Bistro Newsletter

This New Year’s feels different for us here at the Bistro. With the eve falling on a Sunday, Amanda and I discussed if we should be open or not. I thought if we opened on Sunday, the weekend might be slow as everyone would just wait until Sunday to come in. Also, I looked at last year’s numbers and we were oddly busier the night BEFORE New Year’s Eve. Then on the news this morning I heard that nearly 70% of Michiganders choose to stay home for New Year’s. So, I guess we made the right decision. We’ll see how the weekend goes…

For the first time in I can’t remember how long, I will be home with Michael for NYE. Back when I was the Chef at Streetside Seafood and he was the Maitre d’ at Forté, we used to meet in the middle of the street in Birmingham for our midnight kiss. I would run back to clean the kitchen and do end of the year inventory and his bar would be busy until 2 AM. Many years I’ve been sitting at the bar here with Whisper waiting for the last few guests to leave or toasting with the staff that stayed late. On a few occasions I’ve been alone driving home after a long night when the ball drops, watching the fireworks as I head down 696. I am always a little sad and often shed a quick tear at midnight… the passage of time is more noticeable as we age. I feel the years slipping and know time is precious. This year, I’m looking forward to an evening with just Michael. I do want to go out for one drink so I can see how the rest of the world lives… but it will be early and then we’ll have surf and turf (if ya’ll leave me any?!) and a nice bottle of wine at home. Our big day has always been New Year Day. We’ve hosted a party for at least the last 15 years. It originally started because most of our friends were restaurant people and had to work NYE. We drink a lot of champagne and I always do a thematic spread… this year is breakfast for dinner. I’ll share pictures next week.

At the Bistro this weekend, our Chalkboard Menu is more formal and we’re sticking with tradition. We always have a Champagne Cocktail, Surf & Turf and Crab Cakes. The rest of the features are just as tasty and decadent. Save room for Molten Chocolate Lava Cake!

From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank all of you who have made 2023 one of the most exciting years in my career.​

Cheers, pop a bottle and Happy New Year!!!
Sharon