To the Editor:

With a vast number of choices for dining out in the nation’s capitol, gourmet restaurants and economical eateries abound. The region provides a chef’s paradise and a variety of tastes to please the palates of a diverse population. Often overlooked are the hospital cafeterias that have, in the past, been the unfortunate victims of consumer disdain.

However, with the advent of a focus on healthy eating and nutritional diets in recent years, a local hospital has become attuned to the reality of putting into practicing good health and wise nutrition. Inova Alexandria Hospital is at the forefront of this movement.

The hospital’s cafeteria, The Alex Café, under the management of Morrison’s Cafeterias, offers a variety of healthy food choices combined with providing information on food contents including sodium, calories and other vital information. Mindful of employee’s health, visitors and patients, the cafeteria provides a number of healthy yet tasty alternatives to high fat and heavy caloric intake.

Adam Silvis, the Food Services director, is on top of his game. With a visible presence and a keen awareness for his customers and staff, Silvis aims to please. His staff is pleasant and provides excellent customer service. The chefs, often behind the scenes, are conscientious in their food preparation resulting in exemplary food production.

Hot entrees, a colorful and plentiful salad bar, sandwiches, fresh fruit, and a variety of desserts and health snacks are plentiful. Even the soup kettles are bubbling hot with delicious soups — including their notable chicken noodle soup — to satisfy the taste buds of the diverse population that frequents the hospital. It is not uncommon to see the local police or fire crews stop by the Alexandria Cafe for their meal break. Convenient, fast and affordable, the public safety sector knows a good deal when they see it.

Inova Alexandria Hospital is dedicated to a wellness platform for better health. The hospital has combined all the right ingredients including goals, health and nutrition that demonstrate a hospital cafeteria can be an affordable and tasty choice for a pleasurable dining experience.

Karen L. Bune