Zany for Zingo’s

By

-

November 25, 2013

I was informed “Same menu, more room,” when I inquired about the recent old renovations at Zingo’s Mediterranean restaurant located in historic downtown Perrysburg. The new addition offers increased seating space as well as additional registers to reduce waiting. The relaxed atmosphere proved to be just what my family needed after a long day of acting like human “doings” instead of beings.

Decisions, decisions, decisions

It was difficult deciding what to order from their extensive menu. This proved to be more problematic due to the fact that you place your order at a register before proceeding to find a seat. We received “the evil eyeball” from a few patrons behind us in line while my daughters pondered (not so quietly I might add) their options. We finally decided upon Mediterranean Junk Salad ($12), Hummus ($3.50), Feta Chicken ($14) Chicken Tawook ($14), and Shish Kabob ($16) for the four of us to share. Thankfully deciding to sit in a booth in the new addition proved to be an easier decision to conquer than the menu. Once seated, our food was brought to our table in a timely manner. The servings were plentiful. In fact, we could have easily eliminated one of the dishes and still had enough to go around.

We truly enjoyed our food. Meat and produce is delivered three times a week to the family-owned restaurant ensuring fresh ingredients and healthy options for their clientele. We devoured the Junk Salad that consisted of homemade balsamic vinaigrette over crisp lettuce, red onion, tabbouli, chick peas, gyro meat, cucumber, tomatoes and parsley. There could have been more ingredients in this robust salad but my offspring acted like sharks in the midst of a feeding frenzy. Thankfully, we savored our other selections at a slower pace. Out of the three entrees, we voted the Feta Chicken as the winner, consisting of grilled chicken, zucchini, squash, tomato, and onion on a bed of couscous with feta yogurt sauce. The other entrees were very good, well-seasoned and even received a “tastes almost like Grandma’s” from my youngest.

Table talk

My daughters are part Lebanese and have grown up eating fatoush, grape leaves, gryos and tabbouli. The family dining next to us were enjoying many of these specialties as well the sautéed mushrooms that I wish we would have ordered. I asked the parents if their kids had objections to trying new foods. They informed me that they were Zingo’s regulars and liked to try new menu items when they visited. The family suggested that it would be worth a return visit to try one of Zingo’s sandwich options. It was also recommended that we get a sandwich “Zingo style” (for an additional 75 cents). It comes wrapped and toasted on the grill, perfect for a cold winter’s day. There are fourteen sandwiches to choose from ranging from $6.50 to $7.50. They did relay that one of their children was not as adventurous as his siblings. He opts to order the Chicken or Gryo Chunks ($5) or the Grilled Cheese Pita ($5) from the kid’s menu.

The perfect ending

Luckily, we debated the dessert choices at our table so we wouldn’t hold up the line again. We didn’t think we could go wrong with any of their dessert options including Baklava ($3), Carrot Cake ($2.50), Oatmeal Toffee Cookie ($2.50) Chocolate Chunk Cookie ($2.50), or the Genuine Chocolate Mess ($3). It’s not surprising, they went with the Genuine Chocolate Mess just for the name. It consisted of a gooey chocolate brownie filled with marshmallows and chocolate chips. We were happy campers. We lingered over dessert, chatted and made a few plans for the upcoming week. We did not feel rushed in any way by their courteous staff and noticed other patrons enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

Upon our departure we discovered an entire wall listing numerous smoothie and juice choices. I pinky promised that we would return in the near future and I look forward to our next visit. With an accommodating staff and affordable, fresh food- not to mention friendly “table neighbors”- we left feeling zany for Zingo’s.

Zingo’s Mediterranean
106 Louisiana Ave.
Perrysburg, Ohio
419.872.5800
eatzingos.com
Mon-Sat.: 11:00am9pm
Closed Sundays

“No Wrong Door” for Sparrow’s Nest advocate

By

Mary Helen Darah

-

November 25, 2013

Toledo Area Parent sat down with Dr. Kamala Tamirisa of Promedica, Northwest Ohio Cardiology Consultants. The busy physician juggles patient care, poetry, painting, music and most importantly spending time with her husband and two young children. She is passionate about helping women at the Sparrow’s Nest, a shelter for homeless and abused women. Dr. Tamirisa stresses the importance of community involvement and urges others to take steps toward making a difference- no matter how small.

