Welcome to the Bistro!

And, another fine week it has been!!!  The tree colors around the Brady residence were magnificent until the torrential rains. Now, the grass is covered with a thick carpet of wet leaves making it impossible (Ok by me) to do any raking. The pups are daintily trotting thru them to the woods, not happy at all to have cold, wet paws. We have our ritual though; a treat after a successful potty trip and then each has their tootsies and tummies dried before getting “full range” of the house. The Z boy was a handful today as the strong winds rocked the barn doors and diverted his attention from the person on the middle of his back, Moi.  Even though he is very big he can move on a dime. So, any noise or movement that is unusual gets him into flight mood. Which is normal and I just need to be aware of every little nuance that is not a daily happening. Peripheral vision becomes second nature. If I get startled, he gets startled. It is really cool that there is an instantaneous result to positive reinforcement with him. He is definitely a mirror of my emotions, whether subconscious or not, and physical feedback. We too, like the pups, have our routines. Courtney brings him his apples and carrots, washed and in bite-size pieces, mind you, that he gets before grooming. Then a flake of hay while being brushed. When I saddle up he swings his head around for a cube of sugar and off we go. After the ride, the barn dogs, Drake and Gunny, get their treats thrown while I’m still on Z’s back, jumping into the air to catch them and then Z is rewarded with more sugar. But wait, there is more…. hay that is, after having his saddle taken off and put into his stall. I guess I like to make my animals happy with food too!!
 
Awhile back a young lady, I would guess 9, Katie Schuab, brought me a paper she wrote for a class project about the Bistro. It starts, “Do you like fancy restaurants? If so, you should visit Diamond Jim Brady’s. It has GOOD food.” She continued with “they are the kindest people and the service is fast and fantastic. The server never forgets to ask us “”how is your lunch or dinner” and the manager will become friends with you.” Best of all she finishes with “my whole family loves everything and everyone at Diamond Jim Brady's. I give it 1,100 out of 1,100 smiley faces. I hope everyone gets a chance to visit.”  Thanks Katie!!! You’re a great restaurant reviewer. What a fine compliment from you. We all appreciate your praise for what we strive to accomplish. We’re honored!
 
The Bistro will be closed for a “refresh” on Sunday and Monday. After four years of heavy traffic (thank-you!!) it is time to do some updates on the interior. Sharon and I are diligent about painting several times a year and doing regular maintenance but this is a bit more of a makeover and requires 48 hours of around the clock installation. You’ll notice some changes, the others not. For instance, we have a new air-lock system install that will block the cold air and wind on the patios. There will also be wind shades that will make the patios homier. On Sunday the staff will travel via bus to a surprise destination, which is a combo of work and fun. I’ll fill you in next week.
 
Weekend Chalkboard Features are outstanding as usual starting with a Duck Confit Flat Bread topped with shredded Duck Leg, Caramelized Onion and Walnut Pesto, Pears and Gruyere Cheese; East Coast Golden Corvina, similar to Snapper, Presented with Saffron Rice, Sauté of Zucchini and Romesco Sauce: Pork and Beans, Smoked Pork Shoulder Slowly Cooked with Bourbon, Brown Sugar and Cannellini Beans and Grilled Mai served with Black Bean and Corn Rice and Cilantro Sour Cream and Tortilla Straw. YUM!!
 
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE BISTRO AND WISH YOU ALL A
                         MILLION DOLLAR DAY!     
 
XXOO,
 
Mary