The Democratic National Convention begins Aug. 19 in Chicago.
Jikoni: Restaurant in a truck
Jikoni serves up more than East African cuisine
TOLEDO – For my first column, I want to introduce Jikoni, a local food truck bringing East African cuisine to the masses. I caught up to them at Toledo Botanical Garden’s Crosby Arts Festival.
Jikoni means “kitchen” in Swahili, which is the language most prominent in East Africa. Chef and owner Tom Otieno hails from Kenya and crafts popular dishes similar to those served in East Africa, South America and Afghanistan.
Using fresh ground spices for vibrant flavor, Jikoni offers a curated collection of savory bowls, including pilau chicken and red bean curry over coconut rice and pilau rice, along with chapati (soft flatbread) and samosas. For dessert, Jikoni offers a selection of savory sweets, including cardamon coffee cake and mango tarts. Rich flavors are built using a combination of cardamon, ginger, cumin, black pepper corns and cinnamon. Fresh cilantro, green onions, carrots and tomatoes embellish these dishes.
Jikoni uses a commissary kitchen to prepare food to better execute food service. Marinating ingredients overnight, roasting and braising in the morning, and assembling relishes and fresh chutneys before heading out are keys to quick service and repeat customers. All the meats are prepared in advance and kept warm at safe holding temperatures for service, then packed in insulated travel containers taken to the destination.
Jikoni is a tow-behind trailer with limited space, so the menu is limited to just a few options. Fast service is their priority, averaging five orders per minute at peak speed. Otieno said that “long lines are no indication of quality, but more of an operator’s process.”
Before catering large events, communication with organizers is important for a successful day. They inform vendors with metrics specific to attendance, weather, cost and permitting. Electricity is often provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. Having electricity allows for overnight storage in onboard refrigerators, minimizing back and forth.
Site selection is one of the most important considerations because friers and grills create heat, and weather can be hot and humid. It helps to park in shade with open windows for cross-ventilation. It is also best to not be located in corners where hungry shoppers pass other vendors whose lines extend in front of the truck. Menus can be tailored to specific tastes or account for allergies or gluten intolerance.
Operating a food truck is erratic. Retaining help is difficult with no formal schedule. Jikoni relies on referrals and collegiate labor for assistance. For big events on long weekends, it is common to miss sleep due to long days and so much preparation.
Like any business, it helps to have a bookkeeper who can record expenses and income, and file taxes. Without a formal location, constant marketing is critical for notifying people where and when they operate. Having a trusted partner would be a big advantage, and Otieno has been working to bring his sister to the United States to aid in the operation. She knows the history of the food, the way it is supposed to taste and be presented and can answer questions.
Jikoni also offers cooking classes, private in-home dinner parties and catering for large organizations. Jikoni will be releasing a new line of graphic t-shirts and sweatshirts in the next couple weeks and have plans to launch a redesigned website later this year.
You can find them on Instagram and Facebook (Jikoni Toledo) and on the StreetFoodFinder app and website.
CommUNITY through film
CommUNITY Film Fest
MAUMEE – To showcase amateur films created by individuals with developmental disabilities, the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, FilmToledo and Maumee Valley Partners for Inclusion teamed up to present the 10th annual CommUNITY Film Fest on Sunday at the Maumee Indoor Theater.
The Film Fest is a competition among filmmakers to create short films that cover various topics, including challenging their life assumptions, promoting inclusion, educating the community about who they are, and how you can contribute to your community.
The 2-5-minute mini docs were the film fest finalists. Filmmakers expressed themselves in several different ways. Many of the entries highlighted a day-in-the-life of the filmmaker, while others created a slideshow of themselves or a video with music playing over the film. Other entries that stood out were a music video and an animated short film.
During intermission, guests were treated to a performance by members of the iDance Adaptive Performing Arts Center.
Lori Balogh, Community Inclusion and Employment manager for Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, explained that their organization supports from birth to death about 4,400 individuals with disabilities throughout Lucas County. It also provides quality-of-life services, such as improving independent living skills, giving to donation centers and helping people look for jobs.
The board begins to help filmmakers with their projects as early as January. If a filmmaker wants to do something simple, the Board of Developmental Disabilities can help. If it is complex, they will reach out to another organization that is part of the festival.
FilmToledo is the film commission that covers Toledo and Northwest Ohio. As a regional film commission, they have two main roles, to bring film productions to the region to help boost the economy in the film industry and to educate and train people to work in the film industry.
Michael DeSanto, executive director at FilmToledo, explained what his organization contributes to the festival.
“We connect the individuals who want to make films with professional filmmakers and give them the resources they need to fulfill what’s in their imagination,” he said.