How did you become involved with the Sparrow’s Nest?

A few friends told me about the Cherry Street Mission and the great works they accomplish. We began volunteering and learned about their ministry for women called the Sparrow’s Nest. This ministry provides shelter, medical care, assistance with obtaining a degree, and employment counseling for the women in the shelter. I help with providing medical care and find I can relate to the women there.

How do you relate to them?

Through suffering there is inspiration. I was very poor growing up. My mother was extremely polite, very quiet but so strong. She had to sew clothes for my sister and me. Our one pair of shoes had to last for the entire year. If she had material left, she would make a small gown for another mother’s baby. She was always giving. She had a master’s degree and had a strong interest in world history. She taught other children English. When our situation improved she did not go to clubs as other women to play cards and socialize. She preferred to teach children and give back to the community.

How do you foster giving to others with your children?

My seven-year-old has a celebration for his birthday. He keeps one favorite item and the rest we take down to the shelter. His friends are so generous and give new clothes and money for the Sparrow’s Nest. Many mothers have told me that they feel he did not come up with this idea on his own. That is true. I planted the seed and have watched it grow. He gets a receipt for the donated items. He is so proud. Small steps go a long way.

What are your hopes for women in the future?

I hope that women can be fearless. We can be the best of everything. Women are so gifted, so talented. Why the fear?

How can others get involved in the Sparrow’s Nest?

If you have a spare moment- even 30 minutes a week- volunteer your services. If you have no time, ask what you can purchase, especially during the holiday season. The gift of time, money, toys, badly needed medical supplies will make a big difference in the lives of homeless and abused women.

The Sparrow’s Nest

The Sparrow’s Nest is a 24/7 facility. They have a “No wrong door” policy meaning women will never be told that they have come to the wrong place.

The percentage of women who find shelter from homelessness and abuse at the Sparrow’s Nest is continually on the rise. There is no time limit on staying in the shelter.

Feminine hygiene products, toiletries and other nonperishable items are continually needed, especially as the shelter increases its occupancy.

Women are usually the last to be labeled “homeless” as it is more common for friends and family to take them in than men. Due to an increase in joblessness and foreclosures, relatives of many of the women in the shelter are unable to offer assistance.

For information on how you can help,
call 419-242-5141 or visit
cherrystreetmission.org.

The Holiday To-Do List

By

Mary Helen Darah

-

November 25, 2013

My dear friend sent me a holiday checklist to help get me organized for the holiday season. Mind you, the first thing I write on a to-do list is, “Find where you put other to-do list,” but I decided to humor her and read it anyway.

Make a holiday budget

I am a cancer survivor with lingering medical bills and a journalist with five people and an aging Corgi under my roof. If I were forced to write down how much money flies out of my coffers this time of year, I would not be in the holiday spirit; I would get into holiday spirits- especially the spiced eggnog. NEXT

Exercise and eat healthy so you can indulge in a few treats

I constantly see my friends on Facebook describing what they have stretched to the limit to fit into their holiday attire. I’m not certain what or more specifically where, my oblique muscle is. I think it’s the part of my stomach that hangs over my pants. Either way, I do not have the time or inclination to worry about that with all the other items on the list. I think I am going to rely on dressing in dark colors, adding a colorful scarf for interest and to keep the focus upward (plus a great way to hide the second chin) and my trusty Spanx, or as my mother refers to them, “hold ‘em ins”.

Prepare and mail holiday cards

I usually have this one covered although last year, we ended up sending “Happy Ground Hog Day” greetings due to our tardiness. We go all out. One year we even wrapped ourselves in gift wrap. I let the girls come up with ideas, within reason, for the holiday family photo, as long as it doesn’t include trying to put a decorative bow on a Corgi with an attitude.

Give specific duties for holiday party preparation

Ok this is doable. Every December I make a lamb, ham and enough carbs and sweets to make your cholesterol and triglycerides beg for mercy. We call it the “Whoo Feast” because at the end of this special night, my daughter once asked, “Don’t you just want to hold hands and sing “ya hoo ya hoo” like in the Grinch movie?” The day before is the prep party. My Dad likes any job that will make noise. My Mom, although not a fan of cooking, is a heck of a slicer and dicer. I rely on my neighbor Gail for backup appliance needs as long as I keep my ham away from her kosher oven. One thing that may be a tad challenging, is finding a meat carver. Annually, the job falls upon my date for the evening. 2013 was not a banner year in that department. Note to self: buy electric knife.

