Bistro Newsletter

I took two extra days off a few weeks ago to celebrate my 54th birthday. Michael and I usually try to travel to somewhere warm, but we were unable to arrange it this year. So, I spread my birthday out over a few days and did a little bit of everything that I enjoy.​

Sunday Michael and I had to come into the Bistro for a quick repair and cleaning project, so I rewarded him with a healthy lunch at La Marsa and we did a walk with Brisket around Carpenter Lake Park, one of my favorite hikes nearby. It was cold but pretty! To start my birthday weekend Michael was in charge of our dinner plans. The meal at home was Grilled Filet with Gorgonzola and a great bottle of Margaux. I then kicked his butt in Canasta.

Monday, I took my mom to her doctor’s appointment (at 80 years old, these seem to come more frequently) and we had lunch at J. Alexander’s. I normally do not visit chain restaurants, but this is one of the few that I think does a nice job. It’s consistent. AND it happened to be in the right location for our afternoon together. In the evening, I finally had time to finish my book “Sunburn” (it was okay) and start a new one “Crying in H Mart”. I’m excited about my new book, there are lots of Korean food tidbits so far and it dives into the deep complexities of mother daughter relationships.

Tuesday morning, I spoiled myself with a pedicure in Ferndale and in the afternoon met my friend Sandra for some shopping in downtown Royal Oak. La Roche Artifacts is one of my favorite stores for gifts and Sidetrack Bookshop always has something new on the shelf. We met Michael and friends for dinner at a new place, The Blue Goat. Cute little place with Greek food. We tried every appetizer and shared a few entrees, pretty tasty.

On my actual birthday, Wednesday, we had quite a snowstorm, but Michael is a confident driver. He says he used to drive a rear wheel Supra in the snow so he can handle his four-wheel Honda SUV with ease. He did well and we ventured downtown Detroit for dinner at Vecino for high end modern Mexican cuisine. I figured we’re normally in Mexico for my birthday we might as well enjoy the food from there. Everything was excellent. Michael loved his Aqua Frescos, my cocktail was super yummy, the Mexican wine was fruity and very enjoyable. We ordered multiple courses and every plate had a unique sauce that I could tell simmered for a long time with lots of spices and each one had great depth of flavor. The mole was rich with deep dark spices, and the many salsas were bright and refreshing.

Michael spoiled me with gifts, one being a fountain for my garden (we filled it and ran it in the house to make sure the pump worked… it does… and now I constantly must pee) and my staff surprised me with a decorated office, ballons, poppers and gifts. It’s good to be celebrated! I certainly felt the love all week, one of my friends called it Sharonuary. I like the sound of that…

Cheers,
Sharon 

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