Welcome to the Bistro!

And, another fine week it has been. A highlight was going to see Rosanne Cash at the Royal Oak Music Theater on Monday. I had never been there before and the venue is on the smaller side, only 1700 seats. It’s over 80 years old and lavishly Art Deco. Our seats were 10 rows from the stage and the show was awesome. I’d recommend going to check it out if you haven’t yet.

 All the animals, pups and horses, are lethargic as all get-out! The heat has them to a near standstill. Z, and Picasso, are not getting turned out in this hot weather and Niki, Pico and Maddie don’t get to go on their walks. A quick in-and-out of the house to “do their thing” is just enough for them. The stalls have box fans going full speed to keep the air flow moving and the flies at bay. And, the wash stall is nearly always in use, hosing the horses with cool water bring them some comfort. We had to wait for summer but it is sure full tilt now. June, I heard on the news, was the hottest one on record, world-wide. My gardens are totally overgrown and weeding is a full time job. Finally I have one “almost red” cherry tomato but there are lots of green ones that will supply me with all I’ll need. Herbs are prolific, eggplants slowly maturing and peppers will be ready to pick in the next week or so. A few bird couples are on their second brood of chicks, toads and frogs are chunky from feasting on mosquitos and momma Whitetail still roams the woods with her not-so-little fawns-anymore staying close behind. Maddie has taken over Pico’s role of trying to chase them down. She hasn’t been around long enough to realize that they are way too fast for her.

I am always thrilled when Michigan blueberries are in season. They are so sweet and delicious. Blueberries have been commercially grown In Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas since the 1900’s and are big business. There are over 20,300 acres and more than 30 varieties which contribute $135 million to the state’s economy. Michigan has been the #1 state for blueberries for the last 70 years and much of that success is due to the Hancock varieties developed by MSU horticulturist James Hancock. Some blueberry fun facts – July is National Blueberry Month; they are grown, harvested and processed by 600 family farms in the state; they are one of the only fruits native to North America but are found on almost every continent and one of the few naturally blue foods. I love just popping them plain into my mouth or as a topping for my morning yogurt. Soo..Good. 

Sharon and crew have some Awesome Chalkboard Features once again. For a starter FRIED CLAM STRIPS served with Lemon Aioli. Always a favorite our PORTABELLA BURGER is Marinated in Balsamic, Soy, Worcestershire and Garlic, Grilled and served on a Sesame Seed Bun with Basil Mayo, Roasted Red Peppers and Grilled Onion. Bistro Plates Include: BABY BACK RIBS Dry Rubbed overnight then slowly braised with Chipotle, Coca-Cola and Orange Juice, Basted with House Made BBQ Sauce and served with Charro Beans, Cabbage Slaw and Roasted Corn; PACIFIC HALIBUT Wrapped in Prosciutto, Pan Seared and Presented over Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Apples, Fennel and Roasted Yukon Golds and GRILLED SWORDFISHtopped with Basil Lemon Butter and Accompanied with a Israeli Couscous filled Beefsteak Tomato with Castelvetrano Green Olives and Roasted Garlic. Finished with Fried Zucchini Strings.YUM!!!

WE WISH YOU MANY MILLION DOLLAR DAYS
AND,
LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE BISTRO!!

XXOO,
MARY, NIKI, PICO, MADDIE, PICASSO AND Z