Wrap presents in different papers to distinguish recipients

There are women whose wrapping talents are legendary. These women most likely remove the same amount of socks from the dryer that they put in and hand in permission slips the day after receiving them. I am not one of these creatures. My family knows that on Christmas morning it might be a bumpy ride. I sometimes forget to remove last year’s name labels from recycled gift bags and paper before slapping on a new one causing a bit of confusion. I get it honestly. We have opened presents from my parents only to have them say, “Oh no! That’s not for you,” or “Wait that’s part two of three. You have to open present “one” first.” Of course, they are clueless as to where the other parts of the themed gifts are, but it keeps things interesting.

Condense the list

I kept reading her list and when I got to “bake cookies months ahead of time, pull out of freezer to frost for a no-fuss holiday” I stopped. First, part of the fun is seeing if Noni’s rolled out cookies will look more like “rein dogs” than deer. Secondly, I secretly enjoy the frosting wars with sprinkles everywhere-although they’re a bear to get out of dog fur. A suggestion: Put two items on your list.

1. Do the best you can do

2. After #1, relax and let it go. Spend less time trying to make “perfect” and enjoy the perfect times with your family and friends.
Happy Holidays!

A Christmas to Remember

By

Matthew Reger

-

November 25, 2013

As parents we invest so much in each Christmas, hoping that it will be memorable for our kids. Many times we fall short because we pin that memory to certain gifts received rather than more important things that are often overlooked.

My favorite Christmas memory – my first as a parent – will be remembered by my kids for years to come simply because of my regular retelling of the story.

In the fall of 2006, we moved overseas to the former Soviet Union country of Georgia. We had moved on my whim to become a volunteer for one year with the American Bar Association’s Rule of Law Initiative. Through the program I trained attorneys and judges participating in the creation of a new criminal procedure code. In short I was in a program that has been likened to a “Peace Corps” for attorneys.

Moving On

My wife was amazingly indulgent in agreeing to this move. I provided her with full information including the fact that the recent history of this country had been three wars, a revolution and an ongoing border dispute with Russia that was on the verge of breaking out in war. With this full disclosure—I may not have been too clear about the Russian threat—our family, including a 6 month old, moved to the Caucus Mountains.

After three months in this developing country, the trip to Vienna for Christmas was a welcome respite. When we landed it was immediately clear that we were in a developed country with amenities that we certainly appreciated. Even though Vienna offered great luxury, our accommodations were a modest bed and breakfast.

Like everything about our overseas adventure, Christmas in Vienna was far outside my comfort zone. My Christmas experiences had been the same my entire life. We always had a gathering at my grandparents on Christmas Eve with my mom’s family. It began with a large meal and ended with piles of wrapping paper, ribbon, boxes and toys spread everywhere. Even marriage had not significantly changed this tradition. But this year – our first with a grandchild for my parents – we were thousands of miles away all by ourselves.

A Different Kind of Christmas

On Christmas Eve the three of us sat in a small restaurant ordering a traditional Austrian meal of sausage and schnitzel. After dinner we walked to an evening church service while snow lightly fell, melting on our heads. Following two services and some nodding off on my part, we walked home pushing our stroller through the accumulated snow.

The next morning we awoke and said Merry Christmas with no packages, no wrapping paper, and no frustration. It was simple, beautiful and filled with love.

But family in America was still without us. Because I knew how they felt about Christmas I had set a plan in place before leaving the United States. A friend of mine had family near my parents and I arranged to have presents I ordered sent to him, which he then delivered to my parents. On December 24, while we were walking through the snowy streets of Vienna, he stood at my parents’ door in a Santa hat, arms full of presents.

The look on the faces of my family was something my friend still remembers. They were stunned, excited and mystified all at the same time. When we called them in the early morning hours, the happiness through the phone line was infectious.

That Christmas is a great memory for me because I discovered how true it is that giving is better than receiving. The joy my parents had in their delivery was exceeded only by the happiness we had in giving them and spending Christmas simply, basking in the love of family.

