Welcome to the Bistro!

And, another fine week it has been! I keep a Bistro “diary” and can go back for years to compare why we do business when, or not and I’ll have to say that this winter is the mildest so far in many. For me it is a win-win as I can get some good treks in with the pups and rides on Z.  Usually I’ll have to give him a trace cut, meaning shaving parts of his neck, hind quarters and a bit of his back, as horses grow a heavier coat in the winter and will sweat when working under saddle. No need for a trim this year. The barn itself is 10-15 degrees warmer than outside due to “horse heat.” It is amazing how much body heat is thrown off as they munch away in their stalls. Usually at this time of the year the barn doors are closed against the cold winds and squalling snow but the last few days they are wide open allowing the fresh air to filter through. 
 
Sunday the Carolina Panthers will play the Denver Broncos in the 50th Super Bowl championship game. The first SB was played in 1967 and each subsequent has been numbered using Arabic numerals vs. Roman. Because of the Golden Anniversary the numbers 50 vs. the Arabic “L” are being used. This is the Denver Broncos 8th appearance while the Panthers are returning for the 2nd time. The game will be played at the nearly new Levi Stadium just outside San Francisco in Santa Clara. The teams will play on natural grass and the stadium is one of the largest buildings to be registered as “green” and the first to have a green roof and solar panels. It is configured very similarly to our own Ford Field. Payton Manning, the Bronco’s quarter back is the oldest, at 39, to play in a SB and is the first QB to lead 2 different teams to multiple SB victories.  Also interesting  is the fact that this is the first SB to feature a QB on both teams who were #1 draft picks in their draft classes – Manning in 1998 and Newton in 2011. And, a little known fact, 25% of all money the SB 50 host committee raises goes to philanthropic causes in the Bay area. Now you know more than you ever wanted to about Sunday’s game. And, as usual, the Bistro will be closed following a long tradition of celebrating our team Christmas Party. Sharon and I have a great day planned making sure that everyone will be home in time for kick-off.
 
Just as everyone is recovered from Sunday’s festivities on Tuesday Mardi Gras rolls in. Also known as Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday it is a long-time tradition of celebration before Lent fasting and is always the day before Ash Wednesday with Easter 47 days later. New Orleans is most known for its parades, revelry, jambalaya, red beans and rice and beignets.  For us Detroiters it is Pacziki (POONch-kee) day and thousands of the filled doughnuts will be consumed. At over 400 calories apiece I think I’ll pass!
 
But, I won’t pass on the outstanding-as-usual ChalkBoard Features Sharon and crew have been working hard on. For a Starter there is Burrata Cheese, similar to fresh Mozzarella but richer, served with Prosciutto, Apricot Preserves and Grilled Sourdough. And Always a Favorite, Sautéed Lake Superior Perch with Hush Puppies and a Cajun Remoulade. Because we’ve had lots of requests Shepherd’s Pie is Back. Rounding out the Specials are Jumbo Sea Scallops Seared to Golden and Presented with Almond Brown Rice And Citrus-Ginger Butter and a Veggie Plate of Sweet Potato, Honey Crisp Apple and Baby Kale Hash topped with a Michigan Fried Organic Egg. YUM!
 
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON, AND OFTEN AT THE BISTRO!!
 
AND WISH YOU MANY MILLION DOLLAR DAYS!!
 
XO, Mary
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