Welcome to the Bistro!

​And, another fine week it has been! The first week of April and we’ve had snow twice. I’ve got at least 2” of the white “stuff” on the ground.  I did see my first robin, a big fat one, at the heated fountain Tuesday. But, only one which is unusual this far into Spring.  At the barn there are dozens of them. I’m guessing the “pickings” are much better there. And, the deer are back. There’s been one here, one there over the winter but this morning Pico took off like a bat-out-of-hell after a herd of about a dozen. I didn’t even see them as they blended in so well with the woods. Of course, he gave up the chase, knowing it was fruitless. My smart little Niki stayed with me not wanting to run over hill and dale for no reason. A few days ago I was surprised to see a tree frog on my door screen basking in the sun. I’m sure he came out of hibernation thinking the time was right – hope he found a spot to keep warm until the weather warms up.
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I enjoyed a nice Easter with Mom, sister-in-law Deb, niece Juliana and nephew Alfred. They came over around 2 so I decided to do a tapas style brunch menu: A Vegetable Frittata, Antipasto Chock Full of Olives, Roasted Peppers and Cici Beans, Crab Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes, Oozy Baked Brie  and Sue’s beautiful cookies for dessert. Brunch, a combo of breakfast and lunch originated in England in the late 19th century and became popular in the United States in the 1930’s. It is usually served between 11 and 3 and most times with an alcoholic beverage, Bloody Marys and Mimosa’s being  staples. I love eating mid-day, taking the pups for a lazy afternoon walk and being “done in the kitchen.” The leftovers make a great later-on-snack too.
April 4th marked the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s assignation in Memphis Tennessee. In his historic “Mountaintop” speech he gave the night before King stated,

“We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned with that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. So I’m happy tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord”

Reverend King was shot dead less than 24 hours later.

Sharon’s off to Spain so Travis is in charge of the Chalkboard Features this week. And, they are awesome Per Se. For a Starter there’s  “Better-than- Ho- Jo’s”  Fried Clam Strips with Tartar and Cocktail Sauces for Dipping. Bistro Plates Include: Parmesan & Herb Crusted Walleye Presented with Polenta, Skinny Green Beans and Tomato Relish; Boneless Short Ribs Slowly Braised in Red Wine and Beef Jus Served over Buttermilk Mashers, Roasted Vine Ripe Tomatoes and Crispy Onion Rings; Mahi-Mahi Tacos Topped with a Pineapple-Mango Salsa, Accompanied by Brown Rice and Black Beans and lastly Bistro Chicken Cordon Bleu an All-Natural Chicken Breast Filled with Blue Cheese & Caramelized onions, Dusted in Walnut Bread Crumbs, Baked and Served with a Sauté of Yukon Golds, Pears, Endive and Prosciutto.  YUM!!!
 
WE WISH YOU MANY MILLION DOLLAR DAYS
AND
LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE BISTRO!!!
XO,
Mary, Niki, Pico, Picasso and Z