Bistro Blog

I think people assume being married to a chef must be a real treat. Fabulously fancy home cooked meals every night, glamorous kitchen setting and entertaining dinner parties every weekend. That’s not exactly our reality. Since my husband Michael wrote, a few weeks ago, a bit about how we met, I would like to fill you in on some of the details about how we live. But first I’d like to mention how incredibly lucky I am that Michael has supported me 100% in the decision to buy the Bistro. He never once questioned whether I could handle it or not, or if I was making a bad decision during the entire process. He always believed in me. He didn’t bat an eye when they asked him to sign away our house if I default on the bank loan or lease agreement. I’m amazed at his love for me and his genuine admiration and respect for what we do here every day at the Bistro. Thank you, Michael, I could never have gotten here without you loving me.

I work Tuesday through Saturday 11:30 until 9 or 10 at night, most nights it’s even later… some nights I may sneak out a little early, but I never know when I’m going to be done and dinner is often late at night and rushed. So, the idea of me cooking every night for my husband is not an option. In fact, it is a true rarity. Mind you, even though I consider myself a very independent modern woman I do have wife guilt. I feel bad that I am not at home more and when I am, I am very often texting, researching, emailing and am generally distracted. Good thing my husband is patient, kind and independent as well (keep it up Boo). Most nights, Michael finds himself cooking alone or with one of his buddies. I have taught him a few techniques and I’m quite certain he picked up a thing or two working for the likes of Rick Halberg, Keith Famie & Brian Polcyn as a sommelier and maître d. If we do manage a dinner together, I always love to try somewhere new and hip. Michael loves Italian and we would eat at the same 4 restaurants all the time if he had the choice. Luigi’s, Clawson Steak House, Pastaio or Mon Jin Lau. We both enjoy cooking at home and hanging out with our dog Brisket on the patio, but we keep the menu and cooking very simple. Grilled steak or fish with a vegetable is our average dinner, usually served with a stellar wine from Michael’s collection.

I do, however, enjoy cooking for our friends and family and we both love hosting a great time. We throw a few big parties every year. I usually think up a menu and we go from there. This last New Year’s Day we had a pizza party. Our very own Chef Max (remember he has his company That’s That Pizza) provided the dough, I made a tremendous number of toppings, and everyone cooked their own pizza in the outdoor oven. I love it when my friends can “make it their way”. We served loads of Champagne and amazing Italian Reds. We built a fire outside to keep us warm and played music downstairs in the jam room into the wee hours.

This last weekend for Memorial Day I kept it very simple. It was hot and I really didn’t want to cook. I made a chilled pea soup and threw together a few pint-sized Italian style sandwiches, Michael made eggplant caponata, my niece Claire did blackberry cake and mom made blueberry pie. We served Aperol spritzes and played sac toss.
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When we’re not cooking or dining out, Michael and I enjoy riding our bikes into Royal Oak or walking the dog. The 3 of us love patio season, having a few cocktails and people/dog watching! We enjoy heading into Detroit and roaming around Belle Isle or the Dequindre Cut. I love games and cards and Michael will play with me if I ask nicely. He loves history shows and hockey and I will pretend to listen to him rant about whatever is on the TV while I read. We’ve recently gotten into pickle ball and have enjoyed this activity with other couples. But our favorite thing to do is hop in the car and just go! A quick picnic sack and a bottle of wine, preferably with a water view is our favorite escape when we can’t fit in a full-fledged vacation. In the past we’ve enjoyed Lexington and Marine City, both about an hour from our house. This Sunday we’re headed slightly north, just past Metamora to a new glamping site. I’ll fill you in on that next week! In the meantime, if you have any suggestions of close by attractions or unique towns, I’d love to hear about them… if they are dog friendly it is an extra bonus.​

Cheers,
Sharon

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