Welcome to the Bistro

And, another wild week it has been starting with the celebration of Martin Luther King Day on Monday, the Inauguration on Tuesday and just now the Governor announcing that restaurants can re-open on Monday February 1st. The usual gatherings for MLK day were of course cancelled for the most part. I did spend time watching and listening to various news programs that highlighted his life. Most dismaying to me was the relentless attacks against him by then FBI director J. Edgar Hoover who believed he was the #1 threat to the U.S. King’s phones, hotel rooms, home, car, everything was tapped as were those of his closest advisors. He was hounded by Hoover whose sole intent was to discredit and dishonor him. It is strongly believed that the FBI knew that there was to be an assignation attempt and never warned Dr. King.  How very sad that we lost a Nobel Prize laureate who was known for his use of nonviolence at such an early age and such an important time in our nation’s need for leaders such as him.

Then, two days later, Inauguration Day the commencement of a new 4 year term of the presidency. Since 1937, following the 12th Amendment of the US it takes place at noon EST on January 20th, unless it falls on a Sunday. Then, there is a private ceremony with the public one following on the 21st. Recitation of the presidential oath of office is the only component of the ceremony mandated by the constitution and is usually administered by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The first Inauguration, George Washington’s, took place on April 30, 1789. All subsequent ones, 1793-1933, were held on March 4th. Other elements have become part of the ceremony but are not required: The Presidential Address, which presents the new president’s vision of America and to set goals for the nation; Prayers, only included since 1937; The Reading of Poems: Only 4 Presidents have had poetry read, Clinton and Obama twice, JFK and Joe Biden. All Democrats. Amanda Gorman was powerful. The Parade, Senate Lunches and Presidential Ball have all found their places as has Music. Lady Gaga was amazing, as were Garth and J Lo. What an honor for all those asked to be part of a monumental day. There have only been 6 presidents who did not attend the Inauguration of their predecessor and Inauguration Day is not a Federal Holiday but banks, post offices and the stock market close.

 And, lastly, just an hour ago we heard that the Bistro can open in 10 days. That is the good news, the bad is that we can only use 25% of our capacity. Sharon and I will get to work on what that will mean for how we will accommodate those who want to eat inside. It does not affect the patios which are “open.” We have acquired more heaters and it is really quite comfortable dining “out.” At least we know where we stand so that we can plan, rather than the usual few days before.

Pups and Ponies are hanging in there. Maddie and Sophie are pretty quick when it comes to their potty breaks. I’m thankful for that myself! And my boys at the barn are getting limited turn-out, thanks to the ice. They are suffering through cabin fever big time.

Sharon and Crew are working on Weekend Chalkboard Features as we speak. I know there’s Beef Burgundy in the works but the rest depends on what she can get “fish wise” off the bid sheet. Quantities are limited as suppliers don’t want to be left with a school of fish (get it?) that can’t be sold and thus wasted. They will be posted on the website www.djbistro.com this afternoon.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE BISTRO!
AND, WISH YOU MANY MILLION DOLLAR DAYS.
XXOO, MARY PUPS AND PONIES.