Zino Eddine Mezoui

Zino Eddine Mezoui, 57, owner of Zino's Ristorante in Soda Bay, died Friday, September 24, 2010 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on Highway 29 at Seigler Canyon Road.
Zino and his wife Jan, who moved to Lake County in 2006, have been recognized members of the restaurant owners of the county and have been active participants in the life of our community.
Zino was born 11 January, 1953 in Algiers, Algeria where both his father and grandfather were in the restaurant business and helped to form Zino's life long commitment to the culinary arts. Zino spent part of his early life in France, but completed high school in Algeria and Switzerland and then worked at his father's restaurant, "The Sindbad" in Tipasa, Algeria. At the age of 29, Zino moved to New York where he remained for 9 months while helping his sister with her first child. After that, he moved to Napa where he took up restaurant work with his Uncle Jacques Mokrani, owner of the French Restaurant "La Boucane." After "La Boucane," Zino was the chef at Gino's Restaurant and Bar in Sonoma for 7 years.
In 1991, Zino became proprietor and chef of Zino's on the Plaza in Sonoma, CA. Subsequently, in 1996 he became the owner and chef of a second restaurant in Sonoma, Le Bistro. Zino was well known for his community involvement with schools and charitable organizations and frequently played host to groups of foreign visitors who were attracted by his fluency in French.
February 18, 2002 was proclaimed "Zino Mezoui Day" by the Mayor of Sonoma in recognition of Zino being "the friendliest restaurant owner and business person," in Sonoma and his "fine tradition of providing good food and good service in a friendly and warm atmosphere." Zino's tradition of putting his heart and soul into his business, and into the community of Sonoma," received appreciation by the entire community.
Zino married Jan Flynn, also of Sonoma, in 2004. Jan was the proprietor of several "Curves" franchises in the Sonoma area in which Zino was increasingly involved until they moved to Lake County in 2006. Zino, once again hearing the call of the restaurant business, opened Zino's Ristorante and Inn in Soda Bay and endeared himself to a whole new set of friends in this area.
Zino will be remembered by friends and family as a kind, generous, warm-hearted man who was deeply passionate about his calling in life - making people happy with great food and drink.
Zino leaves behind his wife, Jan and two sons, Zino Jr. and Sami, from his previous marriage.
He is survived by his mother, his sister and two brothers, plus many nieces, nephews, three step- children and their families.
To all who knew and loved Zino, Jan and the family, they extend an invitation to a memorial celebration in honor of Zino's life to be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, October 9 at Zino's Ristorante on the shore of Clear Lake, 6330 Soda Bay Road.
The family prefers donations made to Umpqua Bank, Account #99-199-2488, where an account has been established in his name.
The Mezoui family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary.
For further information call Chapel of the Lakes at (707) 263-0357 or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com
Please share your memories by signing the guest book at www.record-bee.com.