Merry Christmas from the Bistro!

And, another fine week it has been!!! The weather has been great for all my furry friends. Niki and Pico are digging the mild temperatures and glad the snow has melted away for the most part. They were outside with me all afternoon wandering the woods as I tended to my outdoor tasks. One of which, filling bird and suet feeders, has almost become a daily requirement. The birds are coming in in droves and are a great source of entertainment for the pups and me. We love to watch them swooping in and out.  Pico especially is happy that they knock the sunflower seeds to the ground where the squirrels gather to gobble them up. He’ll run full throttle hoping to snag one, only to be disappointed every time. Poor Pico… They are getting their Christmas hair “dos” as we speak so they’ll be nice and clean for the family gathering on Sunday. It was always Tom and my celebration…the Sunday before Christmas. So, I’ve continued the tradition and will have a joyous houseful.

Happily the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year and the first day of Winter is here. We’re on our way to Spring. It is also the time when the Sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky and a gradual cooling process will continue for the next two months sending temperatures to their lowest. Hopefully not too low…
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Christmas Eve, Monday, is widely observed as a holiday in anticipation of Christmas day. Both days are considered to be the most significant celebrations in Christendom and Western society. And just finished is the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Gift giving is a part of both and I always like to remind myself that there are many ways to share other than a physical present. The gift of listening, really listening is so valuable. Put away the phones and have a conversation. Pay attention…you may just learn something new. The gifts of laughter, giving a well meant compliment, being generous with your hugs and having a cheerful spirit mean so much to those on the receiving end. They also have a boomerang effect. It is in giving that we receive!!!  Remember that the best gifts we can give don’t cost a dime.

Mr. Chipps is in charge of Weekend Features this week so Sharon can work out in the front with me. As a Starter There are Thick and Juicy Clam Strips with Cocktail and Tartar Sauces. Bistro Plates include an Ahi Tuna Steak Dusted in Basil Breadcrumbs, Seared and Served over Parmesan Polenta, Wilted Swiss Chard and a Zippy Tomato Relish; Bistro Filet Grilled to your Liking, Sliced and Presented with Cheddar Mashers, Skinny Green Beans and Cognac Demi-Glace and a Stir-fry of Gulf Shrimp and, last but not least, Asian Style Veggies Tossed with a Cashew Teriyaki Glaze in a Crispy Wonton Bowl. Save room for Peanut Butter Mousse Pie!

 We are taking reservations for New Year’s Eve but always keep tables open for walk-ins too. So if you know you want to celebrate with us call. And if you find yourself making last minute plans just come on in. Our NYE menu is not set in stone yet as Sharon likes to wait for bid sheets before finalizing it. I’ll bet that there will be Lobster, a special Steak and I know there have been lots of requests for Bouillabaisse and Osso Bucco. New Year’s Eve is my favorite day at the Bistro. The mood is happy, up-beat and fun. Hope we’ll see you.

WE WISH YOU MANY MILLION DOLLAR DAYS AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE BISTRO!!!
XO, Mary, Niki, Pico, Picasso and Z