Tuesday, September 29, 2009

A THUMBNAIL OF WHAT'S GOING ON

The past week flew by and is merely a blur in retrospect. It was capped by a surprise party for 11 year old Ian & friends who learned to make/bake/decorate/eat the hockey stick cake & assorted pucks they created. Friday and Saturday people kept arriving to drop off their incredible entries for the "Artsy Undies" show. Norma floored us when she brought forth 14, count them, FOURTEEN bras from members of her own family. Look for a story about them coming up soon in the Bradenton Herald.

Karen Jennis and I (mostly Karen) spent the entire day yesterday "hanging" the show and finally stopped at 6:30pm, to be continued Wednesday. I'm honored and proud to be in the company of such caring people. This is something that you don't want to miss. The opening is this Friday during the October ArtWalk at Bonni Bakes, from 6-9:30pm. If you come early you'll have a chance to meet some of the artists. Their work will be on display for the entire month of October so stop in whenever we're open (Tues-Sat 11-2). We also have some of those delicious Ginger Kidz cookies, decorated in colorful bras & panties, for sale at just $2 each...with 100% of sales donated to the American Cancer Society. October is "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" so remember to check yours and your loved ones' frequently!

Doggie Dining begins on Friday Oct 2 at lunch. You can bring your well behaved dog on a leash and have them stay next to you at our outdoor patio tables. Check out the page of rules that will be posted. Free water bowls for the pooch, you've got to order off the menu. We're not ready to unveil "Muffin's Menu for Furry Friends" just yet...but it will be coming in the next few weeks.

Check out this week's menus and look forward to seeing you soon!

Hugs from the kitchen,
Bonni
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STEPH’s MIDDLE EAST LUNCH
Served Tues 9/29 -- Thur 10/1 from 11-2

Chick Pea Soup V a hearty soup of chick peas with lemon, parsley and onions, served with Farmer’s bread. $4

Couscous Salad V Tomato, red and green sweet peppers, greens beans, chickpeas, cucumbers, raisins, green olives and couscous mixed with a tahini, mint, lemon and extra virgin olive oil dressing.$4

Baba Ganough and Hummus: (Baba) eggplant roasted and pureed with tahini and garlic and cumin, (Hummus) pureed chick peas with garlic, lemon, olive oil and cumin; served with Pita triangles $5

Spinach pie V Fillo dough filled strudel style with spinach, onions, parsley, eggs, feta cheese baked to a golden brown. $4 add soup or couscous +$3.50

Kefta Kebab: Spiced lamb meatballs, tomato, pepper, onion, zucchini grilled, served with Tartour sauce in a Pita bread $5 add soup or couscous +$3.50

Falafel: V Spicy chickpea croquettes stuffed into handmade Pita bread with lettuce, tomato, and topped with Tartour sauce. $4 add soup or couscous +$3.50

Chicken Pita: Spicy yogurt marinated shredded chicken stuffed into handmade Pita bread with lettuce, tomato and topped with Tartour sauce. $5 add soup or couscous +$3.50

Greek Salad V Tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, capers, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese with my own Greek dressing; served with Farmer’s bread. $6

Luncheon Meze: Mini servings of Spinach Pie, Kefta Kebab, Pita Triangles with Yogurt Cheese topped with Olive Paste, Assorted Olives, Hummus, Baba Ganough and Middle Eastern pickles. $8.50

Farmer’s Bread V A rustic, crusty bread baked right here. Take some home! $3.50/loaf
V indicates vegetarian.

