Things To Do in Washington, D.C. This Fall

As September approaches and the heat of summer gives way to the crisp fall air, Washington, D.C., comes alive with fall colors and outdoor activities. Whether you’re a local looking for something new or a visitor exploring the city, there is never a shortage of things to do. This fall, here is a guide to some must-do activities in Washington, D.C.

Visit the Smithsonian National Zoo 

The Smithsonian National Zoo is a great destination any time of the year, but it’s delightful in the fall when the weather is a bit cooler and the crowds are a bit smaller. Explore the various exhibits, including the most popular, the Giant Pandas, and don’t miss the annual Halloween event Boo at the Zoo, featuring some fun activities for kids. 

Experience the U.S. Botanic Garden 

The U.S. Botanic Garden is an incredible place to visit year-round, but the fall offers a unique experience. The outdoor gardens showcase a variety of seasonal plants and flowers, while the indoor conservatory offers a tropical escape. The garden hosts special fall exhibits and events, perfect for a peaceful and educational experience.

Visit the National Mall at Sunset 

The National Mall is a must-see attraction when visiting D.C. It takes on a unique charm in the fall, which gets even better at sunset. The cool temperatures make it ideal for an evening stroll, and the warm hues of the setting sun provide a beautiful contrast to the monuments—and a perfect photo opportunity! Whether you visit the Lincoln Memorial or the Reflecting Pool, this experience cannot be missed. 

Admire Fall Foliage

A popular fall activity in most places, Washington, D.C., is also known for its stunning foliage. There are plenty of places throughout the city to take in the vibrant colors as the trees turn. Rock Creek Park has miles of trails perfect for hiking or hiking while enjoying the autumn scenery. For a more relaxing experience, stroll around the Tidal Basin, where you’ll have a picturesque backdrop to the city’s iconic monuments. 

Get Greek Cuisine at Greco Truly Greek 

Greco Truly Greek is a popular Greek restaurant in Washington, D.C. in both Georgetown and Union Market – serving authentic Greek cuisine and various traditional dishes. Their menu features classic Greek comfort foods, from savory souvlaki and gyro to loukoumades to finish your meal. Greco Truly Greek in Union Market and Georgetown is an excellent spot for anyone craving authentic Greek cuisine — offering a delightful taste of Greece right here in D.C.

Benefits of Getting Food Catered

Planning food for a group of people, regardless of scale, can take time and effort. However, opting for catered food can significantly alleviate this stress. Greco Truly Greek offers diverse Greek food options, making it a perfect fit for a team lunch, corporate event, or special gathering. 

If you need clarification on whether catering suits your event, the answer is a resounding YES. But if you need more convincing, here are some compelling reasons to consider. 

Benefits of Catered Food 

Getting the food catered for your event can be a huge relief. Here are some reasons why we think getting food catered for your event can be beneficial: 

1. Saves Time: This is probably the most apparent reason—and most important—why getting food catered for your event is helpful. Rather than buying ingredients, cooking, etc., this gives you time to do more important things. 
2. Food Quality: Rather than cooking the food yourself and worrying about how people will like it and what they think, getting food catered can relieve that stress. We provide high-quality food at a reasonable price. 
3. Food Safety: In addition to ensuring the food tastes good, catered food will also ensure that it has been prepared and served following safety precautions.
4. Planning: Getting the food catered for your event saves you the trouble of planning the menu yourself. At Greco, we have various catered options, and our team can help you decide which is best for you. 

Catered Food Through Greco Truly Greek

Greco is a fast-casual restaurant in Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., serving authentic Greek food for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. We bring you Greek food the TRULY GREEK way. Here are some options for your next gathering, event, party, or holiday. 

Individualized Catered Options: 

We provide customizable pitas, plates, and salads for groups. Choose a pita stuffed with protein, onion, tomatoes, and hand-cut potatoes. Choose a plate with protein and sauce, with Greco fries, zucchini chips, lemon pilaf, bean salad, or Greek slaw. Lastly, choose any one of our salads topped with protein and sauce. 

Shareable Catered Options: 

If you’d prefer a shareable option, we provide buffet-style catering trays with pita bread for larger groups. Our “Greek Mother Approved” plater comes with your choice of two proteins and two sauces. The “Big Greek Feast” comes with three proteins and three sauces. Our “Feast of the Gods” comes with two proteins and two sauces, served with horiatiki salad and fries. 

We also offer souvlaki catered options with chicken or pork, salads like our Greek caesar or horiatiki, and sweet treats like our loukoumades and baklava. Please view our full catering menu to see our additional options and sides. 

The Flavors of Greek Cuisine

You’re surely missing out if you’ve never enjoyed trying Greek cuisine. From savory dishes such as spanakopita and moussaka to creamy tzatziki and saganaki to the sweetness of baklava, there is undoubtedly something on our menu to tantalize your tastebuds. 

But if you genuinely want to experience the finest in Greek cuisine, you need to understand its rich history and what goes into its unique flavor profiles.

