Greetings from the Bistro!

Well, my contemplative walk with Nikki and Pico went down the tubes today. We were “snowed-in.”  They don’t seem to mind in the least. Both are keeping me company, snoring softly, cozy and curled up on Grandma Smith’s 100 year old wicker that graces my office. I’m sure there is some eye-rolling going on from above. I’m of the opinion, if you’ve got it use it. There are so many memories that are conjured up when I look at the beautiful “back-of-a-sage leaf” green hued chairs and sewing chaise.  They were her parent’s, purchased over a century ago as newly weds. Back then they were hunter green with striped cushions. As a little girl I sat and read on Gram and Gramp’s front porch every summer visit wistfully enjoying their smells and creaks.  Happily, Tom and I inherited “them” (they are family you know) in the early 80’s and had the wicker repaired and changed to their present sage vs. broccoli green color. Over the years Tom kept them washed and touched up. A huge project which he enjoyed doing.  Last spring after hours of gentle scrubbing and hosing then painting I made the executive decision to move them inside from the side porch.  Now, the pups enjoy some doggie beds extraordinaire and I still snuggle into the chaise with a book and remember past times.  

These pieces of furniture were made by passionate, proud craftsman. It shows in the glorious weaving of willow branches around a simple frame. Probably young apprentices learned from the master’s weavers but could not earn a living by spending weeks producing one chair or table or settee.   So, over the years, wicker became man-made poly “something” and the beauty was lost.  Yes, it is easy to clean; it’s cheap and very throw-away-able. And, it is a sad loss of memory making.
 
Old is good. . It is good that we have managed, through thick and thin, to remain in business for 61 years. It is good that there are many original Brady traditions. Our chili and burgers rock. The Caesar is still the best around. It’s good to have customer’s come in who have great stories to tell about 7 mile. I’m proud that we’ve been proactive and changed with the times and made new traditions too. It took a leap of faith to start selling fish when we came to Novi 25 years ago. In the beginning more was throw out than sold as we were know as a “burger place.” Now, three times more fish than meat comes out of the kitchen. Our black bean chili was developed as a low fat and veggie alternative to the original recipe and the Sweet Potato Burrito is a best seller.  Our Chalk Board Features are innovative and take advantage of the freshest of ingredients along with the repeating of your favorites.

(Check out this week’s specials at www.djbistro.com)
 
Thanks to a great staff. Thanks to all of You for your very much appreciated support!
 
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE BISTRO!
 
AND WISH YOU MANY MILLION DOLLAR DAYS…
 
XO, MARY
Niki, Pico, Picasso and Z too!