salt
•    2 spoons of extra virgin olive oil 

Start by mixing the warm water with the yeast in a water glass until they combine perfectly. In a large mixing bowl, pour the flour and mix with the salt, then sprinkle the virgin olive oil on top. Make a small hole in the flour mix, then pour over the glass of water with yeast. Now combine and mix in well until the dough is made. Add some more flour if you find the mix too runny. Split the dough in 8 separate bits, and leave covered to rest for 2 hours. After that roll each dough flat, and then pinch or roll over the edges to create a crust. Now drizzle a little olive oil and add your favorite tomato paste, oregano if its to your taste, mozzarella, and any other toppings you fancy. Remember, get creative! 

Finally bake at 250 degrees Celsius for about 8 minutes and serve. Enjoy!

NEW! 
You can enjoy our pizza @Stradale Expo Park or @Flavours in The Garden. Just drop by. Our ovens are on already. 
If not, we can bring it to your door via @Tazz by eMAG. Install the app and look for Stradale. 

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3 Simple Foods to Keep Your Heart Healthy for Valentines

Its February, the month of love, and valentines day is just around the corner now. In this time of the year, it is more important than ever to keep your heart healthy and running well. It is pivotal, in order to avoid complications later on in life, to start taking good care and maintaining your heart from a young age. The two most important things for your heart’s health is an active lifestyle to straighten its muscles and proper nutrition to boost blood-flow and prevent extra stress on it. 

Thus, for this Valentines, Stradale offers you some very simple foods that can have a very significant impact on your heart’s well-being. 


Salmon – and other fatty fish such as mackerel and sardines are some of the best foods for the heart. Fatty fish contains high levels of omega 3 fatty acids and a direct correlation between the consumption of Omega 3 and a lower risk of irregular heart beating and a lower risk of blockage in the arteries. Salmon is a very versatile and easy to use ingredient. 

A simple recipe is salmon ceviche. Simply chop some salmon, cilantro, and onion, then mix in a bowl and add loads of lime juice to cook the meat. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and optionally some hot chili. 

Blueberries – as well as other berries such as strawberries, are rich in antioxidants that help decrease the blood pressure and dilate blood vessels. A fun fact is that it is actually the antioxidants or anthocyanins that give berries their red and blue colors. 

For a simple breakfast blueberry recipe simply mix some Greek yogurt with blueberries, bananas, a seed mix, and some honey to sweeten it all up. 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – is a great source of mono-saturated fats, which have been found to be able to reduce both your cholesterol and your blood sugar levels. Furthermore the Mediterranean diet, which consists of at least 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil a day, has been found to reduce in a study the risks of heart attacks and failure by 30%. 

Our recommendation: Use extra virgin olive oil in your salads for extra taste and replace all other cooking oil with it for a healthier alternative.
 

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4 healthy smoothies to brighten up your mornings

If happiness could be contained in a cup – it would definitely be a smoothie. Fruits and vegetables can work magic for you body and can also taste great together if combined in the right ways. Besides the health benefits revolving around the bettering of your immune system and providing crucial vitamins, smoothies also greatly boost you energy and make you happier purely from their deliciousness. 
    
Stradale recommends you the following 4 easy smoothie recipes to drink in the morning as a treat or as a healthy and nutritious alternative for breakfast. 

1.    Vitamin C Booster
•    1/2 orange peeled and de-segmented
•    2 regular carrots washed and peeled and chopped
•    1 cup water
•    1 apple cored and chopped

2.    Mango and Turmeric Energy
•    1 cup almond milk
•    1 large ripe banana
•    1 large orange 
•    1/2 in peeled fresh turmeric or 1/2 tablespoon turmeric powder
•    1 cup mango chunks

3.    Magic Immunity Booster
•    4 cups greens (we recommend spinach & kale) 
•    1/2 cn pineapple chunks and juice
•    1 orange, peeled
•    1 kiwi, peeled
•    2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
•    1 cup plain greek yogurt
•    1 cup mixed berries
•    1/2  - 1 cup water, if needed to blend

4.    ColdBuster 
•    300 ml. orange juice
•    120 ml. Peach greek yogurt
•    1 cup strawberries
•    1 cup peaches
•    1/2 cup pineapple chunks

Each of the 4 smoothies serve some different purposes; one offers a vitamin C shot, one an energy boost, one makes your immune system stronger, and one is devised to keep you safe from colds. Whichever choice you make, what they all have in common at their core, is that they will ensure you start you day on a brighter and healthier side.

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How to register your child at the AISB Cafeteria

1. Sign the contract with the Cafeteria asigned staff during the first week of school.

2. After signing the contract, a deposit is required according to the following meal plans:

For all students from EC3 to Grade 12, the first deposit is 500 Ron. The required amount can be paid with cash or by Credit /Debit Card and an invoice will be provided.

3. Please ask the Cafeteria Manager to provide you with a personal username and password. With these details you will be able to create and log into your Cafeteria account and you can follow what your child eats, how much does he/she spends and also recharge the account.

How to make a payment at the AISB Cafeteria

1. Log into your account.

2. Press the “Make A Payment” button.

3. On the “Payment” screen, you will be allowed to choose a default amount, or you will be able to enter a specific amount between 10 and 5.000 lei.

