Bistro Newsletter

This week I would like to introduce my manager, Amanda Luchtel, to everyone. Most of you already know Amanda, as she has waited tables here for nearly 10 years. But not all of you may be aware of what she does for the Bistro, for me personally and for her family.


Amanda has been a manger here for at least the last 5 years. Her daily job includes scheduling front of the house staff (FOH), dividing the Bistro into proper sections for each server; two huge tasks which require fairness for staff and with an eye to what’s best for the Bistro & ultimately the customer. She handles guests’ complaints (thankfully this is the smallest task she must deal with) and employee concerns. Amanda comes up with cocktail features, fixes computer malfunctions, expedites food from the window to your table, orders supplies for the Bistro & is a den mother to all here.

Speaking of being a mother, Amanda has Lotus, an adorable, chatty 4-year-old. Lotus is polite, sweet, and always curious. I don’t know how she manages to split her time between being a professional, and a wife & mother. Not only is she a mother to her own child but she has taken over the care of her husband, Paco’s two little sisters. Talk about instant family! Lotus was not even 2 when Amanda and Paco welcomed his sisters into their tiny home in Redford. Jasmine is sassy, hilarious and quick witted. Kimberly at 14 is an old soul… intelligent, very mature, and kindhearted. Both the girls are flourishing under Amanda’s watchful eye. She is strict but still fun and I never hear her not say I love you when she says goodbye to any of them. Amanda and Paco moved the kids to the country, Linden to be exact, so they all have more room and better opportunities. Added expense and a long drive in to work are just a few of the sacrifices they have made for their growing family. The girls are so fortunate to have Amanda.

For me personally Amanda is a dear friend. She is compassionate, strong willed, thoughtful and an awesome listener. Usually, her first ten minutes when she walks in the building are spent listening to me vent. I dump all the weeks concerns, worries, trials and triumphs on her. I trust her with our conversations which are often very personal. One of my fondest memories of Amanda is when I received the call from the bank that my loan to purchase the Bistro had been approved. She answered the phone out front, and I took the call privately in the office... she was the only one I had confided in that Mary & I were working on our deal. When I left the office, we met in the hallway and when I smiled, she just cried and hugged me with such force and true joy for me. I went from a state of numbed shock to bawling our eyes out together. Amanda is the kind of person who allows those around her to shine while she takes care of everyone. Her heart is as big as she is tall! I couldn’t ask for a better manager and friend.

Next time you’re in, say hi to Amanda and notice she always has a smile on her face, even when her plate is very very full.​

Cheers!
Sharon

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~ Chalkboard Features February 3 & 4, 2023 ~
 
DRINK SPECIALS
Playbook Hail Mary Premium Lager 16oz can brewed in Novi  8
Belly Up-Tini Belvedere Vodka, Cranberry Syrup, Lemon, Sugar Rim 13
Nicolas Idiart Sauvignon Blanc Loire Valley, France  7/28
  
 
STARTER
Fried Clam Strips ½# Skinny Strips Flash Fried until Lightly Crispy with Traditional Cocktail Sauce  13
~ Suggested Brew: Hail Mary Lager ~
 
 
BISTRO PLATES
All Bistro Plates are served with a choice of Caesar or DJB House Salad
 
 
Bouillabaisse
Peruvian Bay Scallops, Halibut & Mussels steeped with Fennel, Celery & Onion in a Saffron, White Wine Tomato Broth. Served with Grilled Baguette.  27
~ Suggested Wine: Mary Taylor Anjou Blanc ~
 
 
Baby Back Ribs 1
Pound of Ribs Dry Rubbed & Slow Braised in Porter & Smoky Ancho Chilis, Slathered in Homemade Bourbon BBQ. Served with Baked Beans & Creamy Veggie Slaw.  24
~ Suggested Drink: Dark Horse Blueberry Porter ~
 
 
Sicilian Walleye
Coated with Parmesan Herb Breadcrumbs & Sauteed, presented over Mozzarella Polenta with Skinny Green Beans & a Chilled Zippy Tomato Relish.  26
~ Suggested Wine: Barone Montalto Cab Blend ~