Welcome to the Bistro!

Mary's blog and Sharon's chalkboard features  - May 5, 2017

Last weekend was spent in Lockport, N.Y. attending my Aunt Josephine’s funeral service. She died on Palm Sunday at the young age of 91. Aunt Jo, my dad’s older, and only sister, is the last of the Smith family in the Buffalo area. She was a favorite Aunt who would take me, then under 10 and living in Kenmore, N.Y. for rides in her little black VW bug. It was so cool to go tooling around with the roof rolled back. Yes, literally hand cranked open. Then after marrying Uncle Bill the VW’s changed to a more user friendly auto to accommodate his over 6 foot stature. They made their home in Lockport where Uncle Bill was the city engineer. She loved to garden and had a green thumb with house plants too. Orchids were a favorite and while mine faltered after a few months hers were ever blooming. She followed in the foot steps of her mother and pursued the career of a nurse which she enjoyed tremendously. Hobbies were bird watching and hiking.  A phone call to Aunt Jo could turn into hours with lots of laughs and good conversation. My mom’s sisters and some of my cousins came to the church   and it was fun to see them together, catching up on family news. Ranging in age from 83 to 91 not one of the four is over 5 foot. I feel like the Jolly Green Giant next to them. My entire sister’s were able to attend too, coming from San Diego, Atlanta, and Florida and of course Michigan. I know she is happy to be “Home” with her beloved Bill, Mother and Father and her brother, my dad. Love you Aunt Jo!!!

​Cinco de Mayo is a National Holiday in Mexico and The U.S. officially celebrated on May 5th but sometimes lasting a week with parades, music and food. It is the celebration of victory over the French forces of Napoleon III in 1862. Also known as the Battle of Puebla it is a symbol of Mexican resistance to foreign domination. 4,000 Mexican troops were able to defeat 8000 French troops that had not been defeated in over 50 years.  More important to me though is that it’s my Pico’s birthday. He is such a good pup. He and Niki will get to celebrate with a treat of doggie birthday cookies. And, if the rain lets up we’ll go for a nice walk in town.
 
    The 143rd  running of the Kentucky Derby is  tomorrow, the first Saturday in May, run at Churchill Downs in Louisville Kentucky. Also know as “Run for the Roses” for the blanket of roses the winning horse is adorned with or, “The Most 2 Exciting Minutes in Sports.” It is a 1.25 mile race for 3 year old thoroughbred horses. The first race was held in 1875 with attendance of 10,000. Over 150,000 are expected this year. It is the first leg of the Triple Crown with the Preakness and Belmont Stakes following. Geldings carry 126 pounds and Fillies 121 pounds. The fastest horse ever was Secretariat who won in 1973 with a time of 1 minute 59 2/5 seconds. The TV’s will be on for the race and Mint Juleps flowing!
 
Remember that next Sunday is Mother’s Day and we’ll be open until Four serving a menu featuring Brunch and Main Course Items Including Pecan Praline French Toast, Apple wood Smoked Bacon, Aged Cheddar and Caramelized Onion Quiche, Organic Michigan Eggs Scrambled with Jumbo Lump Crab, Asparagus, Spinach and Gruyere, Steak Diane and Scottish Salmon to name a few. We are accepting Reservations!!!
 
Weekend Features are awesome Per Se! Our “Salad Bowl is Layered with Blackberries, Aged Gouda, Candied Almonds, Prosciutto and Chopped Spinach Drizzled with a Michigan Honey and Champagne Vinegar Splash; Canadian Walleye is Pan Roasted and Served with a Golden Beet, Brussels Sprout & Fingerling Potato Hash; Chicken Pot Pie Chock Full of White Meat Chicken, Peas and Carrots in a Rich Chicken Gravy; Pacific Halibut Presented with Herbed Basmati, Crispy Zucchini Straws and an Artichoke-Walnut Pesto and lastly a 1# Duroc Pork Shank Slowly Braised and Accompanied with Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Apple Chutney and Natural Jus.
 
YUM!!
 
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE BISTRO AND WISH YOU MANY MILLION DOLLAR DAYS!!
 
XO,
 
Mary, Niki, Pico, Picasso and Z