Junie B. Jones
Junie B. Jones is finally graduating from kindergarten and is ready for first grade, at last! But getting used to a whole new group of friends, a new teacher, and new glasses is challenging, even for irrepressible Junie B. Follow her adventures as she writes everything down in her “top-secret personal beeswax” journal. A new musical based on the books by Barbara Park. 2pm. Valentine Theatre, 400 N. Superior St. $8-$16. 419-242-2787. www.valentinetheatre.com.
Love a Shelter Animal Class
This two-hour program will help teach children about pet responsibility, learn how to make dog treats, play games and participate in a scavenger hunt. Students will make kennel cards for the homeless animals and take a behind the scenes tour of the Toledo Area Humane Society facility. There will also be plenty of time to cuddle with a few furry friends. All proceeds benefit the animals of the Toledo Area Humane Society. Register online or in person. 2pm. Toledo Humane Society, 1920 Indian Wood Circle. Maumee. $20. 419-482-7106.
www.toledoareahumanesociety.org.
Great expectations
The Hungry I
6060 Renaissance Place
Toledo, OH 43623
419-517-5570
Mon-Thur: 11a.m.-10p.m.
Fri-Sat: 11a.m.-11p.m.
Sun: 11a.m.-9a.m.
The minute I got wind that The Hungry I restaurant was back I said, “I can’t believe it! We gotta go soon!” I’m certain the good news traveled fast, because by the looks of the restaurant the night my family and I stopped in, half of Toledo appeared to share my enthusiasm. Gus Nicolaidis and Moussa Salloukh, also owners of the outstanding LaScola Italian restaurant, opened the Hungry I December 1, 2009.
I was spreading the word to all my Toledo transplant friends who never had the chance to dine at the previous Hungry I or the Oak’en Bucket, also owned by Nicolaidis. I just knew it would exceed expectations. After my visit, I can confidently say that my assumption was spot on.
Pleasant surprises
Soups and sandwiches danced in my head all day as I waited try the Hungry I part two. Recalling the first Hungry I, my family and I were dressed quite casually for this outing. But upon stepping through the doors I thought, “Oops. Did we under-dress?” Not to worry. The casually elegant atmosphere, with sage green walls and white tablecloths, is nothing pretentious and welcoming to all. As Nicolaidis said, “It’s kind of New York like.” He wanted it nice, yet low key. The dining area with the beautiful bar also had three wide screen TVs. So go ahead and dress up a little if you want. If not, you’ll still fit right in.
My second surprise was the menu. As I expected, sandwiches and burgers galore graced its pages, but so did several entrees such as pasta dishes and grilled salmon and filet mignon. The children were given kids menus for those 10 and under that included activities to keep them busy while I drooled over the menu. So many choices, so little time.
Drinks were not included with the kid meals, so by the time all was said and done, each kid’s meal cost us $7-$8. I hadn’t really planned on spending $23 on kiddie meals, however, the burgers were big and juicy, and the four cheese homemade mac & cheese is now my second favorite around town. So I guess what they say is true — “You get what you pay for.”
Our crab cakes appetizer ($11.99) was loaded with fresh crab. The French Onion soup and Cream of Mushroom soup were so good I could barely tear the bowls away from my three year old who was only supposed to be taking a small taste. He doesn’t even like mushrooms, if that’s any indication of how tasty the soup was.
So much to choose from
Seated near the kitchen, we had a bird’s eye view of everything going out to the tables. When I saw an enormous Reuben sandwich go by, without a doubt I knew it would be good. “We sold 1,100 Reubens in the first 11 days,” said Nicolaidis. Yes, Toledoans have long
memories. The Reuben had always been a favorite at the first Hungry I. The Classic Gyro sounded tempting for $8.99 and came with fries. Admittedly, I was “Gyro challenged” as I desperately tried to get my mouth around the sandwich. Eventually I just took my knife and fork to it. My husband went for the Cajun Shrimp Fettuccini for $15.99. I’m not a fan of spice, but I tried it anyway. It had robust flavor with just enough kick.
Despite the restaurant being filled wall to wall, we received outstanding service. When eating out with three children, it seems we are always in need of something. Our waitress was never far, and checked on us often without being bothersome. I was actually a little stunned when I saw a manager notice a woman standing at the bar and brought her an extra chair that was against the wall. I haven’t witnessed service like that in a very long time. With food and service so right on, I’m sure this encore of the Hungry I is here to stay. Gus Nicolaidis and Moussa Salloukh are again pulling out all the stops. My family can’t wait to return.
Bottom Line: At The Hungry I, they aim for, and exceed at, ‘Incredible food, Implausible service, and an Inviting atmosphere.’ Bring the family and make it a casual affair, or a dressy one. Either way, you’ll fit right in and enjoy some great food, too.
Karen Zickes is a mom of three active children and freelance writer who resides in Holland, OH. She can be reached in c/o [email protected].
