Joumana Shweiky says she “was born in the oldest city in the world – Damascus!” and from those ancient streets comes the world’s original “heart healthy” Mediterranean diet. Rich in olive oil, grains and vegetables with protein bases in nuts and lean meat, this diet has been well documented to provide for a long and healthy life.

Descending from a large and extended family whose entertainment and social context sprang from the kitchen, Joumana (known as Juju to one and all) arrived in America in the mid-eighties with the grounding force of these nurturing ingredients from the Fertile Crescent near and dear to her.

Juju’s husband was a restaurateur with businesses in Calistoga and Larkspur, and as Juju raised their combined six children, she watched and learned. It is we who benefit from her long journey to Juju’s Mediterranean Kitchen, which is the latest expression of her desire to share her homeland’s healthy eating habits in her adopted country.

Previously Juju was the proprietor of Gina’s Deli on Main Street, and now since moving her operations to 3375 California Way, she is freed to offer catering services and “to go” orders for that perfect wine country picnic or your next party of 50. Known locally for the excellent homemade Baklava pastry, which can be ordered ahead and gift packaged, the menu at Juju’s is definitely worth perusing on-line at www.jujuskitchen.com.

You can order on-line, or by fax at 226-6543, or phone, 226-6537. Juju prides herself on presentation as well as healthy ingredients and superb taste, so your box lunch is sure to be a delight for your eyes and your tongue at your next meeting, picnic or party.