Welcome to the Bistro!

​Mary's Blog and Sharon's chalkboard features  - April 5, 2019

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And, another fine week it has been. The birdies are building their nest’s big time, or should I say, refurbishing their summer homes. They go back to the same houses, trees and light fixtures every year. I can’t say that there are the same couples in each house but always the same species. Yesterday Pico and I walked to the mailbox, a mere ½ mile down the lane, and lo and behold the turtles were out sunning. And, there wasn’t that much sun. I think they were kind of sleepy as they didn’t budge the closer we got. Usually they’ll slip off their log into the deep if we even look their way. The deer have been more abundant but blend into the woods so much that there may be lots more than what I see. Niki ignores them and Pico barks, runs a few feet just to get them moving, and then it’s done. I’ve heard the sand cranes but haven’t seen them as yet. Turkeys are abundant and a real pain. They pick at my grass, annoy the pups and are plain mean looking. I wouldn’t want to pass their path even on a good day. Yesterday, on my way to the barn, one flew up in front of my windshield and I barely missed it. I was traveling 50 mph so that would have been a hot mess. It was so close I dodged. Not what you’re supposed to do when about to hit an animal… drive on, don’t swerve, and keep your hands on the wheel. Easy to say until the situation arises.  There were lots of buzzards circling in my back woods yesterday too, which usually means a dead “something” is available to munch on. I opted not to check it out….
 
The last few weeks have been a mish-mash of being very, very busy or just plain busy. Wednesday  night was one of the crazy-but-love-it shifts that we all thrive on. I have been blessed with a staff that is like a dance team and boy, do I love to watch the dancers do their routines. When I can, I step back and just enjoy the beauty of their choreography, each moving in harmony with the next. They are respectful and helpful to each other, take great care of you and make my life, in a fairly intense restaurant, pretty dang good.  Usually I’m moving from room to room checking to be sure all is going as it should, but, for some reason, I focused on the “expo” line, ie food going out of the kitchen. There were several very large parties.. 35/ 18/ 10… all at about the same time. I knew that everyone was on their game but boy, were they ever. I just stood back and watched as Sharon organized the dozens of beautiful plates that my amazing kitchen got out in a very timely manner. Every server helped to deliver them, it did not matter who’s table it was, they were “in it” for us all. And, Whisper cranked out the bar with nary a hitch. I will say it once again, I’m a lucky girl.  
 
Speaking of teamwork and talent….those Spartans are good. I am MSU alum so obviously very excited for my team. My nephews John, Tommy and niece Katie are MSU-ers too. (Made that one up)  The ideal situation with the sweet 16 matches would have been MSU vs. UM. I hope we can all root, root, root for the home team these last 2 games. At this level of competition all 4 teams rock. GO GREEN!!  And, the Tigers are roaring with some great beginning of the season contests. What an exciting home opener.
 
Sharon and crew have some incredible Chalkboard Features Per Se. 

As a Starter there’s an awesome Parish Hill Creamery “Humble” Tomme Cheese delivered in person from Vermont by Sharon’s Chef Buddy, Anthony. The Raw Cow’s Milk Cheese was washed with a Peach and Cherry Sour Beer.. There’s a hint of fruit and nutty creamy flavor. Presented with Peach Compote and Candied Duck Bacon. This is crazy GOOD…. Check out  their aging room.
 
Bistro Plates Include: Roasted Hazelnut Crusted Walleye Presented with Lemon Mascarpone Sauce, Orecchiette with Artichokes and Pea shoots; Pork Porterhouse Steak Brushed with Whiskey Butter and Served with House Made Baked Beans and Creamy Cole Slaw; Seared Rainbow Trout Accompanied with Chevre Cheese Fritters, and a Chilled Toss of Balsamic Vinaigrette, Watercress, Basil, Cucumber and Strawberries and for our veggies Enchiladas Filled with Roasted Cauliflower, Mashed Pinto beans and Monterey Jack topped with Red Enchilada Sauce, Avocado, Green Onion and cilantro Sour Cream. YUM!!!
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FYI, there is an incredible Art Fair at Suburban this weekend with juried artists and every medium you can imagine. Check it out.
 
WE WISH YOU MANY MILLION DOLLAR DAYS
AND
LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE BISTRO!!
 
XXOO,
MARY, NIKI, PICO, PICASSO AND Z