Bistro Newsletter

Two weeks ago, Michael and I joined our friends for a birthday celebration at The Gate Keeper Bar & Game Room in Berkley for a night of Dungeons & Dragons. Yes, my sweet handsome hip cool loving husband is an old D & D nerd. If you’ve never played D & D, it is a game from the 70s that popularized tabletop fantasy role-playing games and later influenced video game culture. In school I wasn’t a nerd, and I wasn’t a popular kid. I suppose I dabbled in different genres of friends. Jocks, nerds, pot heads, artists, the smart kids, and lonely troublemakers… all mixed in together were my people. The Gate Keeper was definitely a mixed bag of misfits with a strong “nerdy” undertone. We even spied a “Furry Person” there during their Open Mic. Michael enjoyed his night as our creative host and Dungeon Master. Allegedly D & D games can be played for hours, days and even months long. I’m pretty sure I had my fill that night and this Halfling (the character developed for me) will not be returning to the “Dungeon” any time soon.
 
As the nights get cooler we tend to stay in and cook more. This last week I’ve taken advantage of the end of the garden vegetables. I made a Hot Pepper, Tomato & Potato Breakfast Hash, we shared a large Platter of Roasted Root Veggies with Scallops & Short Rib with our house guest, Nick, and watched the Lions win while dining on Pulled Chicken, Honeynut Squash & Kale Pasta.
 
For our evening out this week, my bestie, Sara, and her husband joined us at The Franklin Oyster Bar. This restaurant recently changed hands, and I was curious to see how the transition went. Set in a historical building in downtown Franklin, the freshened-up look is cozy and sophisticated. Lots of tiny tables in a darkly painted room with warm lighting backlit by the small pewter bar and live oyster shucking area. Upstairs there is more seating, and they have a very pretty pergola patio outside. Classic art, vivid wallpaper and east coast elegance set the tone for a seafood dinner. We shared Raw Oysters, a lovely Mustard Greens Salad with lots of crunch, a basket of Fried Mushrooms, Linguine & Clams, Chowder, Dill Scented Caesar and my dinner was Scallops with Corn Puree & Bacon Lardons. Everything was seasoned nicely, served hot and with an eye for presentation from our friendly and engaging server. Portions were not large, but they were satisfying. Franklin is an expensive side of town and the prices matched; however, I thoroughly enjoyed our evening, and I look forward to sipping Champagne at their bar, slurping oysters or enjoying the patio next season.
 
Cheers,
Sharon

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