The Holiday Gift Guide

By

Toledo Parent Staff

-

November 25, 2013

Make you say "Aww!"

Gear up babies with the natural, organic and adorable products that will be sure to make mommies say “Aww!” From essentials like bedding and diapers to clothing and accessories, parents will love gifts from Ann Arbor’s Elephant Ears. Health-conscience products like bamboo bedding and cloth diapers will be a hit with moms who want to pamper their babies without harming the environment. Now that’s a win-win!

Elephant Ears
451 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor
734-622-9580
www.elephantearsonline.com

Pampering at its best

For the hard-working parents that have been busy planning and party-throwing, the gift of pampering can’t be beat. Reve Salon and Spa is a full-service destination and is perfect for anything ranging from high-end makeup and hair products to full-body massages. It doesn’t stop there. In addition to the spa treatments are medical treatments including botox injections and rejuvenative peels. Reward your closest friends and family to a $100 gift card for Christmas this year and you will receive another $25 for yourself or someone else on your list.

Reve Salon & Spa
5633 Main St., Sylvania
419-885-1140 www.revesalonandspa.com

Kick it into high gear

Channel the energy of anyone into something that will build confidence and character – Sensei Tom Nehrig’s Kempo Martial Arts karate lessons. “Taking karate to the next level” is their motto as they teach group lessons that spotlight the individual. Kempo is a martial art that is perfect for beginners and will train them to be black belts in no time. Get the teens on your Christmas list into the Kempo mindset this holiday season!

Kempo Martial Arts
6801 W. Central Ave, Toledo
419-473-1519
www.kempomania.com

Shake your Bon-Bon

Tutus, tap shoes and tiaras have to be somewhere on your little girl’s Christmas list. We’ve found the perfect place where they can get all of that while learning anything from tap and ballet to hip-hop and jazz. Toledo’s Company C offers an array of classes that are full of opportunities for your children to build their love of dance. We’ve deemed it the gift that keeps on giving.

Company C
6540 W Central Ave, Toledo
419-841-9310
www.companycdanceclub.com

For the future Architect

Give a gift of creativity- the Lego workshops at Build It! in Perrysburg allow children from pre-K to fifth grade to build creations that will provide lasting memories. Workshops throughout December feature making snow globes, Minecraft worlds, ornaments, robots and more. For those that would like to venture out on their own, Open Play is available to explore the jumbo blocks, learning center and train set. The possibilities are endless and parents will love the chance to see what their little ones will design.

Build It!
5180 Chappel Dr, Perrysburg
419-690-9311
www.builditperrysburg.com

Hey, Good Looking!

The arrival of holiday season does not have to be synonymous with unwanted pounds. Give the gift of looking good this year with Sylvania’s Fairwood Health and Beauty Transition programs. Customized weight loss plans, full body wraps, holistic herbal supplements and Lipo-Light treatments will put your loved ones one step closer to being bikini-ready in the spring!

Fairwood Health and Body Transitions
5215 Monroe St., Suite 4, Toledo
419-517-1030

Give some R & R

Who says you can’t treat yourself during the holidays? It’s easy to do with Soto Loft & Spa’s gift cards that are a great idea for friends and quality “me” time. Purchasing a $100 gift card for someone else will provide gift-givers with $100 of credit at the salon and spa. Trust the talented team of Soto Beauty Experts to leave you looking rejuvenated throughout the holiday madness this year. We know that giving is better than receiving, but why choose when you can do both?!

Soto Loft & Spa
580 Craig Dr #6, Perrysburg
419-872-5555
www.salonsoto.net/_index.php

Happy shopping for the home

Unique and original gifts for children will leave them ecstatic when they receive one-of-a-kind presents from the Paula Brown Shop. The adorable creations from the shop’s Special Kid’s Nook are sure to be great gifts from Santa! There is an array of fun things to choose from so let the Paula Brown Shop personal shoppers help you tailor the most perfect gift.

