Having grown up cooking alongside their mom in Chicago, it's no wonder, really, that Dalo De La Paz and his two older brothers all became chefs.  Dalo says he knew by the time he was fourteen that he had found his calling. 

Entering cooking school right after high school graduation, he spent the next eight years working in some of the best Italian restaurants Chicago had to offer.  It was during those years that he honed his skills in hors d'Oeuvres and savories.  When he got the opportunity to move to Hawaii, he found work at the renowned Four Seasons Hotel, and it was there that he first became intrigued with the world of pastries.  Dalo went on to work for the Four Seasons in a total of five locations:  Maui, Kona, Las Vegas, Puerta Vallarta and Washington, D.C.

Now Dalo is the proud owner of Sweet and Savory Pastries in Herndon, Virginia.  Aided by  baker Gloria Quivos, who he spirited from another bakery where they had previously worked together,  Dalo has created a pastry shop that is truly something special.  Here you'll find eight staple desserts every day and seven new ones that rotate every three days or so, so there is always something new to try.  You won't want to stay away too long and miss the latest creation!   On weekends, Sweet and Savory Pastries features fresh baked breads, breadsticks and crackers.

Many of Dalo's recipes are more European in nature - less sugary than American versions, and with unique flavor pairings such as chocolate and ginger.  He also has the culinary training to adapt recipes for special dietary needs.  If you need, for example, a flourless, sugarless, or eggless version of your favorite dessert, Dalo will gladly make it for you.  He also will do his best to accommodate "last minute" requests.  Just realized you need a special dessert for your dinner party tonight?  Give Dalo an hour or so and he'll have it ready for you.

Dalo's Wife, Caroline, has decorated Sweet and Savory Pastries in an eclectic, European style:  clean, simple, and elegant.  In addition to the requisite tables and chairs, there is a comfy sofa where you can sit, hang out, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with your dessert.  The shop also offers free Wi-Fi.   So stop in, sample something sweet or something savory, choose a delectable pastry

and a cup of coffee and settle down on the sofa.   Let Dalo tell you about the other offerings while you enjoy your selection.  After all, there's no limit at Sweet and Savory Pastries!

November’s Sin of the Month:

Autumn’s harvest of fresh apples and pears has inspired this month’s most sinfully delicious selections from Sweet and Savory Pastries in Herndon, Virginia.  

First, we have a Chocolate Calvados Opera Cake.  This multi-tiered almond cake features apple brandy-flavored ganache and is iced between each and every layer with a calvados-flavored buttercream frosting.  The chocolate provides sweet richness, yet the apple keeps it light.  It’s pure pleasure, without the guilt!

The second “sin” is a Caramel Casis with Roasted Bosc Pears and Streusel Topping.  A sugar dough shell with caramelized casis surrounds pears that are dusted with cinnamon sugar and baked in frazipan.  A streusel crunch topping completes this mouthwatering concoction.

And, as a special treat because you’ve been so good all month, we’re including a “to die for” hazelnut truffle.  This is the nutty flavor you’ve come to love, made with incredibly smooth chocolate.  We don’t think you should share your truffle with anyone.

Whether your pleasure is chocolate or cinnamon, there is something for every palate this month.  Enjoy the flavors of the season wrapped up in a cloak of sinfully delicious chocolate or baked with tangy sweet cinnamon! 

Special Offer:

During the month of December 2007, present this coupon at Sweet and Savory Pastries for a free cup of coffee or tea with the purchase of any dessert.  Limit one per customer.

SWEET AND SAVORY PASTRIES

2451 Centreville Rd.

Herndon, VA  20171

703-793-2787

Mon-Sat: 8am - 8pm

Sunday:  8am - 1pm