So many choices, so little time

By

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April 26, 2013

Hibachi Supreme Buffet
1550 Spring Meadows Dr., Holland
419-868-9888
Sun.-Thur: 11:00am-9:30pm
Fri.-Sat.: 11:00am-10:30pm
www.hibachiholland.com

The word “buffet” conjures up mixed emotions inside me. It translates to “oh boy, I get to try everything on the menu”, and then to “oh, the food might be mediocre.” But like anything, there are pros and cons. So when the new Hibachi Supreme Buffet opened up in Spring Meadows on Airport Hwy., we decided it might be worth it to give it a try. The coupon I found in Valpak made it extra enticing.

Overwhelming selection
To clarify, Hibachi Supreme Buffet is an Asian and American buffet. They feature seafood such as crab legs, shrimp, fish etc. as well. There is a menu available, but I assume most customers use it for carry-out orders if they don’t want to pay by the pound for the buffet.

It appeared most people were there for the grandiose buffet. Besides the aforementioned reason, I’m not usually enthusiastic about buffets, because they can also be difficult if you have a food allergy or two. Our waitress verified they do NOT use peanut oil in anything, and then I simply limited the selection of food I knew would be safe for our youngest. I certainly wasn’t going to ask about the ingredients for every entree! (I did appreciate the sign hanging at the entrance of the buffet that stated children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult.)

There is so much on the buffet, I couldn’t begin to list even half of the items. Suffice it to say, if you can think of an Asian dish, it is most likely on the buffet. And if the youngsters like mini dogs in croissants and mac and cheese, then they have you covered there as well — and everything in between.

Affordable for families
My family was in agreement that the food was okay. However, they scored big points with me on the cleanliness factor of the buffet area. The food was hot and appeared to be switched out regularly. Many buffets unfortunately cannot boast the same.

If you and your family have ravishing appetites, then the $10.99 weekend dinner buffet and $9.99 weeknight buffet is very reasonable. And I loved that kids are priced according to their age. The 3-6 year olds are $3.99 and those 7-10 years old are $4.99, with drinks extra. No doubt my family enjoyed our fill for what we paid.

The bonus to Hibachi Supreme Buffet is that it offers a hibachi grill. You select your own ingredients to be grilled together. Their selection wasn’t huge, but it was plenty to make some good stir fry. The buffet also offered a nice selection of sushi that tasted very fresh. I enjoyed those added bonuses to the buffet. I think we sampled almost a little of everything, including the mussels! I was unsuccessful getting any takers on the frog legs, though. There’s always next time.

Bottom Line: Buffets can be a great way to satisfy all your cravings, as well as to please the entire family economically. Customers will appreciate the cleanliness of the buffet and enjoy the bonus of a hibachi grill and flavorful sushi selection. It might be impossible to sample everything in one visit, but you can sure try!

Karen Zickes is a mom of three active children and freelance writer who resides in Holland, Ohio. She can be reached in c/o [email protected] .

Kid friendly: Yes
To avoid wait: Anytime
Noise level: Moderate
Bathroom amenities: Changing stations in women’s restroom
High chairs: Yes
Got milk? Yes, as well as soft drinks
Kids’ menu? Buffet price is based on age of children

Celebrate a blow out!

By

Mary Helen Darah

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April 26, 2013

In my youth, my Dad thought he would have a “two fer” by throwing my Mom a surprise party while simultaneously entertaining some of his clients. Oh it was a BIG surprise alright. After the party, my Mom held up a finger (indicating that an undeniable fact was heading his way) with a crisply pronounced, “ONE…I didn’t know anyone at the party” followed by a “TWO…not only was English a challenge for ‘MY’ guests but no one spoke the same language!” I think the party ranked right up there with the time he bought her snow tires for his Mustang — as a gift.

The “Tower of Babble Birthday” was topped by the time I tried surprising my highly focused father on his big day. He has a January birthday so I used the old “My battery died and I’m waiting inside a restaurant” ploy to get him to his party. He walked in as guests yelled out a boisterous “SURPRISE!” Unwavering, he headed (with jumper cables and lecture about car maintenance) in my direction. It took two more attempts to get him to notice that it was not just a coincidence that Uncle Bob was standing near him in a sparkly party hat, giving the elastic band that held it in place a run for its money.

Upon becoming a mother I vowed that things would go more smoothly. A brief side note: Make certain that if you buy a cake with a real Barbie inside (the cake being her skirt) that the candles are safely placed away from Barbie’s hair and appendages. It is tough to calm down a group of girls if Barbie goes up in flames. Also, if your child receives a “Jiggly, Bouncy Ball” keep it away from your child until after the party. The &^% thing bounced and jiggled out of my child’s hands and made its way down our dinner table like Godzilla. It crashed down candles, cake and my beautiful centerpiece on a path straight toward my horrified mother-in-law.