The History of Greek Culinary Delights

Ancient Greek cuisine was characterized by its simplicity and frugality. It was founded on the Mediterranean wheat, olive oil, and wine triad. Among these, olive oil has always held a central role, not only for its nutritional value but also for its versatility in cooking. 

In ancient times, meat was rarely consumed, with fish being a more common protein source. This trend continued through the Roman and Ottoman periods, only shifting in more recent times as technological advancements made meat more accessible. It’s worth noting here, too, that the modern-day Greek diet, known for its health benefits and exquisite flavors, can be traced back to these humble beginnings. Understanding this history is essential in helping you appreciate the key ingredients that contribute to the uniqueness of the food in the seaside Hellenic Republic.

The Key Ingredients In Your Favorite Greek Foods

Every country has certain ingredients that set their foods apart from other cultures. Italy is well known for its rich tomato-based sauces and pastas. Japan is known for its rice vinegar, wasabi, nori, and soy sauce. Similarly, Greece has some well-known ingredients that help draw out the flavors in their culinary classics. 

Here are the key ingredients you will find in your favorite Greek dishes. 

• Olive Oil: Greek olive oil is a fundamental component of Greek cooking. It replaces butter or lard as a cooking fat and accompanies many dishes (especially for dipping your bread). It imparts a rich, fruity aroma that contributes to flavor. It’s also the primary ingredient that helps make Greek food “healthier” than many other options.
• Fresh Herbs (often straight from the garden): You won’t get too far in Greek cooking without savory fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, mint, and dill are ever-present. These hearty herbs create a delectable aroma in your favorite Greek dishes.
• Vegetables: Staples such as eggplants, tomatoes, zucchinis, onions, and bell peppers are ubiquitous in Greek recipes, including classics like moussaka and stuffed vegetables. 
• Feta Cheese: Feta is a crumbly, tangy cheese practically a staple in many Greek dishes, especially salads. Its creamy contrast to other ingredients gives texture and taste to many Greek dishes.
• Seafood: With a coastline that stretches over 13,000 kilometers, Greece has no shortage of seafood, including fish, squid, and octopus. For this reason, seafood is a cornerstone of Greek cooking.
• Meat: Lamb and goat are popular meats, often used in dishes like souvlaki and kleftiko. These meats are typically slow-cooked or grilled, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes integral to Greek culinary tradition.

Want to Experience the Very Best in Greek Cuisine?

As we shared earlier, Greek food is delicious and highly nutritious. If you want to try the best Greek food, head to Greco Truly Greek. We can’t wait to help you experience the delight of Greek cuisine.

How To Order Greek Food

Many people seek clarity when placing orders at Mediterranean restaurants. But ordering Greek food is simple once you understand it. Here’s your guide to ordering Greek food stress-free on your next visit to Greco.

Learn The Basics Of Greek Cuisine

Knowing the popular Greek cuisine items can simplify ordering at a Mediterranean restaurant. Greek dishes like souvlaki, gyros, moussaka, spanakopita, tzatziki, Greek salads, and more are commonly found. 

Gyros, for instance, features thinly sliced seasoned meat, often lamb, pork, chicken, or beef, wrapped in warm pita bread or served on a plate. Other favorites include Tzatziki sauce, a cucumber yogurt dip, and Baklava, a delightful layered pastry.

In addition to these classics, you might encounter other Greek delights, such as dolmades, grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs, or saganaki, a fried cheese appetizer. For seafood lovers, options like grilled octopus, shrimp saganaki, or fried calamari offer irresistible Mediterranean flavors.

Understand What Meze Means

In Greece, sharing food is a fundamental aspect of the culture. One enjoyable way to experience Mediterranean flavors is through meze, a selection of hot and cold small plates. Perfect for sharing, it provides an opportunity to taste a variety of items from the menu. 

Whether you order meze as a starter or for your entire meal, you can dive into a diverse range of Greek flavors in a friendly dining atmosphere. So, next time you’re at a Greek restaurant, consider beginning your meal with a delightful spread of meze to embrace Greek culture.

Choose Your Sides 

You’ll often be asked about your side choice when ordering a Greek plate. Standard Greek sides include Horiatiki Salata, a salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese dressed with olive oil and oregano. 

You might also encounter Patates Tiganite, Greek fries seasoned with oregano, feta cheese, or salt. Grilled vegetables or rice are other common accompaniments to main dishes. Knowing the sides in advance can help you when you need to choose one on the spot.

Know Basic Greek Terms

While most Mediterranean restaurants use English, knowing some basic Greek terms can be helpful. Understanding menu items and terms like “taverna,” which means a traditional Greek restaurant, and “Yassou,” which means “hello,” “hi,” or “goodbye,” can enhance your dining experience.

These basic Greek terms add a touch of authenticity to your dining experience and may even earn you a smile from the staff. So, whether you’re ordering souvlaki or moussaka, incorporating a little Greek into your culinary adventure can make it even more enjoyable.

Visit Greco Truly Greek in Boston and D.C. 

Greeks are friendly and hospitable, so always ask if you have any questions.  Now that you know the basics of ordering Greek food, you can try it yourself. Enjoy every savory bite of your next Greek meal while learning all about the flavors of Greece.