Desanto also explained why he thinks it is important to help these individuals create the films for the festival.
“It’s showcasing the lives of people with disabilities, that they are just as motivated and dedicated to get into film. Some people just want to showcase what their regular everyday lives are, and removing that stigma and showcasing what people with disabilities are doing and can do.”
Barbara Robinson was one of the many attendees. She said she has worked with people with disabilities for 32 years, and explained what she thought people learned from the festival, that “everybody is their own person and you should appreciate everybody.”
The CommUNITY Film Fest ended with an award ceremony, with 17 finalists taking home awards.
Open-air market at dusk
The Toledo Night Market is ‘the magic of Toledo after dark’
TOLEDO – The Toledo Night Market neared its end of the season as it turned off the lights Saturday night for the second-to-last time.
It was a large turnout as people shopped at many food and artisan booths at the Toledo Farmers’ Market.
Jen Tighe and Jill Barnett, of Erie Cotton Candy Co., said they were both sad to see the night market closing next month.
Susan Imes, owner of Susie Lynn’s Lemonade, said she will close up the shop in October but is looking forward to the upcoming season in 2025.
The Skittle Bots, a local award-winning Toledo band that plays top hits from the 90’s, also rocked the crowd, who sang and danced on a mini dance floor.
The final open-air night market is Sept. 14 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. There is a $5 admission, and features more than 85 artisans and small businesses, food trucks and crafted drinks.
Sun sets on Summer Series
Phil Barone & the Cruisers closes Night on the Township
HOLLAND – Phil Barone and the Cruisers rocked the gazebo at Springfield’s Summer Series 2024 at Springfield Township’s Homecoming Park on Friday.
More than 225 guests gathered to listen to the band and its energetic sets that pumped up the crowd with their tribute to Jim Morrison and the Doors.
The local band recently performed their Jim Morrison tribute in February for the Dyslexia Education Center, a local non-profit organization. Lead singer Phil Barone serenaded the crowd with high energy and his captivating vocals, and the Cruisers followed with a set of live instruments and back-up singing.
The event, sponsored by the Springfield Township trustees, included several food trucks, gaming tables provided by Full House Entertainment, and an adult beverage garden.
Trustee chairman Andy Glenn reminded guests that this was the 20th event coordinated by the township in 2024.
“We began in January with a variety of activities related to the Total Eclipse of the Sun – from educational programs to glassblowing. Our fire department even offered free CPR training,” he said.
“After April 8, we shifted to our new Summer Series, which included the annual Freedom Celebration/fireworks, the addition of the Wicked Wheels Car Fest and finally Night on the Township,” he went on to say.
Tonight was the final gathering of Summer Series 2024.
Back to School Anxiety
Red flags, tips for anxiety, depression in children
In my pediatric mental health practice, this is the time of year I see an increase in anxiety and depression in my patients. For many children, and for parents, as well, back to school can be a stressful time – full of anxiety and depression.
It is important parents recognize the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as know what to do if they suspect their child is experiencing anxiety and depression.
The first step, which is key, is recognizing the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression that should raise red flags. This is when it’s time to investigate a conversation with your child.
Some of the more common red flags are:
- Isolating – spending a lot of time alone in the room
- Not enjoying things that they have enjoyed in the past
- Decrease in motivation
- Drop in school grades
- Irritability/anger, easily upset and frustrated
- Continuous worrying
- Continuous complaints of stomachaches, headaches, body aches and fatigue
- Hard time concentrating and focusing
- Restlessness
- Difficulty with sleeping or eating
- Or any change in behavior that is not typical of your child
If your child exhibits some of these red flags and you suspect they have anxiety or depression, you should talk with your child, be honest about your concerns and listen to their concerns. Here are a few tips to help ease anxiety and depression.
MOST important: Talk with your child and listen, validate their thoughts and feelings, saying “don’t worry” or “it will be ok” may cause them to shut down and stop talking with you
- Limit screen time to no more than two hours a day and not two hours prior to bedtime
- Limit and monitor social media – this is a huge source of anxiety and depression in children/teens
- Make sure your child is getting enough quality sleep
- Make sure they are getting proper nutrition and eating regularly
- Keep schedules as routine and predictable as possible
- Do a form of activity or exercise daily – at least 30 minutes
If you continue to have concerns, reach out to their primary care provider to discuss your concerns. Mental health is just as import, if not more important as physical health. If you really think about it, the brain is responsible for everything you do and say, so why do we hesitate to take care of it?
YOUR CHILD’S MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
Daily Dose | Caption Contest!
Caption this!
Winner of the caption contest will be revealed next Friday, Aug. 23! Go for it!
