Inspiration all around us!

Now that I am finally past the cold, the tooth ache and the back tweak, I can finally be in receptor mode for energy. If you saw me Friday night, you'll already know this, as I was dancing my way through the kitchen that night! Some people were pretty sure I was drunk—NOT! I was just so happy to be pain free and delighted to see all the happy faces in the audience. We had a lovely crowd. I hope that keeps up as it was PERFECT! Thanks to Phil Orlikowsky and Gary Due, Dennis Crider and Marideth Sisco, and Mark Johnson. They all played for us on Open Mic Night. We are so fortunate to have high caliber talent so nearby—and willing!

This week the Howell County Bards sponsor a Poetry Reading in honor of Poetry Month. When we did our initial survey of entertainment options for Friday night, I was surprised to see that half of those surveyed requested "spoken word" type options. Well, here you go. If you want more of this genre of entertainment, it is important to let us know, by being there! Reservations really help us make sure you get a seat and to assure you get the entree YOU want. If you are joining us early before leaving for other local entertainment, let us know so we can get you in and out quickly.

I love the transition from winter into spring. Watching nature unfurl its glory, bit by bit, is pure joy. Even so, it will be through with its backwards strip-tease all too soon. But after living in the south most of my life, it is nice to see the way Mother Nature paces herself in these parts. You actually have time to notice the unfurling— the daffodils and forsythias, then the redbuds and tulips (now), later the blackberries and iris. I know that is simplistic, but it does break things down a bit.

I have been busy planting my containers for herbs in the courtyard. All last summer and fall we were clipping herbs right from our containers in the courtyard and after a quick rinse, they went straight into your food. I plan to do that again. At first I was worried that mischief makers might disturb our plantings, but realized that our little corner just might be the most photographed corner in town. We are at a convergence of Bank of America CCTV and Howell County courthouse CCTV. In other words, you're on video if you mess with our set-up. It won't stop those intent on mischief, but we might be able to nab them, if they do. Actually, we have found that our customers have a very high level of personal "ownership" in what we are doing. We love it that customers tend to bus their own tables, even though it isn't expected. Thank you. We truly appreciate your efforts to be so helpful. Most will even dump their leftover water onto our thirsty plants. Again—thank you!!!

I am looking forward to hearing about your garden crops. Do you have an abundance of asparagus? Leeks? Strawberries? Rhubarb? Wild mushrooms? Spring onions? I want them! This week I have lots of violets blooming in my yard. You'll see them in the salads as well as garlic chives from my current pickings.

As I write this we are loading up Mom and a trailer and heading to Lakeview, AR to pick up 26 chairs. They will replace the plastic lawn chairs we have been using. The chairs need a bit of clean-up but are basically in good shape. Hopefully, you'll see the outside tables and chairs relegated to outdoor-use-only this week. We're digging up the umbrellas and dusting them off from a winter in the garage. Maybe my vision will finally come true—a sidewalk cafe!  The new tables missed their Friday delivery but should arrive Monday afternoon. We'll have to assemble them, but that won't take long. Soon you'll be eating at brand new tables while sitting on nice wooden chairs. Come grow with us!!!

We are beginning to take reservations for the Earth Feast on Friday April 29th at 6pm. I have not finalized the menu but the premise is that all ingredients are sourced locally. We'll only take 30 reservations and the cost will be $25 each. It will be multi-coursed and presented as a feast. Part of the proceeds will go toward supporting Chefs Collaborative, a national organization of chefs committed to local sustainability and sourcing of ingredients. I expect that a few of the sources will be present to tell you about their unique products— beef, pork, poultry, dairy, lamb, elk, buffalo, preserves, bakery, eggs etc. I am still working on some of the sources. That is why the menu isn't finalized. Call in your reservation to the cafe line 417-505-0302. We filled up quickly for St. Patrick's Day. Don't wait!

This week will feature more salads and seafood and we're experimenting some more. Come play!

Now to this week's menu—
Monday~Arugula, spinach and avocado salad $4.99; you can add chicken, salmon  or trout for add'l charge. Meatball, greens and pecorino soup—lots of people told me this was their favorite soup this year!3.49/c, 4.99/ b, 5.59 16oz.
Tuesday~ beef tamales with Colorado sauce—Bruce is at it again. Need I say more? $6.25
Wednesday~Asian scallop salad $6.25
Thursday~Vietnamese shrimp and glass noodle salad $6.25
Friday~ Lunch: crab and chipotle onion quesadilla $6.25; grilled pork tenderloin with salsa verde $6.25
Dinner: Tuscan Salmon with rosemary orzo $12; Vegetarian anti-pasto platter $10; Elk burgers with oven-roasted garlic potatoes $10