Nothing Beats Home Cooking

Aired July 29, 2004

Northeast Ohio’s multi-cultural mix is richer this week with the arrival of 3,000 athletes and coaches who are in town to participate in the International Children’s Games. Young people from around the world, aged 12 to 15, will meet in a series of Olympic-styled competitions at various college playing fields around Greater Cleveland. And while many of the athletes are excited about their American adventure, it’s hard to escape a feeling of homesickness. Fortunately for the team from El Salvador, a taste of home isn’t far away. This past Tuesday, they paid a visit to La Casa Tazumal, a Westside restaurant run by Salvadoran immigrant Maria Martinez. She beamed as she watched the hungry teenagers chow down. “This is a blessing for me,” she said. “I never would have believed that this could happen.”

All photos by David C. Barnett

The delegation from Zaragoza, El Salvador arrives at La Casa Tazumal.

Team Physician Dr. Pedro Montalavo and Sr. Ruth Tiguila.

Sr. Mary Pat Driscoll, director of the mission community in Zaragoza with track and field player Miguel Guzman

The Zaragoza team members sit down for some home cooking (and American beverages).

Soccer player Sonia Amaya and her trainer, Manuel Coto

Maria Martinez, owner of La Casa Tazumal, is surrounded by the team from her native El Salvador

Suggested Websites:

• For more information on the games, click here.
• For more information on the El Salvador team, click here.