Desserts
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting $3.50
Double Chocolate Brownie $2
Baklava $2.00

Beverages:
Coffee or Hot Tea $1.50
Iced Tea, Iced Mint Tea $1.50
Orange Blossom Lemonade $1.50
Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke, Bottled Water $1.00

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Bonni’s NYC PIZZA LUNCH
Served Fri Oct 2 & Sat Oct 3 from 11-2

CLASSIC RED GAZPACHO (V)
The icy cold Spanish soup that blends ripe tomato, peppers, onions and cucumbers into a glass of Heaven on a hot day. $4

SES SALINAS SALAD (V)
Organic mixed greens, cukes, ripe tomato, thin red onion, Spanish olives & Feta cheese, served w/Bonni’s Honey Dijon Vinaigrette $4 Add Chicken $2

PICK TWO Bowl of Soup, House Salad OR A Stromboli* $7.50
*choose Florentine w/spinach & tomato) (V) or Roasted Veggies w/Feta (V)


HANDMADE 8” THIN-CRUST PIZZA (vegan available on request)

Naked Cheese - mozzarella, red sauce, Parmesan, fresh oregano (V) $6
New York - mozzarella, pepperoni, red sauce, Parmesan, fresh oregano $6
Mahon - mozzarella, spinach, tomato, red onion, red sauce, oregano (V) $7
Maragherita - mozzarella, red sauce, tomato, Parmesan, basil, olive oil (V) $7
Chinese Chicken - hoisin, garlic, chicken, broccoli, mozzarella, scallions $7
(V) = Vegetarian

DESSERT
Chocolate Orgasm Cookies (pkg of 4) $4.50
Brownie or Blondie $2
Large Crunchy Cookie (assorted flavors) $1.25
Chunky Muffin $1.75

DRINKS
Bottled Spring Water $1
Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dr Pepper, Diet Dr Pepper $1
Brewed Raspberry Iced Tea or Hot Tea (assorted bags) $1.50
Our House Blend of Half-Caff/Half-DeCaff Flavored Coffee $1.50

Monday, September 14, 2009

A BIG TO DO ABOUT "TO-DO"

Have you ever noticed that a "to-do list" never gets shorter. In fact, I believe that items are added to it at a rate at least double what's being crossed off. Case in point, my current litany of assorted building repairs. They all seemed minor to me (what do I know) but some of them were very misleading. How could that little rotted spot in the door frame mask the need to replace the entire thing? Why does LG sell every individual ditsy part for their refrigerators until I need one? It took a week for the $18 part (they assured me was correct) to arrive. It wasn't right and now I'm told that LG only sells the ENTIRE replacement section at a mere $116.50. What's wrong with this picture? Where does the customer fit into the concept of "customer service"? Luckily for me, Howard (who once came just to lay the bamboo floor and stayed on for 7 months to finish building my TreeHouse) was the person running through my "to-do list". Nothing phases him as long as card carrying Republicans don't insist on talking politics. Two days later, and both sides of the paper sporting crossed-off items, we're done. You may not notice the improvements but I'm smiling a lot more. And yes, the last few minutes were spent hanging those pictures that have been leaning against the wall for the past two years! I hope there's a "Howard" in your life. If not, I'd be happy to pass his phone number on.

ATTENTION DOG OWNERS: The big news is that a few days ago Bonni Bakes became the FIRST business to receive a DOGGIE DINING PERMIT in the City of Bradenton. That means that you'll be able to bring your well-behaved, leashed dog with you when you enjoy lunch on the outdoor patio. We'll be launching everything very soon and I'll announce the opening date right here. Meanwhile, my dog Muffin and I are hard at work designing and tasting "Muffin's Menu". Homemade snacks with people quality ingredients (no kibble, dog food, junk, etc) and available if your furry friend wants to join you for lunch. Look for the return of "Muffin's Munchies" and that all time favorite "Cheese Babies". I want to partner with dog rescue groups to give them all the profits from anything ordered on "Muffin's Menu", plus a chance to publicize what they're doing and help find forever homes for adoptees. All of the dogs I've shared my life with have been adopted mixed breeds and many need homes, especially in these challenging economic times. If you know of a rescue group that you think would be interested please send me their contact information. Together we can have a good time and do some good work.

