Welcome to the Bistro!

Mary's Blog and Sharon's chalkboard features  - December 20, 2019

And, another fine week it has been!!! The weather has been tough on my furry friends. With the cold temperatures and wind no one is getting enough of the outdoor time that they need. And, my task of filling the bird and suet feeders is brutal to carry out in the single digits.  It is becoming an almost daily undertaking. 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.  Maddy especially is happy that they knock the sunflower seeds to the ground where the squirrels gather to gobble them up. She’ll run full throttle hoping to snag one, only to be disappointed every time. Poor Maddie… I’m in preparation for having our Christmas family gathering in a few days. I’m making red wine braised short ribs, following Julia Child’s recipe for Boeuf Bourguigon.  It was always Tom and my celebration…the Sunday before Christmas. So, I’ve continued the tradition and will have a joyous houseful.
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Happily the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year and the first day of Winter is here tomorrow December 21st.  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…

Christmas Eve, Tuesday, 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 also coming up Dec. 22-30 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.

Sean is in charge of Weekend Features this so Sharon can work out in the front with me. BISTRO PLATES INCLUDE:

KOREAN CHICKEN TACOS: Citrus-Ginger & Soy Marinated Chicken Dusted in Cornstarch and Fried till’ Crispy, Tossed in a sweet and Spicy Chili Sauce, Topped with a Cilantro-Orange-Jalapeno Salsa and Served with Brown Rice;

GOLDEN TILE FISH “OSCAR” STYLE: Mild and Flaky and Full of Flavor Tilefish is a Favorite. Topped with Hollandaise and Jumbo Lump Crab. Served With Roasted Asparagus and Applewood Smoked Bacon Hash Browns;

SHEPHERD’S PIE: A Bistro Old School Recipe – Slowly Simmered Ground Beef, Leeks, Onion, Carrots and Portobello Mushrooms in a Rich Beef Gravy. Topped with Mashed Potatoes and Baked until Bubbly and lastly

MEDITERRANEAN BRANZINO: Basted with Boursin Butter, Oven Roasted and Presented with Garlic Broccolini, Carrot-Potato Puree and a Drizzle of Basil Oil.  YUM!!!

 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, The Pups and Ponies!