I have been entirely off of news and politics but even in Europe I heard tale of normally smooth talking President Obama's historic tank in the first debate. Good for him. Guy thought he had it in the bag and could mail it in, now he will have to stay on his toes.
Gas prices have jumped over a quarter since I left and the meatballs across the street at the deli have also skyrocketed, my normal $3.75 three meatball lunch now costing me a cool six dollars. Economy still stinks, heard from two friends that might be losing their homes. A tragic suicide this week, a prominent member of the community.
Leslie got the call. Chef Robert wanted the regulars to come by and have a parting glass of wine with him. We marshaled our forces and came to say goodbye to our dear, cranky friend. A bittersweet evening, to be sure. We went through quite a few bottles, had a headache for a couple days.
Le Bistro is the place that we had brunch with friends practically every sunday. Old style french, cherry duck, the best pork normandy, wellington, sole, artichoke linguini, it was just tops.
He had just received his third major rent increase and just couldn't pay the ticket any more. The money that the nasty old landlord was asking for the tiny, decrepit place was unconscionable, she drove yet another one away, just like she has with every other tenant in Jackson Square.
He was having health problems as well but I think he would have held on if she had been willing to give him a break. When he asked he got a quick and emphatic no, or so he tells me. She wanted more money, I am told, than Peking Wok pays for their huge location with high traffic. He had to say enough is enough and no.
Shame. Take care, pal. Bye Erin. Thanks, Felipe, your wife and daughter and everybody else connected to Le Bistro for taking such good care of us all these years.
3 comments:
So long, Le Bistro.... Robert was an odd sort, but, he fixed a great meal.
There seems to be a disconnect perhaps small business owners just look like we are rich because customers are seen in the store. The expenses, employee, utilities, insurance, repairs etc are not visible from in front of the counter.
Sorry about the meatball price, hand made and overlooked in six years of price increases.
R.I.P. Le Bistro. Even scarecrow days didn't do the trick:((
Deli guy.
Not saying the meatballs aren't worth it, I sensed value and swooped. Will be content with two now. They are terrific. Thank you.
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