Welcome to the Bistro!

And, another fine week it has been!  It is hard to believe that we are in the last month of 2016 and nearing the anniversary of our 62nd year of being in business!  Tom and I worked hard to grow a Detroit tradition for 29 years together. Then I continued alone for then 3 years and along with Sharon the last 5 years. There have been ups and downs throughout. Most notably were Tom’s death 8 years ago and the almost immediate letter of termination of my lease due to Wal-Mart taking my space. My sister Josephine and I worked like dogs to clear the restaurant and get what was salvageable to a storage unit. In retrospect I should have donated everything  but, I’m glad to that the original bar, Hi-Hat Tables, Garland stove and much cherished art that Tom and I collected together are still part of today’s Bistro. I did not have any inclination as to where I may plant my feet again until our current location came available soon after. Then Sharon’s and my journey  began to create our space. And what a journey that was. And, continues to be.  We consider ourselves fortunate to have the support of  many people: family, who understands our crazy working hours; the staff that watches our back and of course all of you. I’m glad I didn’t “close up shop” and  proud that I carried on with a very important Detroit tradition.  And, a year ago last Wednesday Tommy and Darin  opened their Royal Oak restaurant, Jim Brady’s Detroit beginning a new era for a vision begun six decades ago. My father-in-law’s rules for running his business were extraordinarily nouveau for the era. It was important to him that he purchased the finest ingredients he could find and to “procure” them from local merchants. He was proud to brag that the meat came from Tommy Thompson’s, seafood from O’Neil and Hoffner’s, dairy from Twin Pines and that dry goods were delivered by Hirsh Brothers. His vision has stood the test of time and because of it thousands of Detroiter’s have enjoyed  the Brady family establishments. It is mind boggling to me what one little bar has evolved into and just importantly what a huge contribution it has been socially and economically to many. It is  an honor to be able to continue and expound upon his dream and for all of us to run, as Tom would say,  “ upstanding establishments.”
 
Wednesday marks the 75th anniversary of the attack by the Japanese on the US Naval Base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. With no warning 110 minutes of bombs dropped  onto the U.S. ships docked and the planes at the airfield killed 2400 service men and wounded 1200 more. Caught totally by surprise the attack brought the Untied States into WW2 and ultimately the dropping of two atomic bombs in Japan in August of 1945 bringing to close soon afterwards the bloodiest war of all time. Pray for peace!
 
The Bistro is bubbling with holiday cheer. There are lots of parties and present exchanging going on. I remember back to the first year Sharon and I were open and had not built out the patio space yet. There was no room for larger groups and people were hanging from the ceiling. Yikes! What a nightmare!  The patios afford us the ability to reserve tables for office and family get-to-gathers year round. They have certainly evolved over time and with our recent decorating upgrade are cozier than ever. Whenever  I can I’ll grab my work and sit at a high-hat and enjoy the “outside” while being “in.”  I especially love it when big flakes of snow are drifting down. Call to reserve you holiday parties.. we are glad to work with you to make it special.
 
Sharon and crew have some outstanding ChalkBoard Features beginning tonight! Florida Grouper is Pecan Dusted, Sautéed and served with Sweet Potato Soufflé and a Burnt Honey Drizzle; Guinness Beef Pie is Chock Full of Short Rib Trim Slowly Braised with Mushroom, Carrots and Pearl Onions in a Rich Stout Gravy; For the Veggie Lovers there is a Stew of Portobello Mushrooms, Leeks and Parsnips in a Rich Vegan Broth Presented Over Garlic-Herb Barley and lastly Trout Stuffed with Lobster, Corn, Green Onion and Toasted Bread Crumbs Accompanied with Buttermilk Mashers and a Citrus Butter Sauce. YUM!!!
 
 If you need to fill your wine rack for holiday entertaining remember that we sell wine to go for ½ off plus $2 per bottle, or, buy it by the case for ½ off straight forward. Some exceptions apply.
 
Bistro Gift Cards ROCK!!! Buy From Your Server, Over the Phone or At the Bar!!
 
We Wish You All A Million Dollar Day and
Look Forward To Seeing You At The Bistro!!
 
XO, Mary
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