Well, I've worked up an appetite just thinking about all of this and our menus for the week are listed below. Don't forget there is an Ethiopian Dinner on Sat Sept 26th, reservations required. Entries in the "Artsy Undies" breast cancer fundraiser are coming in and you still have time to decorate a bra/panties, pay $15 to enter it (100% of that is donated to American Cancer Society), be feted at the private pre-opening artists' reception Oct 2 and then reclaim your entry in November so you can wear it proudly around your house! I look forward to seeing you soon...in or out of your entry.

Hugs from the kitchen,
Bonni
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Tues-Thurs Sept 15 - 17 STEPH'S DOWN HOME SOUTHERN LUNCH

Southern Chicken Salad Sandwich
Chicken, celery, onion in a seasoned mayonnaise spread on a pair of homemade biscuits. $4

Alabama Pulled Pork Sandwich
Pork tenderloin slow simmered with apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, red and black pepper, chili powder and garlic; on a pair of home made biscuits and topped with white barbecue sauce.$5

Shrimp n Grits
Shrimp sautéed with mushrooms, green onions, garlic, a touch of lemon and hint of hot sauce spooned over very cheesy grits sprinkled with crumbled bacon.$6

Chicken Pot Pie with Rosemary
Chicken breast stewed up with garlic, celery, carrots, green beans, tiny pearl onions, rosemary, chicken gravy baked with a flakey pie crust on top.$5

Frogmore Stew
Sausage, shrimp, Corn on the cob and little red potatoes oiled up with Old Bay Seasoning, served with down home cornbread. No frogs have been injured in the making of this dish.$6

Ham n Greens Pot Pie
Ham, collard greens and black eyed peas baked into a pie with cornbread crust on top.$5

Sides:
Country Apple Slaw Green, red cabbage, granny smith apple, cucumber, dried cherries, vinegar, honey, olive oil, roasted shelled pumpkin seeds make for a great balance of sweet, sour and salt.$3

Divine Macaroni n Cheese Sharp Cheddar cheese and elbow macaroni baked up into a melted, cheesy, make your mouth happy. $3

Down Home Cornbread $1.50
Alabama Biscuits $1.50 pair
Take some home!

Desserts:
Red Velvet Cake $3.50
Sweet Potato Pie $2.50
Key Lime Pie $3

Drinks:
Sweet or unsweetened ice tea $1.50
Lemonade $1.50
Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke, Bottle Spring Water$1
Hot Coffee or Tea $1.50
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Fri Sept 18 & Sat Sept 19 BONNI'S ASIAN NYC LUNCH

CHINATOWN WONTON SOUP
Gently simmered chicken, ginger & scallion produce a light Asian stock, perfect for floating crisp veggies in your bowl then paired with homemade crispy noodles. $4

RICE SUMMER ROLL PLATTER
Translucent rice wrappers enclose julienned carrot, cuke, sweet pepper, snow peas, sauce & cellophane noodles. Shrimp or vegetarian version, served with salad & fruit $7.50

SES SALINAS SALAD (V)
Mixed greens, cukes, tomato, red onion, Spanish olives & Feta cheese served with Bonni’s Honey Dijon Vinaigrette $4 Add Chicken $2

PICK TWO (V) Bowl of Soup, House Salad OR A Stromboli* $7.50
*choose Florentine w/spinach & tomato) (V) or Roasted Veggies w/Feta (V)

HANDMADE 8” THIN-CRUST PIZZA (vegan available on request)
Naked Cheese - mozzarella, red sauce, Parmesan, fresh oregano (V) $6
New York - mozzarella, pepperoni, red sauce, Parmesan, fresh oregano(V) $6
Mahon - mozzarella, spinach, tomato, red onion, red sauce, oregano (V) $7
Margherita - mozzarella, red sauce, tomato, Parmesan, basil, olive oil (V) $7
Chinese Chicken - hoisin, garlic, chicken, broccoli, mozzarella, scallions $7
(V) = Vegetarian
DESSERT
Chocolate Orgasm Cookies (pkg of 4) $4.50
Large Crunchy Cookie (assorted flavors) (V) $1.25
Chunky Muffin $1.75

