Welcome to the Bistro!

Sorry so late but I got a last minute invite to celebrate my nephew’s graduation from MSU earlier today. Yes, a real, live ceremony…
Just home, will let the pups out and see you at the Bistro in a little while.

And, another fine but challenging week it has been. With the warm weather the patios have “opened-up” and are full with many enjoying the sun and warm.... until today with the continuous rain. April showers do bring May flowers. My beds are bursting at the seams with numerous perennials, mostly woodsy varieties. The garden is growing in leaps and bounds. I’ll document rhubarb growth for you each week until harvest… since last week it has grown 4 fold. Tulips around “Summer” statue may, or may not, make it thru as deer LOVE tulips. I’m lucky they even come back. And, the wild Magnolia blooms made it through the rains and frost but will be gone in the next few days. They are short lived.  ​

I ventured on my first” vacation” in 14 months, —72 hours in all, to Florida last week. I had to force myself to get on a plane but all proved to be very safe and I did not feel compromised at all. The occasion was to visit my sisters Isabelle and Marjorie, their husbands and Marj’s daughter Maddy and her family of 3 boys 6, 3 and 1 ½. Maddy’s husband, Matt, have been re-located in Ft. Lauderdale for the last six month because of Matt’s work. They and Marj live in the Atlanta area so Marj came to St. Pete to meet them and to drive one of their cars home. It was fun to see everyone and oh boy , oh boy oh boy those little ones are a handful. It makes me wonder how my mother did it with 7. We explored the new pier in downtown St. Pete which is very family friendly. The Grand Prix was going on also so it was a busy little city. Meals were had at home and lovely. Is and her husband Joe are great hosts. I actually had a few recipes I wanted to try so did some cooking. Nothing crazy, but fun. The highlight was the last night with a feast of the freshest halibut you could only get there. Joe’s nephew is a fish monger so he met Joe at the fishing docks, picked out a grouper and we got a beautiful pristine 6# filet that was incredible. So good. A bit of swimming pool time and a few walks made for a great visit. I stayed with my friend, part- of- the- family- sister, Deb, and had three Havanese that kept me from missing my pups at home. Maddie and Soof were well cared for in my absence and the ponies got a well-deserved break. ​

​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… Len, we’ll miss you! Unless you decide to surprise us.

A final note THE HOME SHOW is back this weekend, the first show in 15 months, 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 a BRISKET QUESADILLA: A Flour Tortilla filled with “Burnt” Brisket ends, Queso Fresco, Cheddar and Mozzarella. Topped with Pico de Gallo and Avocado;  GRILLED SWORDFISH: Served over White Bean Puree Flavored with Roasted Garlic and Rosemary, A Toss of Spanish Olives, Flame Fired Red Peppers and Tomatoes with House Made Red Wine Vinegar and EVOO;  PAN ROASTED PORK TENDERLOIN: Presented with Triple Cheese Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Portobello and a Peppercorn Brandy Sauce and Last, not Least SPRING SHRIMP RISOTTO: 5 Gulf Shrimp with Slow Cooked creamy Arborio Rice Studded with Asparagus, Spring Onion and Fresh Peas. YUM!!!

I have decided not to open for Mother’s Day being that with the break in Covid many of us, who have chosen not to spend time with our Mom’s until our shots, can. I feel that it is important for my staff to have the opportunity to finally have a Mother’s Day with their families. Next year, back to it!!!

 
WE WISH YOU MANY MILLION DOLLAR DAYS!!!
AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE BISTRO.
 
XXOO,
MARY, MADDIE, SOPHIA, Z AND KOS
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