4. Press the “Continue” button to be redirected to a secured connection in the e-payment portal.

5. You will be asked for your credit card details - please enter them.  Then please press the “Authorize” button in order to make the payment.

6. If all information is valid, you will be redirected back to the aisb.flavours.ro portal, and the payment status will be shown on the screen.

7. You will be able to see the new payment in the “Payment History” section, of your account.

8. You will receive a payment confirmation one (1) working day from its authorization.

9. You will be informed regarding status of payment, regardless if the transaction was validated or not.

10. For further information please contact us at: manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro

If you pay by credit card, the transaction will be registered in your bank account statement, as flavours.ro

Purchased product/service name is: "catering services a la carte".

The payment will be made in conditions of maximum security through the e-payment service – Online Payments. The cards accepted for online payments, are Visa / Visa Electron and MasterCard / Maestro. No extra fees will be charged for the transactions. You will receive a payment confirmation one (1) working day from its authorization.

The payment can also be made to our bank account: RO73INGB0000999906787948 opened at ING Bank, on the name of OCEANUL INDIAN SRL, CUI RO17572759, registration no. J40/5807/2010, or daily in Cafeteria cash/card between 8:00 AM -11:00 AM.

The full or a partial amount of your payment can be refunded only if it wasn't used to pay for a recently issued invoice. In order to cancel or reimburse a full or partial payment, please contact the Cafeteria Manager at: manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro

You can also find the payment guidance by clicking on the Account section, after logging in with your username and password.

Thank you,
Cafeteria Manager

manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro
Tel: 0723 657 809

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Message from Chef Foa, our Executive Chef

I am very much looking forward to our first year at AISB. Since the very beginning, at Flavours, our mission has been to transform the way food is experienced, starting with its presentation, the quality and diversity of ingredients used, the unique combinations and the final taste. At AISB, we are also transforming the school lunches, with healthy students in mind.

The menus at AISB will be nutritiously balanced, seasonal - where possible, vibrant in colour and, at the same time, full of exciting flavours that we are eager for the students to discover.

This project is a challenge that I was waiting for, it is a huge opportunity to create a healthier and a happier future by improving eating habits today.

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24th of May brings us together at lunchtime! All you need to know about the new adjustments for Grade 6 to Grade 11 Lunch

After a long wait, we are now able to meet for lunch again. Taking in consideration the current context, together with AISB, we have put in place some procedures in order for you to enjoy lunch in the safest way possible.

Please read all the information below, for Grade 6 to 11 students only. For all the rest, nothing changes for now. If there are any other questions unanswered, feel free to send us an email to manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro. 

In order to make everything easier for you, we have stopped online orders. So, just drop by the cafeteria during your specific interval, choose your favorite menu and the payment will be done on spot. Also, each Friday afternoon the menu for the following week will be posted via aisb.flavours.ro, so you can check it online.

Daily, you will have 4 menus to choose from: Red Meat Menu, White Meat Menu, Fish Menu and Vegetarian Menu. Each menu contains a soup, a main with a side or salad, and a desert or a fruit. Before entering the Cafeteria, you will find a board with the menu available for that day. Please make the decision there, so after you enter the Cafeteria, you can follow the dedicated menu line. The specific hours for your lunchtime, will be communicated in the following days via AISB.

Once entering the cafeteria, please follow the line for the chosen menu – on the right for Menu 1 and Menu 2, on the left for Menu 3 and Menu 4. When you are at the cashier desk, please mention your name loud and clear so we can check your account, in order to purchase the payment. 

After taking your lunch box, just follow the signs that will direct you to the lunch area dedicated for your grade.

All Grade 11 will follow the same procedure as above, with one exception; you will pick up your lunch from Mitzu Coffee Shop, next to the Cafeteria and you can enjoy it on the dedicated terrace.

For enjoying the Stradale lunch and a quick healthy snack from our Mitzu Coffee Shops, your child just needs a dedicated account.

Make a deposit. For Grade 2-Grade 12 Students the necessary minimum deposit is 700 lei.

Make a deposit using the following details:

  • - Bank account: RO14BTRLRONCRT0442843205 opened at Banca Transilvania
  • - Company name: OCEANUL INDIAN SRL
  • - CUI RO17572759
  • - Registration no. J40/5807/2010.
  • - Details field – please mention AISB new registrations and your child’s full name.
Send the confirmation.

Once the payment is done, please send the confirmation at manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro with the following information included, in order for us to create or update the account:

MANDATORY
Full name of your child (name and surname): __
Grade: __
Full name of the parent /parent 1: __
Email address: __ (Once your account will reach 50 lei, we will let you know via this email address.)
Phone number: __

OPTIONAL
Full name of the parent /parent 2: __
Email address: __
Phone number: __

-  Once we receive all the above info, within maximum 2 days, the account will be created, and the contract with the invoice will be sent to you for signing. 
-  After you sign it, please send it via email at manager.stradaleaisb@flavours.ro 
-  You will be able to start using the account, the minute we send you the user name and password.

Looking forward to meeting you again!

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