Welcome to the Bistro!

​And, another fine week it has been. The Bistro is decked out for the holidays thanks to my dear sister-in-law Colleen, nephew Matt and his wife Tammy. We are all grateful to have such beautiful and tasteful decorations. Colleen is so talented and artistic .. she puts Martha to shame!  Pups and horses have “graduated” to winter coats and blankets with the turn of weather. Like me, they don’t mind the cold as long as we are bundled up. The frigid temperatures are nothing to complain about given California’s raging fires. A friend who lives and works in L.A. said that many of the businesses have been closed due to the horrible air quality. I’ll take the snow and cold any day!

My friend Roz Sell once again treated me to a reception and gallery tour at the DIA. On exhibit are Claude Monet and Frederic Church. It never ceases to amaze me what I learn on these outings. Monet’s exhibit is very small and focuses on his paintings while living in the Paris suburb of Argenteuil between late 1871 and early 1878. It was here that he and fellow avant-garde painters formed the group now titled as the Impressionists.  Also featured is American artist Frederic Church a financially successful and most popular mid-19th-century artist. He is best known for his large landscape paintings of the wilds of North and South America, the Caribbean and the ancient cities of the Middle East and Mediterranean.  His work is stunningly beautiful. I will definitely go back to do the audio tour of both exhibits and to spend more time exploring these great artists. If you have the time and desire the exhibit lasts through March 4th.
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I read an interesting article in an industry publication that quoted a Gallup poll ranking 24 business sectors as to popularity with Americans. The restaurant industry, number #1, outperformed the #2, computer industry, by 6% points.  The federal government came in last – surprise, surprise. National Restaurant Association research shows that 9 in 10 consumers say they enjoy going to restaurants with most saying that Bistros (!!) are an essential part of their lifestyle. Half of all Americans have worked in the industry at some time of their lives and restaurants are the nation’s second largest private sector employer, employing nearly 10% of the workforce. The computer industry comes in second, grocery third and faming fourth. Pretty impressive numbers. Its official, Americans love restaurants more than Gadgets!!
 
Sharon and crew have some great Chalkboard Features once again! As a starter there is Seared Jumbo Scallops with a Corn-Bacon Jumble and Jalapeno Cream. Bistro Plates include Lamb Shepherd’s Pie Topped with Garlic Mashers and Baked til’ Bubbly; Mahi Mahi Tacos with a Thai Style Peanut Sauce, Cucumber Slaw and Lime Vinaigrette; Sauté of Lake Superior Perch Accompanied with Wilted Spinach, Brown Butter Mashers and a Drizzle of Sherry-Butter Sauce and for our Veggie Lovers Penne Pasta Tossed with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Caramelized Onion, Roasted Red Peppers and an Arugula-Walnut-Smoked Gouda Pesto.  YUM!!
Remember your favorite “someone” with a DJB gift certificate! And drop a present for our furry friends!!
 
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE BISTRO, AND WISH YOU AND YOURS MANY MILLION DOLLAR DAYS!!
 
XXOO,
Mary, Niki, Pico, Picasso and Z