Cousins by Chance;Friends by Choice

I was right. You can live in Southern California, dine on the Central Coast for lunch and be home before sundown. Saturday night, my cousin Laura said, "Would you be interested in driving up to Santa Maria for lunch tomorrow?" I blink, say, "ARE YOU SERIOUS?" HECK YES!! Not believing this seriously crazy idea, nor wanting to get my hopes up, the next morning, I awaken, rub my eyes, ask Crystal, "Are we still going?" she says, YEAHH!!! So we jumped in the cars and headed up North. The thing is, the idea was NOT crazy. It was actually a necessity. A necessity for me, because I was going thru withdrawals, and a necessity for the other other two in that, they too would be able to experience this one of a kind Bistro. The whole way I am telling Crystal, you got to try the cheese plate and wine flight..no! you have to try the french onion soup...wait!! the chicken ceasar salad is mouth watering...oh geez...maybe for your first time you should try......oh wait! they have gourmet pizza now! One thing I neglected to mention, we were uninvited guests. In fact, early Sunday Morning, I called Aimee, woke her up and said once again, do you have any openings for lunch? Of course!, she says. When we arrive, we find that a special table has been set up for us in the patio, as well as heat lamps to keep us nice and cozy.(we southerners arent used to the perfect 72 degree weather) Crystal and Laura are immediately served two tasters of wine, and since im a bistro regular(in heart) I order the McManis Chardonnay, my favorite. (I would later take another bottle home) I was though a bit saddened to find out it was not Priscillas day at the bistro because she is the one who introduced me to McManis. I graced her bar for, oh, about 11 hours last time I was up. Next time Priscilla! And as if my two cousins had not already bent over backward for us, Rebecca brings a bottle of Champagne for all of us to celebrate our family togetherness. Our waiter, was wonderful as usual. We had him running back and forth, but he just smiled and provided exactly what we needed. In fact, all of the servers at the Bistro are wonderful. One New York waitress who had dined the previous night even commented that she had never seen a staff work so harmonious with each other, nor help their fellow waiters as they do at the Bistro. Thats what makes this place so special. You might have two or three smiling faces waiting on you, just because they want to help! In fact, neither Rebecca nor Aimee were planning on being at the Bistro that day, but when they learned of our arrival, they changed their plans, accomodated us and made our afternoon absolutely spectacular. One highlight, was we got to see some of the dinner crew trickle in. All came in with smiles, were greeted by Nonnie, fellow server,mom/grandmother, and it was evident that they were happy to be there. On the way out, I passed my beloved barstool #7, gave her a pat and whispered, I'll be back ol pal. Stay warm for me. I couldnt leave without a few souveniers: McManis chardonnay, The Big Easy.(yum) and for my hard working husband,who was in louisana helping with katrina relief, a bottle of his favorite syrah, Syratica. Let me tell you one thing, My cousin Laura is not a red wine fan, that is, until I poured her a glass of the Big Easy. She said, "THAT is the best wine I have ever had in my life, and its red!" The Big Easy is from Silverhorse winery in Paso Robles, has a bit of cabernet, a bit of garnacha,a bit of syrah, and one other little treat. You'll have to buy it to find out. They sell it at the Bistro. The winemaker is cute too. I think his wine maker dinner is coming up soon. As my father would say, to make a long story longer, GET TO THE BISTRO!!! It kills me I live 3 hours away, but that didnt stop us. We got home with plenty of time to drink our wine in the spa, and get up for work the next day. Special thanks to Rebecca and Aimee for being themselves. You have to dine there to experience it. We were filled with food, filled with wine(not too much) and filled with laughter and happiness. I love my cousins. And I love that they are my best friends.