No more needles
Parents know too well the anxiety and struggle that one simple shot can create. Thankfully, Dr. Oliver Jenkins and Dr. Christopher Perry of Toledo Clinic ENT have a solution. Recently, they debuted NO-SHOTZ, an allergy treatment that, as the name suggests, does not require the intrusive prick of a pesky needle.
In the past, allergy treatment or immunotherapy had no alternative to needles, but NO-SHOTZ is administered simply, with drops under the tongue, leaving a minty flavor. Dr. Perry, a nasal and sinus specialist, explains, “The drops contain small levels of the allergen, which in time, create a level of tolerance so that allergy symptoms such as a stuffy, runny nose, itchy watery eyes and sneezing are relieved. Patient’s love the convenience of at home allergy treatment. We understand that our patients are busy. We want to create options for our many patients experiencing allergy and sinus issues.”
In addition, Dr. Jenkins and Dr. Perry provide comprehensive allergy, nasal and sinus care for children and adults. Dr. Perry notes, “We provide allergy testing and treatment and evaluation for sinus conditions with an in-office sit down sinus CT scanner.”
“We wanted to create a one-stop patient experience,” explains Dr. Jenkins, Chief of ENT at the Toledo Children’s Hospital. “At our office, patients can have allergy testing and a sinus CT scan in one visit with only one co-pay. That means fewer trips to the doctor and less time off of work or school for busy families on the go.”
Often allergy problems can lead to sinusitis. In some cases, sinus surgery is necessary to relieve the persistent sinus pressure, drainage and infections that so many patients experience. Dr. Jenkins and Dr. Perry perform a new procedure to treat chronic sinusitis (inflammation and swelling of the sinus lining that blocks normal drainage of fluid leading to the symptoms of sinusitis). The procedure, called Balloon Sinuplasty, involves placing a small balloon catheter inside the nose to gently open up blocked sinuses. “This new procedure involves much less post-procedure discomfort and a much shorter recovery without nasal packing,” notes Dr. Jenkins.
Dr. Perry says, “This procedure works well, especially for children. It’s safe, effective and it doesn’t adversely affect facial growth and sinus development.”
Using advanced tools and techniques for children and adults, Toledo ENT refers to themselves as “the doctors that doctors trust.” “We have a wonderful, professional staff that creates a friendly environment for children and their families,” adds Dr. Jenkins.
Toledo Clinic ENT is located at 4405 N. Holland Sylvania Rd. Suite 101, for more information about the clinic, call 419-724-8368.
Women: Understanding your risk for heart attacks
While movies may depict a man clenching his chest and tumbling to the floor due to a heart attack — this is often not the case, especially for women. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, and many women experience different symptoms and go undiagnosed longer than men. Knowing your risk and changing your lifestyle could save your life.
A common problem
The US Department of Health and Human Services reports that each year, one in four women who die will die from heart disease. In 2004, nearly 60 percent more women died of cardiovascular disease (both heart disease and stroke) than from all cancers combined.
Heart attacks occur most often as a result of coronary artery disease (CAD). In CAD, a fatty material called plaque builds up over many years on the inside walls of the coronary arteries (the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to your heart). Eventually, an area of plaque can rupture, causing a blood clot to form on the surface of the plaque. If the clot becomes large enough, it can mostly or completely block the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the part of the heart muscle fed by the artery.
During a heart attack, if the blockage in the coronary artery isn’t treated quickly, the heart muscle will begin to die and be replaced by scar tissue. This heart damage may not be obvious, or it may cause severe or long-lasting problems.
Know the signsAccording to the American Heart Association, the most common heart attack signs and symptoms include:
• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks
involve discomfort in the center of the
chest that lasts more than a few minutes,
or that goes away and comes back. It can
feel like uncomfortable pressure,
squeezing, fullness, or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include
pain or discomfort in one or both arms,
the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath, with or
without chest discomfort.
• Other signs may include: breaking
out in a cold sweat, nausea or
lightheadedness.
While many men experience significant chest pain, women tend to have other symptoms such as unexpected fatigue, shortness of breath, heart burn, and shoulder, back or jaw pain.
If you think you or someone you know may be having a heart attack, or have unexplained symptoms or a change in your ability to do things, call 9–1–1 as soon as possible. If your symptoms stop completely in less than 5 minutes, still call your doctor.
Prevention is key
Many women can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease by understanding the risk factors and taking action to reduce their risk. Your risk increases with smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, weight, bad cholesterol, lack of physical activity, high stress levels, and family history. Women are also at greater risk for heart disease after menopause due to reduced estrogen levels.
The American Heart Association recommends that heart attack prevention begin by age 20. The sooner you begin comprehensive risk reduction, the longer and stronger your heart will beat.Choosing a healthy lifestyle is your best defense against heart disease.
For more information on heart disease and ProMedica Heart and Vascular Institutes, call 1-877-303-5558 or visit www.promedica.org/heart.
Ahed Nahhas, MD, FACC, FSCAI is a cardiologist at Toledo Clinic Cardiology, ProMedica Heart and Vascular Institutes. He can be reached c/o [email protected].