Simple plans for a busy week w/e December 8th

This is going to be an insane week! We have three catering gigs this week and another 3 next week. We are thrilled to be doing them, but they are demanding an extraordinary level of organization. Fortunately, I was able to learn a few things from last year's experience thus making the learning curve a bit smaller. One of the aspects I learned was to keep other things going on to a simple level.  With that lesson in mind, I am not going to complicate matters by adding a bunch of new foods this week. In fact, I am simply going to discount our usual menu items and treat them as our daily specials. It might not be as exciting on your end, but I am confident we'll still be ble to warm your belly and make you happy.

As the holidays get under way, I would be amiss if I didn't mention that we have gift certificates. What better way to get your friends and employees off to a healthy new year than to give them an opportunity to dine with us? Just to remind you of some of the gems that make us special—our breads are mostly made in house or to our specs by a local baker; we make all our own dressings; you can get a good variety of salads...even at dinner; we use real ingredients, not fake and no hydrogenated fats; we source locally and organically, when possible; we are locally owned; our staff really cares about your experience and we are a happy bunch that are quite pleased you have joined us. In other words...you matter! We can make out gift certificates for any amount while you wait.

I keep watching for the vultures to return to Thayer. They are late this year. I was just looking up last year's blog and for the Nov. 27th post I was remarking how over 500 of them had come in to roost. Hmmm. Perhaps the drought altered things. I'll keep you posted on this natural event! I know you are waiting with baited breath.

Another of our staff I'd like to introduce is Paula Mize. This little bundle of energy just keeps astounding me with her immense heart and warm friendliness. You are most likely to see her when she is refilling your glasses of beverages. When not hiding out behind the counter, she is jumping in on prepping or helping to catch up a mountain of dishes. She is also quite talented in other ways. She is, herself, a fabulous cook and she has tons of experience in floral design. Now when we handle a cater we can also do the flowers and tablescapes. I think of her as Serendipity! She is Rick's mom and came along when we needed someone to fill in for an ailing staff member. She has been here ever since, and we are delighted.

We have not had any live music lately. Part of the reason is that 2 of our most talented musicians work here and we have been so busy we can't easily let them off to play. Jon plays jazz guitar and Rick along with his musical partner Dustin Collins, plays lots of Celtic music on his guitar. We are missing the live music and hope to go into the new year with a lineup. We enjoyed Vinny Ray and his violin with Thom Hoglen on guitar. But it seems he has hit the road and he isn't available. If you know of quality musical talent, please have them check in with Jon for an audition.

Soups this week— Tuesday and Wednesday, Paula's Minestrone; Thursday and Friday, Tomato and Pancetta Soup. Pancetta is an Italian form of rolled ham.

Lunches~~
Tuesday~ Fish tacos with a side; usually $7.25/ only $6.75
Wednesday~ Carnitas with guacamole, salsa, sour cream and torillas chips; usually $7.75/ only $7.25
Thursday~ Equinox Salad; usually $6.99/ only $6.49
Friday~ Spinach salad with wood-fired salmon; usually $5.49 + $3.99/ only $5.49 + $3.49

Dinners~~
Featured Flavor Journey~ Chicken veggie pasta; lots of stir-fried winter vegetables plus chicken in a light creamy pesto sauce on linguine plus soup/salad $13.99
Featured seafood Wood-fired salmon with shallots, white wine, roasted red pepper sauce on penne pasta plus soup/salad $14.99

Note: these items are now regular items on our dinner menu.

As always, we thank you for your ongoing support. You have given us the opportunity to bring you foods we think you deserve—healthy, wholesome and made from scratch with real ingredients. As the crazy pace of the holiday season sweeps you along, we appreciate the moments you take to enjoy a lunch or dinner with friends and family at our cafe. Thank you for letting us be a part of that joy.

~~Susan