But these few minor glitches did not deter my enthusiasm. Our family parties shall always be remembered. I am blessed with kids with active (sometimes turbo-charged) imaginations. I let them come up with a theme for the family gatherings to celebrate their big day. We have had a “Mexican Fiesta,” “Dog Days,” ”African Safari” and “Big Ten Kickoff,” (where everyone wore their favorite team’s attire. The adults got into the spirit just as much as the kids. I certainly gave my children lasting memories. The image of their 70-year-old grandmother in a long t-shirt that made it look like she was wearing a bikini (for the “Under the Sea” party) is hard to forget. Their uncle wearing a toga that was a tad too short for the “La Dolce Vita Roma” party nearly threw them into therapy. A little friendly motherly advice: If you have a “PJ Party” be clear on what you consider lounge wear.

Enough said.

We are currently in the stage of “normalcy” when it comes to our annual celebrations of birth. I never thought I would say this, but I miss the days of goodie bags, sleepovers and finding sprinkles all over the house. However, I break out in a massive grin with the knowledge that I won’t be entering a Chuck E. Cheese anytime in the near future. They say that people who have the most birthdays live the longest. For that matter, it has also been said that inside every old person is a young person wondering what the heck happened. Regardless, I plan on continuing the celebration of life with reckless abandon, and the occasional party hat.

Summer Camp Guide Part II

By

Toledo Parent Staff

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April 26, 2013

Click here to read our Summer Camp Guide Part 2!

The pet guide

By

Toledo Parent Staff

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April 26, 2013

Click here to read our full Pet Guide!

Sylvania Vet Clinic
Our 24/7 commitment is unique to this region. No other general practice has staffing ‘round the clock seven days a week, which enables us to answer the phones whenever you call. No other general practice answers their phones ‘round the clock. One of our highly trained technicians and an assistant is always in the building providing care to our patients and boarding guests. One of our doctors is always on call and will come in when necessary to provide emergency after hours care.

Sylvania Vet Clinic
4801 N. Holland-Sylvania Rd.
Sylvania. 419-885-4421
www.toledoanimaldoc.com

R & E Vacuums
R & E Vacuums has products specifically with the pet owner in mind. We have the Miele Cat and Dog series (upright or canister) and Oreck's new bag-less Touch that comes with all the attachments on board. We also offer pet groomer kits, enzyme stain and odor cleaners and more. Stop in today and let us help you "fight the fur."

R & E Vacuums
Located in the Hobby-Lobby Plaza
5333 Monroe St.
419-843-1993.
[email protected]

Diamonds in the Ruff
At Diamonds in the Ruff we focus on what your dog needs or is trying to tell you through undesirable behaviors such as barking, jumping, biting, chewing, etc. Our certified professional dog trainer and dog behavior specialist will assist you with your dog training needs. Flexible scheduling is available for your family's convenience. Let our fun interactive activities and lessons for you and your dog help you build a great relationship with your furry family member.

Diamonds in the Ruff
4788 County Rd. 3
Swanton 419-825-5208
www.schoolfordogs.net

Toledo Dog Training Institute
At Toledo Dog Training we provide professional dog training solutions. Our services are customized to meet and exceed your expectations. We offer a wide range of innovative classes that develop and build lasting relationships between you and your dog. We provide puppy, adult, sports and therapy training to name a few. Small class sizes ensure optimum learning. Private training lessons will help you find an effective solution to behavior problems.

Toledo Dog Training Institute
419-699-7785.
[email protected]

Toledo Pet Farm
Toledo Pet Farm is a premier pet facility that offers an advanced veterinary hospital, boarding, daycare, grooming, fitness and spa, behavioral training, ‘picture “purrfect”’ expert photography and even truly memorable "Celebrationz" (party rentals) for your pet. It also features a 10,000 sq.ft. agility course/park and outdoor swimming pools for dogs. Please call for our latest specials!

Toledo Pet Farm
1429 Baronial Plaza Dr.
419-724-0471
www.toledopetfarm.com

To find out more about the pets below or to sponsor a pet please contact us at [email protected]

Hey shorty, it's your birthday

By

Alia Orra

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April 26, 2013

Click here to read our full birthday guide!

Babysitting classes go viral

By

Digital Media

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April 26, 2013

For enterprising teens aged 11-15 looking to build a babysitting empire, the online certification class offered by the American Red Cross is a smart (and convenient!) business move. The class includes six modules covering topics like safety, emergency procedures, and the business side of the job. Teens can easily divide and conquer: the modules are self-paced and can be completed in multiple sessions after school or altogether in a single afternoon. Babysitters must take a final exam to graduate and receive the certificate. In the past the Red Cross offered only on-site training — a class scheduled for blocks of six plus hours. Now, with the online option, babysitters can learn all the necessary information in less than 4 hours. The Red Cross recommends both new and experienced babysitters take the course. “It's always good to hone your skills!” explains Amanda Aldrich, communications specialist at the Northwest Ohio Region’s American Red Cross. Cost is $25. For more information and to register for the online class, visit redcross.org/babysitting. —BA