Bistro Newsletter

It appears fall is officially here. I personally love EVERYTHING fall! The colors, the food, the crisp air, cider mills, afternoons around the firepit… I don’t even mind a lil’ pumpkin spice here and there.
 
To enjoy the last of the warm weather and sunshine, this past weekend Michael and I were joined by my bestie and her hubby for bocce ball and Vermut hour. We met just down the street from our house where there is a small bocce court in the park. Sara brought some tinned fish, olive tapenade & peppers. We brought the Vermut, a bottle of Spanish wine and some classic Spanish meat & cheese to complete our picnic. Vermut hour with tapas was a big deal when I visited Spain a few years ago and I do love a themed gathering so why not?!? In Barcelona, all the young people would meet at the outdoor cafes and sip Vermut and socialize. There were even bars designated for Vermut service only. Vermut is wine that has been aromatized with herbs and spices and fortified with additional alcohol. It is slightly bitter and considered an aperitif. I think it tastes like spiced cola without carbonation. Some older Catalonians do add a spritz of soda water to open the aromas. It is classically served with an orange wedge and an anchovy olive. Our Sunday picnic was the inspiration for this weekend’s Chalkboard Appetizer Feature. I hope you try the Vermut with the Tapas Board to get the full Catalonian experience.
 
With summer wrapping up, this is the last weekend to enjoy the Renaissance Festival in Holly. Last weekend our server Michelle got engaged to her long-time boyfriend (and our line cook) Brian at the festival. Brian surprised Michelle who thought it was just going to be a girl’s day at the festival. Michelle’s friends, Tori (bartender)and Mariah (server), made sure she had her hair, make-up and her Renaissance look just right for the special moment with their cameras at the ready. Mazel tov to Michelle & Brian! 
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Cheers,
Sharon