Simply Fresh and Delicious Food! We specialize in making events easy, memorable and extraordinary! We turn dreams into reality.
02/18/2025
A Love Letter…
Passion.
An appropriate title for Valentine’s weekend, and a perfect word to describe my emotions for what I do at Bistro. Building a business requires absolute focus and dedication, consuming every moment of every day. Each twist and turn, every triumph, and every setback shapes your character and refines your purpose. I’ve been fortunate to have remarkable people by my side throughout this journey – mentors, team members, clients, and even casual onlookers who offer wisdom, encouragement, or sometimes the hard truth. Each interaction, no matter how brief, leaves an imprint if you embrace it with passion.
I realize the initial infatuation I felt on opening day when I cut the ribbon with the big scissors was just the beginning. The joy I felt when my cooking was praised, or the euphoria of catering my first wedding paled in comparison to the depth of passion I feel today. This journey has been about growth and evolution, leading to a profound understanding of what it means to create something that brings joy to others. It was a road that brought me to a destination.
Today the heartbeat of my passion lies in teaching new chefs the art of discovering flavor beyond mere recipes – encouraging them to taste, to feel, and to connect with the food they prepare. It is the soul’s satisfaction when I hear from late night event staff reflecting on the guest experience and how thrilled they were. It is the fulfillment I feel walking the empty kitchen after the cooking is done and the last oven is turned off, knowing this little business we started in 2007 provides for so many families, including my own.
Passion for me today is navigating the demands of the business, and ensuring I make it home on time for my husband, especially on Valentine’s Day.
Thank you, Stanley Heckman, for your unwavering support and for becoming a chef – not just for your love of cooking, but to be with me. You are forever my passion (even when I am obsessed with Bistro). xo
Nikki Heckman
Stanley’s wife
