Welcome to the Bistro

WELCOME TO THE BISTRO!

And, another fine week it has been. The last of the gardening got done in the nick of time. One of the last things planted, along with garlic, were ramps a.k.a. as wild leeks. They have the combined tastes of onion and garlic, are rich in A and C vitamins and are tender and sweet. What I like the most is that I can use the whole plant, leaves and all, rather than just the white part as in cultivated leeks. I love to char-grill and include them on a veggie platter. My yard is very shady which the ramps love. We’ll know it is spring when they poke their supple leaves through the ground in their little plot. The heated water fountains are set for my feathered friends, who are eating up a storm. I can’t keep the feeders full. Niki and Pico are NOT huge fans of this weather and unhappily endure the ritual of putting their coats on every time we go out. I don’t like the puddles left from the snow that melts off their furry legs. Oh well, as this is all I have to complain about I’m a lucky girl!

Last week my mom, sisters and spouses met in St. Pete for our 2nd annual “Smith Girls”and spouse’s reunion. We rent most of a 1950’s style “motel” on the beach for a few nights. It is nothing fancy, but impeccably clean and, being that there are kitchens and grills, we’re able to “eat in” and enjoy each other’s company. It takes a lot of planning and shopping to feed a dozen people three squares a day. We did grouper sandwiches, steamed littleneck clams, honey-baked ham and turkey, filets and big breakfasts. The weather was perfect and the long beach walks a joy. I even finished my book, Unbroken, which was excellent. We are all looking forward to next year’s gathering.

With the Thanksgiving holiday upon us I’ve gotten many requests for donations from just about every organization that provides food to the needy: Gleaners, Forgotten Harvest, Grace Centers, and Capuchin Kitchen. They all are at rock bottom with their budgets and pantries so a little cash can go a long way. And, if a monetary donation is not possible, they all need volunteers to help serve the meals, sort clothing donations and to fill bags with groceries for the poor. I give for a selfish reason – it makes me feel good. A favorite proverb of mine goes like this; A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25.  

Do what you can for our fellow Detroiters who have fallen on hard times. Speaking of which we served close to 300 people at the Baldwin Center in Pontiac on a few weeks ago. Thanks to my staff for giving of their time and Sharon for organizing the lunch. We are very grateful for the food that our purveyors were so kind to donate. 

Chalkboard Features are yummy as usual. Check them out at www.djbistro.com .

As is our tradition the Bistro will close on Thanksgiving so that we can be with friends and family. We wish you a wonderful holiday!

“IT’S A MILLION DOLLAR DAY.”

 SHARE IT WITH SOMEONE!

 

XO, Mary

---