Welcome to the Bistro!

August 20, 2021
And another fine week it has been. The Bistro continues to be livelier than ever and we are thankful for all the support we get from you on an on-going basis. It is amazing to me that we’re on the path to September and with that comes our 30th anniversary in Novi. Where has the time gone? That is a whole blog on its own, all the things that have happened to me, to you…and we still have a Bistro to gather, have great visits and enjoy cooking and eating with each other. Life is good!

My gardens are absolutely gorgeous with the hydrangeas in full bloom; bleeding hearts  lush, roses still hanging in there and the ferns huge. It has been a trying season for the lawn with all the rain but otherwise everything is thriving. The veggie garden is still providing lots of basil, tomatoes are finally coming in and I picked a few peppers that I added to a frittata, an Italian omelet that is like a big egg pancake. There are no traditional ingredients, anything in the fridge works. I had the peppers, onions, basil, tomatoes, potatoes and some feta. The farm fresh eggs are poured over the cooked veggies and I keep lifting the sides so the raw eggs on top filter to the bottom. Then, when the moment is “just right” I’ll swirl the pan, say a prayer and flip the whole kitten-co-bodle over to finish the half cooked side. It is perfect just then or at room temperature with a nice arugula salad. So….good!

My Mom gives me a subscription to Nutrition Action for Christmas every year. It is a great little magazine with an incredible wealth of information in each issue. Some of which I pass on... A recent comparison from 1970 to 2016 of the State of The Plate (i.e. what Americans are eating) is alarming. The food supply’s calorie per person per day has blown up since 1970 with most of the 460 extra calories coming from a jump in largely refined grains and fats. Nuts, seafood, poultry and fruits have risen, red meat fallen and sugar is down since 1999, when it reached a high. Unfortunately the top 5 vegetables noted in the study are potatoes, white, and in the form of chips and fries; tomatoes, mostly canned and “head lettuce” mostly nutrient-poor iceberg. The fruits: oranges, juiced; apples juiced or canned; grapes become raisins or juice… We, as a society, need to re-think our nutrition. 70% of the American population is obese, cardio disease; heart attacks and stroke are on the rise. Here is the good news—90% is preventable with diet and life style changes. What really blows my mind though, a large majority of our world’s population is starving. I can’t wrap my head around that, one society dying from too much food, another from not enough or none.

Thursday, August 26th, is National Dog Day. The intention is to honor dogs and to rescue those from homelessness and abuse. Founded in 2004 it encourages dog ownership of all breeds, ages, colors and mixtures. The goal is for all pups to live a happy and safe life. Canines were the first animal domesticated centuries ago and have been used as herders, hunters and are the most widely kept pet. Their impact on society has earned them the nickname of “man’s best friend.” Or, in my case woman’s. Let’s celebrate the importance of dogs, and how they impact so many of our lives on a daily basis, by dropping some food or treats to our Meals on Wheels Pet Pantry that ensures Homebound Seniors are not feeding their pets half their meals. Thank-you in advance!!!

Speaking of pups, Maddie and Sofia are in their glory sitting on the hot driveway watching me water plants and puts around. Mad has found “her” rock on the border that she just goes to cuddle up with. It is her heating pad. And Soof just curls in a little ball with just her eyes showing so she can keep a watch of what is going on. Z and Kos are great and enjoying their work under saddle then out to graze for the rest of the day. I’m so fortunate to have my buds.

Sharon and crew have some great specials for the weekend starting tonight.

For a Starter- BLT FLATBREAD: Basil Mayo, Heirloom Grape Tomatoes, Fontina Cheese, Applewood Smoked Bacon and Spinach Layered on a Thin Crust Flatbread, Finished with a Drizzle of Herb Buttermilk Dressing.

Bistro Plates Include:
PULLED PORK PLATE: Pork Butt Marinated in Pineapple Juice, Serrano Peppers, Brown Sugar, Cayenne and Thyme, Slow Cooked, Pulled and Served Over Warm Jalapeno Cornbread Topped with a Peach, Mango and Grilled Pineapple Salsa;

RAVIOLI BOWL: Jumbo 3 Cheese Ravioli Tossed with a Non-Traditional Bolognese of Garlicky Ground Sirloin Steak, Cabernet, Roasted Red Peppers, Tomato, Basil, Mushroom and Zucchini with a Hint of Cream;

MAHI FAJITAS: Mahi Fillets Sautéed with Tri Colored Peppers, Onion, Lime Juice and Tequila with Mexican Spices. Served with Re-Fried Black beans, Warm Flour Tortillas, Pico de Gallo, Cheese and Shredded Lettuce and

For Dessert:
TIRIMISU: Happy Birthday Molly!

WE WISH YOU MANY MILLION DOLLAR DAYS
AND
LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE BISTRO!
 
XXOO , Mary, Maddie, Sofia, Z and Kos