from the EDITOR Fabulous
from the EDITOR Fabulous food and entertainment for all! From left: Jane Shallal and editor Vanessa Denha-Garmo at the annual AFPD dinner. More than two years into my marriage, I finally learned how to cook dolma (stuffed grape leaves). I have seen my mother make the famous Middle Eastern dish dozens of times in my life and on occasion, I have helped roll the leaves and stuff the filling inside tomatoes, squash and zucchini. But for the first time, I made a pot by myself for my husband — my personal guinea pig — and then a second a week later. A week after that, I dared to make a pot for nearly 20 people. I prayed the entire time that it would not be too spicy or not spicy enough or too tart or not tart enough. Samira Yako Cholagh walked me through the recipe via her cookbook, which I have sitting atop my kitchen counter. My mother was shocked, my sisters thought I was crazy to make something so time consuming with my hectic schedule, and some friends were impressed. It was hit — so they tell me. Even my Aunt Hanna — a veteran cook and taster of my dish — was proud. There is nothing like a delicious Chaldean meal. If you want a tasty dish from a renowned chef, head to Shenandoah. We feature Chef Lee, who is just settling into his new job at the Chaldean country club in West Bloomfield. Writer Ken Marten also interviewed several other Chaldean chefs working at well-known restaurants in the area. Eastsiders will soon be able to enjoy a club of their own to call a second home. Currently dubbed the East Side Palace and also known as “Shenandoah of the East,” the upcoming club will offer activities for members and of course serve traditional Chaldean food. Yum! Today, many people from various ethnic backgrounds are familiar with Middle Eastern food. In fact, there are hundreds of restaurants around Metro Detroit with hummus, tabouli and kabob on their menu. That was not always the case. If you ask any of our grandmothers who came to the United States more than 50 years ago, they would certainly tell you that finding bulgur or sumac at the nearest grocery store was a challenge. Writer Jennifer Korail took a trip down memory lane with some of our community’s local pioneers, some of whom traveled to the United States by ship and ended up on Ellis Island. Life in some ways was simpler back then and in other ways, more difficult. This was a life without cell phones and computers but it was also a time where most families lived on one income. Drugs were not prevalent in schools and kids fought with words, not guns. We were also e-mailed information about “Mixed,” a new play written by Chaldean Jennifer George that is being performed at the Boll Family YMCA in Detroit. Heeding suggestions from our readers, Jeremy Hall writes about the play in this issue. Speaking of plays, a few issues ago we featured Heather Raffo’s “Nine Parts of Desire,” which has been performed in Washington, D.C. and in New York. The play was recently performed in Dearborn by Chaldean actress Sarab Kamoo, who gave a phenomenal performance transforming into several women from Iraq. We hope to bring this play to a venue that will attract a Chaldean audience. It is a production that should not be missed. Stay tuned. Members of the Chaldean News staff are all over town at various events. This past month I caught up with Jane Shallal, president of the Associated Food Petroleum Dealers (AFPD), at their annual dinner at Penna’s of Sterling Heights. We also caught up with Richard Sulaka, our cover story subject this month, as he ventures into the race for mayor of Warren. Joyce Wiswell tells our readers about the issues at the forefront of his campaign. Enjoy the tastes of Chaldean cuisine and all the various entertainment in the area. We will continue to keep you abreast of all the happenings around town. Alaha Imid Koullen (God Be With Us All) Vanessa Denha-Garmo vdenha@chaldeannews.com 6 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH 2007
your LETTERS Hands Off Your February cover with the “bleeding hand” was very disturbing (“After Saddam: Community has mixed reaction to the dictator’s demise”). I keep my Chaldean News on the kitchen counter and anyone who saw it found it offensive. Although I understand the significance of it, it could have been done in a more tasteful manner. Also, I wish you’d revisit the issue of placing casino ads in your paper. I am sure you can do without the revenue from casinos, especially given the negative impact gambling has had and continues to have on our community. May the Chaldean News enjoy continued success as it helps to bind our community with valuable news and information. – Theresa Sitto Cover Blown I would like to start off by saying how much I look forward to reading the Chaldean News. I love hearing about the new and exciting things going on in our community. I do however have a concern about the February issue that I have just received. As soon as I looked through the mail I was completely shocked at what I saw. I feel the cover picture on the issue was way too graphic. I am 19 years old and I was completely disgusted, so I was not surprised to see my 3-year-old cousin upset when she got a hold of the paper. I believe one of our great privileges as Chaldean-Americans is that we are able to protect our children from being exposed to the gory violence seen in other places. My only request is that future issues will be edited with a family-oriented mindset. – Andrea Konja View from the West It was with interest that I read “Debating Saddam’s Demise.” When I saw the headline, I though I would read differing views of his years in power. Instead, I read the comments of a lynch mob. I live in the midst of about 30,000 Chaldeans in Southern California. Their attitudes were diverse on the merits of Saddam Hussein. Some admired the man while others despised him. Over the years, he was the subject of many rumors within the Chaldean community: “Saddam had a heart attack” … “Saddam’s daughters committed suicide” … “Saddam is a CIA agent,” etc. All one had to do was enter a liquor store (96 percent of all liquor stores in San Diego County are owned by Chaldeans) to listen to the “rumor du jour.” As with San Diego, I am sure that Saddam Hussein had some supporters in the Michigan Chaldean community, yet you chose only those people who spewed hatred against him to interview. A real journalist would have found a few Saddam supporters to interview. That would have been a more probing report. In El Cajon, California, is a large Chaldean church named St. Peter’s. In 1980, construction began on the building because of a quarter-million dollar donation by, guess who, Saddam Hussein and the Iraqi government. Lastly, please consult a grammar and usage book on the English language. In the subhead of your article, you wrote, “The former dictator, 69, was hung at dawn ….” The past participle of the verb “hang” is “hanged.” – Jeff Archer Letters to the editor are welcome. Please keep your letter to less than 500 words and include your city. The Chaldean News reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and length. Submit your letter via email to info@chaldeannews.com or mail to: The Chaldean News, Letters to the Editor, 26555 Evergreen, Ste. 250, Southfield, MI 48076 Correction Spencer Sitto’s name was left out of a list of students who participated in a January 15 event celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday with Governor Jennifer Granholm (“Students Remember King,” February 2007). Call for your experience today: Green Room Salon & Day Spa for women - 248.350.9322 Manhood Grooming for men - 248.354.8400 www.greenroomdayspa.com www.manhoodgrooming.com Conveniently located off Northwestern Highway 26571 West 12 Mile Road WE CALM. WE CATER. WE CARE. EXPERIENCE OUR DIFFERENCE. • Facials, Massages, Pedicures, Manicures, Body Scrubs/Wraps, Body Bronzing, Hair, Shaves, Waxing, Make-up, Ear Candleing. • Separate Spas for men & women • Bridal/Groom Parties • Private Couples Suite • VIP Services, Corporate Gift Programs, Private Events • Gift Packages • Wireless internet available. MARCH 2007 CHALDEAN NEWS 7
