Welcome to the Bistro!

​Greetings from the Bistro, March 19, 2021

And, another fine week it has been. There are still lots of challenges with regards to Covid but it is getting better by the day. It was a relief to get my second shot out of the way, Sharon’s too. My mom, who turned 92, last week, is due for her second tomorrow.  There is a sense of liberation that comes with that second poke. I can certainly feel the difference around the Bistro.  There’s an aura of independence, free-will and freedom “in the air.” We’re starting to feel “safe” again. The first year is behind us, things are getting back to quasi normal and each day brings a reason for thanks.
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And it is with thanks that the first day of Spring is tomorrow, Saturday. The Spring, or Vernal, Equinox arrives at 5:47 AM and with a few warm days the early flowers will start to bloom. I already have crocus pushing their way through the soil and with some  sunny days the tulips, daffodils and lilacs will grace us with their charisma I expect to hear the song of the peepers and toads soon too. Sandhill Cranes are back in full force and other species of birds have returned from their Southern migration.  Days will grow longer, as light wins over dark due to the earth’s tilt on its axis. The equinox, Latin for equal night, is the time the center of the sun passes directly over the equator. This only happens 2 days a year, the Spring and Fall Equinox’s. 

The National Restaurant Association (NRA) just published its State of the Industry Report. Key findings include a decrease in sales of $240 billion, closure of more than 110,000 eating and drinking places and finishing the year 2020 nearly 2.5 million jobs below pre-corona virus level. The restaurants that closed had been in business, on the average, for 16 years and 16% had been open for at least 30. Our industry was projected to provide 15.6 million jobs in 2020, representing 10% of all payroll jobs in the economy. The impact of the pandemic has caused restaurant employment to fall severely in all but 2 states. Those who have been able to survive have had to adapt to state and local mandates that were, and continue to be, expensive.  Take-out and delivery have become as normal for us as dine-in meals with 68% of people saying it is now part of their routines. The study also concluded that consumers are ready to return to restaurants, an integral part of our social fabric. 6 in 10 adults say restaurants are an essential part of their lifestyle. Pent-up demand remains high as 83% of adults said they were not eating on premise as often as they would like. My answer to that is “Come On In.”

​haron and crew have some awesome Chalkboard features kicking off tonight.

Starting off is a SEAFOOD BURGER: A Grilled Smoked Trout Salmon and Crab Patty on a Grilled Kaiser Roll with Lettuce, Cucumber and Horseradish Dill Sauce. Served with Seasoned Waffle Fries.

BISTRO PLATES INCLUDE …

GRILLED SWORDFISH Basted with Blue Cheese Butter and Accompanied with Idaho and Sweet Potato Gratin, Roasted Brussels Sprouts and finished with a Cranberry Port Wine Drizzle;

SEARED JUMBO SCALLOPS: Pan Roasted and Presented over Linguine Pasta Tossed with Baby Kale, Toasted Walnuts, Shiitake, EVVOO and Lemon. Topped with a Dollop of Pea Pesto;

BEEF STEW: Short Rib Trim Braised in Beer, Carrots, Onion, Celery and Mushrooms in a Rich Gravy served over Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes and Garnished with a Flurry of Crispy Onion Straw and Lastly

VEGETARIAN SAVORY GALETTE: Homemade Pie Dough Filled with Roasted Tomatoes, Zucchini, Corn and Asparagus over Whipped Ricotta. Served with Herb Roasted Spring Carrots. YUM!!