FLORIDA MOM MAGAZINE - October '08 - Girls Night Out - ZaitoonsBy: Tiffany Candler Photos: Carrie-Lynn Smith
 Have you ever felt overwhelmed with work, business, family, kid's activities, etc, etc, etc? Ok, let me rephrase that, has that overwhelming feeling ever hit a fever pitch? If it has, it might be time for a break, a time to call the baby-sitter or let your husband know that you're going out with the girls for some 'me' time. It's absolutely time for a Girls Night Out.
After calling everyone and pinning down a time to meet, it was time to coordinate the family. I placed a quick call to the baby-sitter and she was already booked for the evening. I called my husband, still at work, and let him know that tonight was the night, and that he was going to be flying solo with the little ones. There was a deafening silence on the other end, but he understands and realizes that every once in while, it's my turn.
It's five o'clock, I just finished feeding the kids, husbands home and I turn over the reigns to him. 'By the way honey, dinner's on the table...' I retreat to the master bath, shut the door, add the bubbles to the tub and grab my favorite magazine. Two minutes later the door flies open and the stampede begins again, but I'm already in the zone and the noise begins to fade. I ignore everything, including requests for help, I get dressed, throw on some makeup, and blow dry my hair. Wow, I still have it in me, even with all of the commotion.
We picked the upscale Zaitoon Mediterranean Grill in the Harbour Shopping Center on Atlantic Blvd near San Pablo, and we were not disappointed. We met at Seven o'clock and were immediately greeted by the friendly wait staff, who promptly seated us. Zaitoon's was warm and inviting. We were seated at our booth and started to look over the wine menu. Obviously it's time to unwind and nothing would help make the moment better than a bottle of wine to share. Mary Haddad, who was an absolutely gracious host as well as owner of Zaitoons suggested Wild Horse Pinot Noir. She poured everyone a glass and the evening was off to a great start.
The wine began to kick in and the conversation took off. It's amazing that we get a few minutes to ourselves, and the topic of conversation starts off with our families. How are the kids doing? How's school going? Are they playing soccer or baseball? Yes my husband's been working late or traveling on the road and life is hectic, but it's good to get out.
After our first glass, our salads came out, which ranged from Greek to Roasted Beet. The salads were delicious, but I forgot to mention the cell phones. The first thing we did when we sat down, was to put our cell phones on the table... Just in case .... just in case the kids fall down the stairs, or our husbands can't figure out how to use the tabs on the sides of the diapers.
The night progressed as our main entrees came out. Lori had the Grouper, Carrie-Lynn had the Beef Skirt, Vicki enjoyed the Moussaka (Egg plant), and I had the Chicken KeBabs. The conversation continued as we relished the heavenly flavors.
By the time the fabulous desserts came out, it seemed that all of the stresses of life had slowly begun to drift away. There is something about spending a few blessed hours away with friends. Our thoughts began to turn back to our kids, life, tomorrow, and more, but everything seemed to have a more positive feel. Had my batteries been recharged? Absolutely, and I want to Thank Mary & Bob Haddad from Zaitoons for a splendid evening. Be sure to plan a 'Girls Night Out' and keep Zaitoons in mind, especially if you want it to be memorable. |
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