Zen Bistro & Dessert Bar

I don’t know how to start this blog.  I’ve been trying to find the perfect words, phrases, to communicate the last few months …and nothing.

Then in a moment of zen ….all I want to say I hear from a song.

Zen’s heart is broken.  Zen’s success has always been because of it’s heart and soul.

The question we get asked the most during interviews is our role in our budding company.  I’m always quick to say the same thing over and over and totally unexpected.  My answer has nothing to do with who handles what – but the core values of Zen.

Czarina is the heart of Zen…and she is quick to say that I am the soul.

 She has always been the voice of zen.  Every blog is HER voice – and for all of you that have known her for years – her HEART is in everything she writes.  It’s been a bit difficult for her to find her voice the last few months – especially with Zen – so for the next few months I will have to speak for her.

Czarina has been blessed with a baby boy named Evan.  What should have been a joyful time for her has been the most difficult time of her life.  While I can try to communicate her journey so far – her blog can better do it than I can.

 http://accidentalpurpose.com/

Czarina’s heart is broken – because Evan’s heart is broken.  Literally.  I can attempt to give you the scientific terminology – but in simplest terms – his heart didn’t form correctly.  So his fight started when he was born 3 days ago and will continue until he is an old man.  Which is the reason for this blog.

The heart and soul of zen is not the amazing food we create daily – it is what we do with our success and how we take care of those we love the most.  Zen has always and will always be a family business – started by two sisters – who believe that faith, love, and family are the most important things that will get us through anything.  Which is why – the core of Zen is our Karma Program.  Our Karma Program gives a percentage of what we make to a local charity monthly.  Without actually thinking about it (actually – I forgot I even did it) – we signed up to give to Children’s Medical Center every month.  It’s been close to 2 years since we’ve been doing it – and who knew that now someone we love so much would be the beneficiary of their services.

So – on February 25, 2012, Zen will be hosting a fundraising benefitting the Heart Center at Children’s Medical Center.  All ticket and silent auction proceeds will go directly to the Heart Center and the amazing people that has been helping Evan and all the other children get through another day.  It will be an evening filled with music, art, and food – so very Zen and so very Deep Ellum.  Check back often for details and the line up for the evening!  Please join us and help us support the hospital that has been so critical in giving Evan a chance at life.

So – I end with this.  I miss Czarina.  I miss seeing her smile (and sometimes silent grumble) as we get up at 6 in the morning to open the restaurant.  I miss her OCD on inventory, timelines, and orders.  I miss my partner – but most of all I miss her easy grace and daily faith affirmation.    But as I talk to her on the phone and discuss how I will be helping her take care of Evan – I realize that our time together will now be spent taking care of her “little” heart.  And – like the start of Zen…it will be something that we will both put our heart and soul into doing…

From “I Won’t Let Go” by Rascall Flatts

watch?v=HqrR8AgTo_A

It’s like a storm

That cuts a path
It’s breaks your will

It feels like that

You think your lost

But your not lost on your own

Your not alone

I will stand by you.  I will help you through

When you’ve done all you can do


If you can’t cope


I will dry your eyes


I will fight your fight

I will hold you tight
 – And I wont let go

It hurts my heart

To see you cry
I know it’s dark

This part of life

Oh it finds us all

And we’re too small

To stop the rain
 – Oh but when it rains

I will stand by you

I will help you through


When you’ve done all you can do

And you can’t cope

I will dry your eyes

I will fight your fight


I will hold you tight

And I wont let you fall


Don’t be afraid to fall

I’m right here to catch you.  I wont let you down.

It wont get you down

Your gonna make it
.

Yea I know you can make it

Cause I will stand by you.

I will help you through.

When you’ve done all you can do

And you can’t cope

And I will dry your eyes.


I will fight your fight.


I will hold you tight.

And I wont let go.


Oh I’m gonna hold you.


And I wont let go.

Wont let you go

No I wont

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