Welcome to the Bistro!

​And, another fine week it has been. I know the snow put a damper on the last few days but what the heck? We’ve been lucky. I don’t want to speak too soon but the last two winters we closed the Bistro for several days at a time due to dangerous weather. We opted to stay open during this “severe storm watch” and still had a good group that braved the elements. This is also the first winter in awhile that I haven’t missed any riding due to frigid temperatures. But, the pups have certainly had fewer and shorter walks. I should  teach them the treadmill. Ha! Although, a good Havanese doggie friend, Cocoa, walks with her dad on the treadmill on a regular basis. I’ll have to get some training tips from Nick.
 
I have not seen many deer this year but this morning  Pico started to bark and run from window to window following a small herd as they circled the property. They were “nosing” into the snow looking for greenery. I was reminded of years past with up to 20 deer cruising through and being thrilled to see “my” albino nearly every day. I’d grab binoculars and just watch him move through the woods blue eyes, pink nose and all. Sadly the beautiful 8 point buck has been “missing” and I learned that he was shot during a deer cull at Kensington. The chance of seeing an albino, also known as a piebald, deer is one in 100,000. It is still a mystery why anyone would intentionally shoot such a specimen and very difficult to understand how a “mistake” could be made with such a distinct animal. Although I never named him, I wanted to but couldn’t come up with a name noble enough; it was always exciting and inspirational to spot him. I always thought he watched over us. Maybe Tom? Maybe Dad? All I know is that there is a deep sadness with his loss.
 
But, with sad animal news there is some good also. Oakland County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center is the first shelter in Michigan to instigate the Finding Rover app and website which uses facial recognition to identify lost dogs with 98% accuracy. Use your smart phone to take a front-facing shot of your dog that includes a clear view of the eyes and nose. Then upload the photo to the Finding Rover app or website where it is kept it its data base. If you find a lost dog take a photo and Finding Rover will scan its data base for a match. If there is such the owner will be notified and be reunited with their pet. Finding Rover is free. Go to findingrover.com for more information. Niki and Pico are getting their pics submitted. What a great “invention.”
 
I spent a lovely evening last week as a guest of a friend for a DIA Associate Gallery Talk, Tour & Reception. Nancy Sojka, Curator of Prints & Drawings and Department Head led a tour through the Exhibit of Fifty Years of Collecting: The DIA’s Friends of Prints, Drawings & Photographs Anniversary Exhibition. It is very peaceful to be in the Detroit Institute of Arts when it is closed to the public and with a small group. The food is great, company unsurpassed and to be able to roam the exhibit without crowds is a delight. Thanks again Roz!! What a treat.
 
Max was in charge of the specials for the week and has some over-the-top Chalkboard Features – for starters there are Crispy Pekin Duck Wings tossed with Citrus Hoisin BBQ Sauce; A Grilled Marinated Portobello Cap Sandwich with Melted English Beer Cheese, Arugula, Crispy Onion Rings and Garlic Aioli; Pan Seared Swordfish topped with a creamy  Bacon, Onion, Spinach and Ouzo sauce; City Chicken: Skewers of Pork Shoulder Slow Cooked with Garlic & Thyme in Chicken Stock and Served with Buttermilk Mashers and the Natural Pan Gravy and Sharon’s Favorite Skate Wing Presented With Asparagus & Pea Risotto with Crispy Carrot Ribbons & Lemon Butter Sauce. Nice job Max! Can’t wait for Show and Tell!!!
 
And, in closing, a way- back- to- 7 mile customer told me that the “my  place” had good “crack.”  I asked what he meant and he told me he heard the word around Ireland and it was meant as a good vibe. Well, the correct spelling is Craic (n) and translates as fun time and good conversation. We certainly have lots of both.  I love to hear these stories from the “old sod” and 7-Mile memories. Keep them coming.
 
MANY WISHES FOR MILLION DOLLAR DAYS!
 
WE ALL LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE BISTRO.
 
XO, Mary
 
(Pico, Niki, Z and Picasso too!!)