It's simple, really, invite a few friends over to our house, share food and drink, share stories about life, ask questions, laugh, (possibly cry...) and voila! The Bistro!
Sadly, we had our last Bistro night with our friend Allison who is moving to Kosovo (!!!) in August to teach. It became clear what a miracle The Bistro has been in our lives. Allison has been coming over about twice a month for a year. It has become a steady, comfortable, safe place for all of us. We commiserate, celebrate, laugh and just be present with each other.
Brian and I really like to host parties/get togethers in general. We like to show off Brian's culinary skills (...and sometimes mine. :) ), try new things and hang out with friends. On this last Bistro with Allison, we went all out. We had an appy that was to die for. A cold soup (that I made!) and Salmon burgers. Allison brought bubbly (our Bistro favorite!) and cupcakes. It was a perfect Bistro feast. We hung out on the front porch for the apps and then moved to the backyard where we played music, laughed and Facebook stalked. (I mean, it was the last Bistro, it had to be done!)
Spicy Pineapple Dip* (*recipe below!)
Me and my culinary prowess :) The food processor has officially changed my life!
Spicy cucumber avocado soup*
Brian at his home away from home, the Weber, cooking Salmon burgers from Marczyk's market. 
Cupcakes from Big Fat Cupcakes (DELISH!) We have found that for bubbly, most Proceccos are affordable and perfectly delicious.Our Bistro time with Allison has been a miracle in the mundane for sure. She, and the Bistro, remind me that life is meant to be shared. We need friends. We need good food. (and bubbly!) and we need a place like the Bistro to make it all happen.
The Bistro will miss you, dear Allison. xoxo
Recipes:
Spicy Pineapple Dip
8 oz whipped cream cheese
1 small can of crushed pineapple
4 fresh jalapenos, chopped
Replace 1 jalepeno with a serrano pepper for more intense spice
Mix all ingredients together chill and enjoy! (Wheat Thin Crisps are a very tasty dipping tool!)
Spicy Cucumber and Avocado Soup
**We used sweetened coconut and it was tasty (the more the better, we think!) Also, the cilantro added a nice visual, but wasn't overly important for the taste.
Go to your local specialty market (or higher end grocers) to find delectable salmon burgers or tuna burgers. YUM!
oh i love this! don't find a new bistro girl while i'm gone, kay?
ReplyDeletei'll miss you more than that dip and the frosting from big fat cupcake.
love, love!