Welcome to the Bistro!

​And, another fine week it has been.  Niki, Maddie and Pico are really digging their romps in the woods.  They have been very wet and smelly so baths have been a protocol. I know it sounds bad but I throw them, one at a time, in my big kitchen sink and voila… 5 minutes later done.  I’m over the bathtub scrubs as it takes a much longer time.  I do a spray of bleach afterwards so all is sanitized.  My fearless Pico, all 14 pounds of him is 15 on Cinco de Mayo. Where does time go? Both he and Niki, 15 too, are still puppy like and watch Maddie in awe as she zooms here and there. I’m so thrilled that everyone gets along and that Maddie has revitalized the 2 “seniors.” Z and Picasso will get their first bath of the season on Saturday if the weather is warm enough. They had a great roll, bucking session and gallop today in the back pasture. The rains have kept them in the last few days so it was a treat to be out and about. Garden is growing in leaps and bounds. The rhubarb has grown 4 fold since last week. Tulips may, or may not, make it thru as deer LOVE tulips.  And, the wild Magnolia blooms made it through the heavy rains… yeah!!!  There are fiddleheads from the woods that Sharon will use somewhere in her special menu and I hold hope that I’ll find a few morels …
The highlight of my week was a visit to Lansing to attend the Therapy Choirs of Michigan’s (TCM) 21st annual Capitol Concert at Michigan’s Capitol building in the Rotunda. I have known Len McCulloch and the co-founder, Sherry Cantrell of the Choir for years but never attended.  That will never happen again. It was a magical experience. This concert was a beautiful memorial to Sherry who died last November unexpectedly.  But it was much more than that… my nephew Thomas, who is a student at MSU, went with me and I was so gratified to have a 20 year old young man want to go with Aunt Mary to a concert that is performed by drastically  mentally and physically handicapped people. I was emotionally blown away.  There hasn’t been anything that has moved me this much in a long time. It was powerful. I’m very grateful for what I “have” but yesterday solidified that there are so many venues for giving back to our society that make us all much better. Yes, it is great to be stewards to charities but, to actually be involved is so powerful. For me, at least.  And Len, you’re a great conductor and I admire your devotion to TCM. Your choir is magnificent and very fortunate to have you.
The icing on the cake was to have lunch with Thomas and niece Katie, who met up with us after a final exam. Life is great!!!

Cinco de Mayo, a National Holiday in Mexico and the United States is celebrated on May 5th but lasts for a week with parades, music and food.  It is the commemoration 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. 4000 Mexican troops were able to overcome 8000 French troops that had not been defeated in over 50 years.   Also the running of the Kentucky Derby is this Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville Kentucky. Also known as the “Run for the Roses” for the blanket of roses the winning horse is adorned with, or, as the “Most Exciting 2 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# and Fillies 121#. The TV’s will be on for the race and Mint Juleps flowing…
A final note, the MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S SHOW is this weekend at the Novi Suburban Collection Showplace. There’s lots of shopping, cooking and informational booths. Come see us after your visit.
Sharon and crew have some great Weekend Features Per Se. As a Starter there is Kippered Salmon – Hot Smoked Salmon blended with Cream Cheese and Cucumber Slices as “Crackers.” Bistro Plates include : Baby Back Ribs Slowly Braised in Cola and Beef Stock, Basted with Chipotle BBQ Sauce and served with Disco Fries and Kimchee; Sautéed  Lake Superior Perch Accompanied with A Veggie Gratin and Basil Butter Sauce;  Jerked Rubbed Mahi Mahi Roasted and Presented with Black Beans And Rice, Sweet Potato Coulis and a Cool Pineapple Coconut Slaw and for our Veggies a Vegan Portobello Filled with Roasted Tomato and Artichoke Quinoa topped with Crispy Carrot Ribbons and a Toasted Walnut Vinaigrette.  YUM!!
 
Also remember MOTHER’S DAY is next Sunday. We’re open 11 until 4 and featuring our Brunch Menu with some really Beautiful Specials including a Crab Oscar Scramble. Reservations accepted and Appreciated for our planning purposes. Honor your Mom and pay tribute to her in your special way. We certainly hope to see you.
 
WE WISH YOU MANY MILLION DOLLAR DAYS!!!
AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE BISTRO.
 
XO,
MARY, NIKI, PICO, MADDIE, PICASSO AND Z
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