DRINKS
Mango Lassi (a refreshing Asian favorite)
my incredible Keitt mango blended w/yogurt, vanilla & ice $3
Bottled Spring Water, cans of soda $1
Brewed Raspberry Iced Tea or Hot Tea (assorted bags) $1.50
Our House Blend of Half-Caff/Half-DeCaff Flavored Coffee $1.50
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Bread & Dessert baked on-site / Vegetarian Options / We don't take credit or debit cards

Lunch served TUES-SAT 11AM-2PM All dinners by RESERVATION ONLY

BONNI BAKES
in the Village of the Arts
930 12 ST W (just south of 9th Ave/MLK)
BRADENTON, FL 34205

(941) 746-6647 bonnibakes@gmail.com

Monday, September 7, 2009

BOOBS & BAGELS



It's not too late to decorate a bra or panties and enter it in our Oct Breast Cancer Fundraiser, "Artsy Undies". $15 per entry (over 18) $5 (under 18) and the more outrageous the better because at the end of the month you get your artwork back. We want to encourage people to vacuum, prepare dinner and tend the garden in it. During the Friday night ArtWalk the feathers & beads were flying as Carol, Karen & Carol celebrated BYOB (Bring Your Own Bra). Check out their entries currently displayed inside the porch of Bonni Bakes...look but don't touch! Some people have expressed an interest in buying some of the entries and we'll consider that. After all, it's a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and we need your money. In addition, we have a hot little selection of Ginger Kidz (our delicious orange/ginger cookies) who have been decorated with bras & panties by Anna and her sisters. Just $2 each, delightfully gift wrapped in a cello bag, and sure to bring a smile.

And then there's the bagels. New York City is my home town and there are lots of things that I miss, aside from cooler weather. A real bagel (shaped by hand, boiled before baking, crusty exterior with chewy interior, and smaller than a breadbox) shmeared with Zabar's Scallion Cream Cheese and topped with nova, red onion and ripe tomato is nirvana for me. After years of experimentation I can honestly say my bagels could be stamped "Made in NYC". Let me know what you think.

This month we're consolidating menus so Steph's Italian menu is available Tues-Thurs and you can enjoy my NYC Brunch menu on Fri & Sat. See details below. We had the honor of being one of three restaurants serving Ethiopian food that were highlighted in a national magazine favored by professional chefs. It's a great article but I don't know how to put a hot link in here, so if you'd like to see a copy drop me an email at bonnibakes@gmail.com. Reserve now for Steph's Sept 26 SAT ETHIOPIAN DINNER two seatings: 5:30 & 7:30 pm $15+tax+tip all inclusive dinner. Reservations required TEL: (941) 746-6647 Serving Spicy Chicken, (doro wet) Chickpea Sauce, (yeshiro) Collard Greens, (gomen) Mild Beef Stew, (zigni alicha) Mixed Vegetable Stew, (yeataket alicha) Spicy Red Lentils, (yemisir kek wet), injera is served on the side to scoop the food up with. Coffee, tea sodas. Bring your own wine or beer. No corkage fee. VEGETARIAN PLATTERS AVAILABLE!

I'm working on something exciting and hope to be able to announce it next week. HINT: it involves dogs...no cats need apply. See you soon.

Hugs from the kitchen,
Bonni
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Tues - Thurs Sept 8 - 10 Steph’s ITALIAN LUNCH served from 11-2pm

Minestrone Soup V
Carrots, celery, zucchini, red potato, cabbage, plum tomatoes, white beans, green beans, and onions simmered into a classic Italian favorite, topped with parmesan cheese; served with garlic bread. $4

Italian Tossed Salad
Mixed salad greens, shredded mozzarella cheese, kalamata olives, carrot and green onions tossed with Italian vinaigrette. $4

Insalata Caprese V
Fresh mozzarella balls and ripe tomato slices sprinkled with salt pepper and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, topped with fresh basil leaves. $5

