Bistro Newsletter

Bistro Newsletter - January 25, 2024 
Since I returned home from Cancun last week, I have been busy celebrating. First was my sister Christine’s birthday at Spencer in Ann Arbor. I’ve written about this little gem before, and it did not disappoint. Christine lives in Ann Arbor with her husband Scott where she is a veterinarian at West Arbor. I’ve admired my sister since we were little. She is incredibly smart, witty as heck, a natural leader, full of love for people and has always been a perfectionist. As little kids in Detroit, we used to share a room. My side was covered in stuffed animals and clothes everywhere, her side was immaculate. My mom has told me stories that Christine could tell when I sat on her bed, and she would be upset I messed up her blankets. I recall her being mad at me because I walked too slow to school. I remember her giving me the stink eye when I was sent to find something in our deep chest freezer and could never find anything. I was helpless. I remember Christine doing everything right. I loved her and wanted to be just like her, but alas, my hair was always a mess, my shirt was stained and I smelled like peanut butter. In high school when we moved from Plymouth to Northville, neither of us knew anyone yet and we shared a locker and sat together at lunch. Christine was my best friend. She saved me from being lonely. She introduced me to horseback riding, Pink Floyd, boys, cigarettes, bonfires and summer concerts. She convinced me to get a job in high school and work in the restaurant business. She shared her friends with me and never complained when I tagged along, she was very protective of me. She was wild and brave and beautiful. She was also an A student and an overachiever. Christine taught me that school and good grades were important. She also taught me how to roll our mom’s car out of the driveway without starting it and sneak off into the night. I think I was 14!?!  Today, I continue to learn from her compassion and strength. Christine is the mom of two amazing, smart and kind kids who I adore. She has an incredibly strong marriage that I admire, and she is the smartest vet who works with sincere compassion and an incredible work ethic.  Happy Birthday sister, I love you!
The celebration continued with The Lions… oh my gosh was that game something or what!?! Michael and I had friends over to watch while we enjoyed a nice Greek Salad and a few bottles of bubbly. Go Lions! I am so excited for this team!!​

Lastly, Michael and I celebrated me sneaking out early Wednesday and being able to go to a restaurant that is NOT open Sunday or Monday (my only free nights). So many restaurants (ours included) are closed those two days… sometimes it’s hard to find a place that is open so I’m always excited to dine during the week and go somewhere I cannot usually visit. We chose Frame and Mabel Gray, both in Hazel Park. Frame is owned by Joe Vaughn, amazing local photographer and an old friend. He once made me a cover girl! Joe hosts rotating chefs for month long residencies at his casual eatery. We enjoyed Lamb Pot Stickers from Chef Gabriela Botezan. They were excellent. We walked right next door to Mabel for dinner. James Rigato and his restaurant get lots of media attention and it is well deserved. Service was exemplary and the highlight of our meal was a toss-up between the Carbonara and the Empanada. Always grateful to be on the receiving end of a nice meal out.

Cheers & GO LIONS!
Sharon