Friday, December 9, 2011

News from the bistro December 9, 2011

I’m looking over a beautiful dusting of snow throughout my woods. So nice and clean and pristine. Yesterday I had the fore sight to get the heated bird baths filled and plugged in. It is so fun to watch the birds flutter around giving themselves a bath. They are mowing through the food too, about 40# of sunflower seeds every couple of weeks. Lots of cardinals, bluebirds, titmouses and chickadees just about live on the feeders.  Uma, my barn cat, is eating more too, gearing up for the cold weather. She will just about double in size for the winter and then loose it all in the first couple weeks of spring. Interesting how nature works. My little Niki was in 7th heaven this morning when she ran out – snow is one of her favorite things. She races through it, sometimes almost getting buried in the deeper mounds. I’m not particularily fond of a snow covered dog melting in the house but, what the heck, if she’s having fun and getting exercise to boot, how can I complain? Pico, on the other hand, tiptoes through it and can’t wait to get back into the house. And my big buddy, Picasso, got his heavy blanket put on yesterday, not a bit too soon.  Winter is upon us!

As we finish our second month all continues to go well at the Bistro. It is so great to see all the festivities unfold. There are lots of little “parties” going on at many of the tables. We love the good cheer this time of year brings.

On a sad note, Father O’Brien, who’s kindness many of us were recipient’s of, passed away last Sunday. He was a frequent diner with us. He’d never look at a menu, just ask “Mary, what should I have tonight?” and, then have what I suggested.  We will miss his cute smile, hearty laugh and funny stories. How thankful I feel to have had the pleasure of being his friend.

Sharon is baking for Christmas. Pecan and Key Lime Pies, Peppermint or Chocolate Bark, Maple and Bacon Peanuts, Citrus Vinaigrette and our “now famous” Bar Cheese. Pies are $20, Citrus $8, $12 for either of the Bark’s and $8# for the Peanuts and Bar Cheese. Orders will be taken through December 20th for pick-up on the 23rd and 24th. 

As a special for the season, all wine purchased “to go” is half off.  The wine must be pre-ordered as we do not have space to warehouse in the restaurant. Turn over time is usually a couple of days.

Don’t forget that Brady Gift Cards Make A Great Present!


We will be open on Christmas Eve until , closed Christmas Day and open for business as usual on the 26th.

We have started running specials during the week and they’ve been going gangbusters. I’ll have to say the walnut crusted walleye was one of my favorites. This weekend we are featuring:

Giant Lamb Meatballs Served Over Linguine Tossed With Marinara And Sprinkled With Fresh Basil And Romano Cheese.

And,

Sweet Bay Scallops Stirfried With Asian Style Veggies And A Ginger-Soy Sauce; Served In A Crispy Wonton Bowl.

And,

Mushroom Pate’ ~ A Favorite Returns!

Until next week, Peace XXOO, Mary

Saturday, December 3, 2011

News From The Bistro December 2, 2011

The Days Are Flying By At The Bistro. We Are Finishing Our 7th Week Of Being Open And Have Loved Every Minute Of It. I Can’t Tell You How Fortunate We Feel To Be Back And In Such A Beautiful Space. Yes, There Have Been “Moments” But They Are, For The Most Part, Quickly Manageable. A Few Are Not. For Instance, We Just Got Our Signs Up And Lit. Seven Weeks Without A Lit Sign Has Been A Major Obstacle.  And, The Outside Covered Patio Is Still “A Work In Progress.” Sharon And I Expend A Lot Of Energy On Projects Such As These. It Is Not Only Mentally Draining But, Also, Disappointing On The Lack Of Follow Through By The People Supplying These “Services.”  As Of Yesterday We Were Promised That The Work Will Be Finished Next Week. Because Of Past Experience We’re Not Holding Our Breath. Say Your Prayers That We Are Wrong.

Our Holiday Decorations Are Up And Very Tastefully Done. Tom’s Sister Colleen And Her Husband Charlie Worked Their Magic And The Restaurant Looks Lovely. The Outside Planter’s Are Done Too. Pam Carter And Her Crew Did A Wonderful, Wonderful Job Of Transforming Them Into Works Of Art. Pam Is A Master Gardener And A Visionary When It Comes To Garden Design. I’m Happy To Recommend Her And So Glad She Was Willing And Able To Do The Work For Us.

REALLY GOOD NEWS :
NOVI ROAD
IS NOW OPEN!!! Yeah!

As A Reminder, If You Need Catering, Holiday Or Other, Mary Brady’s Custom Catering Is Up And Running With Our Re-Opening. Call Us With Your Catering Needs. We Design Menus Specifically For Your Event.

My Favorite Comment This Week Was From A Long-Time Guest Who Said “I Love Your New Space. It’s Like Being At A Party In A Kitchen.” That Is Exactly What We Envisioned. Wishes Do Come True. More Important Though, Is That Sharon And I And Our Staff Are Doing What We Are Most Passionate About – Making You Happy While In Our “Care.” That Is Our Goal, Your Total Enjoyment From Start To Finish.  It’s In Each And Everyone Of Our Heart’s And Soul’s To Make Your Visit What We’d Expect If We Were Sitting In Your Seat. The Best Part Is, We Have A Great Time Doing Our Job. How Lucky Is That? 

Finally Our Specials Starting Tonight, Friday December 2, 2011, Until Their Gone:

Mahi Mahi Fajitas
Mahi Fillets Seared And Oven-Finished Presented With Black Beans And Basmati, Tequila Spiced Peppers And Onions And House-Made Salsa.

And,

Roasted Duck Breast
Accompanied With Quiona, Acorn Squash And An Orange And Date Compote.

Enjoy!

XXOO, Mary