Antipasto
Thin sliced salami, mort Della, proscuitto, Kalamata black olives, roasted red peppers, marinated artichoke, pepperoncini, herbed cheese spread served with thin slices of garlic bread. $6

Mama’s Lasagna
Lasagna noodles layered with slow cooked meat sauce, herbs and garlic, ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan cheeses baked to a crusty delight served with Italian tossed salad. $7.50

Bruschetta Pomodoro V
Plum tomatoes, capers, Kalamata olives, onion, fresh basil, chopped and marinated in extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper served on top of slices of toasted homemade Italian bread. $4

Meatball Wedge
Italian pork and turkey sausage rolled into meatballs covered with herb infused marinara sauce on homemade Italian bread. $5with soup or tossed salad +$3.50

Spinach Calzone V
Spinach, parmesan and ricotta cheese, roasted red peppers and garlic encased in half moons of pizza dough baked to a golden brown and topped with herb infused tomato sauce. $5 with soup or tossed salad +$3.50

Sausage and Peppers Calzone
Chicken apple sausage, green and red bell pepper, onions, garlic, mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta cheese, and tomato sauce encased in half moons of pizza dough baked to a golden brown. $5 with soup or tossed salad +$3.50

Desserts:
Cannoli $2.50
Chocolate Rum Ball $2.00
Assorted Cookies $1.25

Beverages:
Lemonade $1.50
Iced Tea $1.50
Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke, Bottled Spring Water $1
Coffee or Hot Tea $1.00
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Fri Sept 11 & Sat Sept 12 Bonni’s NEW YORK CITY BRUNCH LUNCH

Vodka Bloody Mary Soup
If it were possible to serve it in a cocktail glass with a straw, I'd do it. Suffice to say it goes down smooth and leaves your puckered lips smiling. Served with Sour Rye Parmesan Crisps $4

The Real Deal NYC Bagel Platter
Now that I'm creating bagels that would make a New Yorker proud (sesame, poppy or onion) they deserve the company of great fixings, including nova, tomato & red onion. $7.50

Ses Salinas Salad (V)
Mixed greens, cukes, tomato, red onion, Spanish olives & Feta cheese served with Bonni’s Honey Dijon Vinaigrette $4 Add Chicken $2

Pick Two (V) Bowl of Soup, House Salad OR A Stromboli* $7.50
*choose Florentine w/spinach & tomato) (V) or Roasted Veggies w/Feta (V)

HANDMADE 8” THIN-CRUST PIZZA (vegan available on request)
Naked Cheese - mozzarella, red sauce, Parmesan, fresh oregano (V) $6
New York - mozzarella, pepperoni, red sauce, Parmesan, fresh oregano(V) $6
Mahon - mozzarella, spinach, tomato, red onion, red sauce, oregano (V) $7
Margherita - mozzarella, red sauce, tomato, Parmesan, basil, olive oil (V) $7
Chinese Chicken - hoisin, garlic, chicken, broccoli, mozzarella, scallions $7
(V) = Vegetarian

Dessert
Upper West Side Eclair w/vanilla custard filling & chocolate ganache frosting $2.25
Chocolate Orgasm Cookies (pkg of 4) $4.50
Large Crunchy Cookie (assorted flavors) (V) $1.25
Chunky Muffin $1.75

Drinks
Bottled Spring Water, cans of soda $1
Brewed Raspberry Iced Tea or Hot Tea (assorted bags) $1.50
Our House Blend of Half-Caff/Half-DeCaff Flavored Coffee $1.50
=============================================================

Bread & Dessert baked on-site / Vegetarian Options / We don't take credit or debit cards

Lunch served TUES-SAT 11AM-2PM All dinners by RESERVATION ONLY

BONNI BAKES
in the Village of the Arts
930 12 ST W (just south of 9th Ave/MLK)
BRADENTON, FL 34205

(941) 746-6647 bonnibakes@gmail.com