Paula Brown Shop
912 Monroe St., Toledo
419-241-8100
www.paulabrownshop.com

Popcorn Perfection

The most delicious way to say “Happy Holidays” is with a unique flavor of popcorn from Rachel Michael’s Gourmet Popcorn. They make perfect gifts for colleagues, clients and anybody else who appreciates flavors like White Cheese Corn, Buckeye Corn and Buffalo Bleu Cheese. Seasonal flavors will be available during the holidays including Pinot Noir popcorn, Pilgrim popcorn with white chocolate and cranberries, and Dark Mint Chocolate Caramel popcorn with peppermint chips. Bursting with flavor, this is one gift everybody will love!

Rachel Michael’s Gourmet Popcorn
5305 Monroe St., Toledo
419-318-0800
www.rachelmichaelspopcorn.com

Spreading Cheer and sharing diversity

By

Christine A. Holliday

-

November 25, 2013

The Roush Family

Brian Roush was raised in a military family, and says holiday traditions were few and far between. That’s the reason he and his ex-wife work hard to make sure their two and a half-year-old son, Jackson Robert, gets to experience customs from both parents’ families. Mom’s family Christmas isn’t complete without kielbasa, a type of Eastern European sausage, and Dad’s Christmas includes cookies from a 30-year-old family recipe. The family picks a live tree every year and makes sure to see “The Lights Before Christmas” at the Toledo Zoo. Jackson helps decorate the house with colored popcorn, and leaves a Christmas Eve snack of carrots for the reindeer and cookies for Santa. On Christmas morning, the family looks for Santa’s footprints from the stockings to the tree, then they enjoy French toast topped with red and green whipped cream, time in church, and visits to the grandparents.

The Musher-Eizenman Family

Hanukkah has a special meaning for the Musher-Eizenman family this year. They traveled to Israel this past summer, and visited the site where the Temple in Jerusalem used to stand. They will play with the dreidel they bought in Israel, with letters that stand for “A great miracle happened here,” and recall the two miracles marked by the holiday: the tiny Jewish army of the Maccabees that faced the Greek army, and the one-day supply of oil in the Temple menorah that lasted eight days. Foods cooked in oil, such as potato latkes and donuts, will be on the menu, and mom Dara notes she will have to add Thanksgiving foods to her table since the two holidays fall on the same day this year. The children Ella, 13, Jonah, 10, and Sylvia, 2, will receive chocolate coins called gelt.The family will light the candles on the menorah, exchange small gifts, and sing Hanukkah songs, all while basking in the joy of the Jewish holiday.

The Ayad Family

Muslims in our area won’t be celebrating the holidays in December. Their big holiday Eid occurred in October, in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. Also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, the three-day festival commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac on God’s command, and marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. In the Ayad household, family members celebrate with friends and family. Daughter Nadia explains, “Eid involves prayer, of course, so a trip to the mosque is in order. We get new clothes and celebrate with a lot of food. This year our family went to the Sultan Club to spend time with friends and have lunch. Many families in the Middle East will sacrifice an animal and donate it to those without food in celebration of Eid. Families in America usually donate large amounts of food and give to charity in celebration instead.” Nadia and her sisters were raised in the Muslim tradition, with additional celebrations of their mother’s faith, Catholicism. “I love getting to experience the festivities in both religious settings,” she said.

The Wawrzyniak Family

Janet Wawrzyniak is a long way from her native Venezuela, but she shares customs and traditions with her family during the holiday season. The Christmas and New Year’s holidays are times for the family to get together for special meals, and one must-have is pan de jamón, bread filled with ham, olives, and raisins. She has several Nativity sets, including one that stays up year-round, and the family likes to recall the dining-room size set her grandmother has in her home in Venezuela. The family attends Midnight Mass in their best clothes, and New Year’s Eve is a special time, too. Janet, her husband, Jason, and their three sons, AJ, 14, Caleb, 12, and Lucas, 9, sometimes get suitcases from the attic and parade around the house at midnight, a symbol that they will be traveling in the new year. They greet friends and family with Happy New Year greetings that involve rubbing money on them, and follow the tradition of the grapes at midnight. Janet explains, “It is a Spanish tradition to eat 12 grapes, one for each time the bell tolls at midnight. Of course, we get confused about how many we have eaten because we are laughing so much. It is hard to eat so many that quickly, but if you can do it, you will have 12 months of good luck.” She adds, “We don’t follow the Venezuelan tradition of throwing rice to symbolize prosperity, because nobody wants to clean it up!”