Welcome to the Bistro!

And, Another Fine Week It Has Been...
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Yesterday, Thanksgiving was definitely one of the best I’ve ever had. I started by attending a mass said in honor of Tom. It was the anniversary of his death 13 years ago. My sister Jo joined me.  Then, I headed to the barn, not to ride but to spend some TLC time with Z and Kos. I was the only one there other than one of the owners so it was quiet and tranquil. The ponies enjoyed the apple cores that the kitchen crew saves for them and the flake of hay I tossed into their stalls.  I had planned on a doggie walk but the weather didn’t cooperate so we, Maddie, Sophia and I, moseyed around the yard for a while. They sure get a workout sniffing here, there and everywhere. I tried a new method for cooking the turkey and will not do it any other way from now on. I filled the neck and body cavities with fennel, onions, garlic, thyme and lemon. Then, soaked cheesecloth in melted butter spiked with bourbon, covered the bird with it and roasted at 450 degrees for 45 minutes then finished cooking at 325. It was done perfectly, beautifully brown and moist. The Mahogany Salmon was delicious as were the traditional sides and Pumpkin Pie I snagged from the Bistro. Jo and her husband Dan, their sons John and Tom, my 92 you. mom and my dear friend Roz shared a wonderful meal and visit together.

There was lots to watch on TV too. The 2 parades, the “Bad Luck” Lions and the National Dog Show which aired right after the Macy’s parade. This was the NDS’s 20th anniversary and the 4 year old Scottish Deerhound Claire was the first ever repeat champion. Held in Philadelphia there were 209 sanctioned breeds represented. Pre-Covid there were 2000 dogs entered which was down 70% to only 600 canine hopefuls this year. A new breed, the Biewer Terrier was entered for the first time in the toy category. It is a mix of Bichon Frise, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese and Havanese. There are only 1400 registered with the American Kennel Club at this time. Speaking of Havanese my little blue ribbon pups are curled up snoozing tired from all the attention yesterday…

 Tomorrow, wedged between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Small Business Saturday, a national initiative to support local businesses. Started in 2010 it is always the Saturday after Thanksgiving and encourages holiday shoppers to frequent one or more of the 28 million small businesses in the U.S. According to statistics small businesses have generated 65% of the new jobs since 1995 and employ over 50% of the work population. Seven out of 10 new businesses survive at least 2 years, half 5, one-third 10 and only 25% 15 years or more. It is important to keep small businesses viable as they provide valuable support to the community. For each $100 spent $66 stay local, helping to build parks, libraries and infra-structure. Remember the corner stones of your community, not only tomorrow, but throughout the year.

This year, more than ever, restaurants need your support with dining in, carry-out and gift cards.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your 67 years of patronage! We’ve been able to make it through some challenging times but few as tough as Covid. I can remember Tom telling about the Detroit riots of 1967 and how there was looting and fighting outside of 7 Mile. They were one of the bloodiest riots in American history. It took months to re-build the business as suburbanites, a large portion of our customers, were afraid to come into the city. And the numerous recessions, HIV, Ebola and Bird Flu scares all affected us negatively.  And, the Walmart scenario forcing us to vacate our Bistro “home” of 20 years put everything in storage and go in search of a new space. It all turned out better than Sharon or I could ever imagine. We all made it through the sadness of Tom’s death. That was emotionally incomprehensible. We’ve met these road blocks head-on and I have faith that we’ll all be turning a corner soon towards life as we once knew it. Each of the challenges I’ve had to confront has strengthened my character. And in the face of each adversity I am thankful for the lessons learned and the opportunities they presented to me.  

Leftovers! As a Starter,
CHEVRE CHEESE TART: Served Warm with Arugula, Pickled Red Onion and Lemon Basil Oil.

Bistro Plates Include:
FLORIDA GROUPER: Pistachio Dusted, Sautéed and Presented Over a Rumble of Delicata Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Caramelized Onion and Roasted Apples Drizzled with a Cranberry Vinaigrette;

LOOSE TAMALE PIE: Cornbread Crust Baked and Topped with Ground Beef Flavored with Charred Anaheim Peppers, Garlic, Cumin, Mexican Oregano, Black Beans, Green Onions and Bell Peppers. Topped with Mozzarella and Cheddar, Baked till’ Bubbly and Finished with Ancho Chili Pumpkin Cream and Spiced Pepitas; last, not least,

BLACKENED AHI TUNA: Presented with Backed Four Cheese Mac, Chilled Southern Style Cucumber Salad and a Drizzle of Old Bay Butter Sauce. YUM!!!

AS ALWAYS WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE BISTRO

AND,
WISH YOU MANY MILLION $$$ DAYS…

XXOO,
MARY, THE MADDIE, SOPHIA, Z AND KOS!!!