Monday, February 9, 2009

Beware of Flying Cherubs Sporting Arrows

With Valentine's Day coming up this weekend, I'm once again reminded how hard it is to avoid the commercialism of every "holiday" in this country. This is a pretty benign one...tell someone (anyone & everyone) you love them. It's easy to recognize the universal symbol of the heart=love, so let's slap it on everything in sight. Candy bars, pajamas, drinking glasses, sun visors, golden jewelry, pencils, sequined t-shirts, note pads and flags (so we can communicate our intimate feelings to total strangers...at a safe distance).

I was thinking about baking up some cookies, maybe even heart shaped ones, and decorating them. But, just as I don't like greeting cards pre-printed with someone else's sentiments, I'd rather encourage you to express your own thoughts. So look for the cookies with the hard white icing and use my edible ink markers to decorate & personalize your own cookie. I'll even give you a free cellophane bag & ribbon to wrap up your masterpiece. And if you're really serious, nothing makes a woman smile like some Chocolate Orgasms...okay, maybe it's only Plan B.

Just a reminder that Stephanie & her daughter Rahel will be serving up a Traditional Ethiopian Dinner on Tuesday evening Feb 24th. The 6pm seating is sold out but there are still a few seats left at 8pm. The entire meal is just $15 per person and you can bring your own beer & wine. We plan to host these dinners twice a month, depending on Steph's schedule. Call 746-6647 for reserations.

In this past Sunday's Bradenton Herald, Donna Wright wrote a comprehensive article about strategies to enable you to eat well in economically challenging times. I was one of the people interviewed, and mentioned that I think a lot of people today don't know how to cook. I volunteered that if there was sufficient interest we would offer a Basic Cooking Class. If you're interested send an email to bonnibakes@gmail.com. I just bought a new grill and plans are underway for some exciting outdoor food. Coming from New York City (where street food is a way of life) I can't wait to start experimenting. We'll be grilling outside on the patio, which will be fun during the ArtWalks. There is the small detail of getting all of those itsy-bitsy, mostly threaded pieces together to become "the grill", but with Mike's help we hope to get that done this week.

If the current economic climate is depressing you, stop by Bonni Bakes this Tuesday for Chef Amy's uplifting, down home Southern Comfort Menu at lunch from 11-2. If last week was any example, there was joyful laughter and yummy food everywhere. Here's what she's cooking up:

Look what's Amy's cooking up for you on Tuesday (lunch served 11-2):
Shrimp n' Grits
Large Gulf Shrimp swimmin' in a kicked up garlic cream sauce and ladled over hot
Cheese Grit Casserole + choice of side dish $9

Bradentucky Boil
Collard greens, cabbage, onions, spicy smoked sausage, carrots, red potatoes and cob corn.
Slow cooked in a hearty chicken and ham hock broth + choice of side dish $7

Roasted Broccoli n' Swamp Cabbage Salad
Garlic Roasted Broccoli, Heart of Palm & Artichoke served on a bed of crisp romaine lettuce, w/ fresh tomato, sugar roasted pecans, maple bacon & sweet Valdalia onion vinaigrette $8

Roast Pork Po' Boy
Served on a toasted hoagie roll topped with caramelized sweet onions and smoked provolone cheese served with apple cider au jus for dippin' + choice of side dish $8

Cracker Mac n' Cheese Combo
A generous portion of soul soothin' oven baked 3 cheese elbow macaroni served with your choice of 2 side dishes $8

Key Lime Pie Squares
Take a slice with you.....'cause you know you'll crave it later! $3

Side Dishes
Bradentucky Boil, Cheese Grit Casserole, Cracker Mac n' Cheese, Swamp Apple Slaw $2

Cans of Soda or Bottled Spring Water $1 each
Sweet (or not) Louisiana Iced Tea or Pink Lemonade $2 (Free Refills)

Take out available...cash only.

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I'll
be cooking the rest of this week at lunch, basically using my New York City menu, with changes as the mood suits me. At 12:00 Wed we're hosting a group of ladies with boas so don't expect fast service until around 12:30. But we'd love to see you Wed - Sat 11-2.

Bonni's New York City menu

Butternut Bourbon Bisque served with crunchy fresh bread $4

Ses Salinas Salad romaine, red onion, cucumber, tomato, Spanish olives, Feta + House Dijon Vinaigrette (V) $4

Bonni's Spinach Salad with red onion, hard boiled egg, bacon and garbanzo beans + House Dijon Vinaigrette $6

Chicken added to your salad $2

Pick Two: Soup, House Salad (V) OR Stromboli (Florentine or Roast Veggie) (V) $7.50


Handmade 8" Individual 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
Margherita mozzarella, red sauce, tomato, parmesan, basil, olive oil (V) $7
White Pizza mozzarella, roasted garlic, broccoli, grilled onions, parmesan(V) $7
Chinese Chicken hoisin, roast garlic, chicken, broccoli, mozzarella, scallions $7

Dessert
Chocolate Orgasm Individual Cheesecake (V) $4
Large crunchy cookie (ask for today’s flavors) (V) $1.25
Texas-size Muffin (V)$1.75
Chocolate Orgasm Cookies (Pkg/4) (V) $4.50

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 Flavored Coffee $1.50

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Hugs from the kitchen,
Bonni


Bonni Bakes
930 12th St W in The Village of the Arts
Bradenton

941-746-6647

Open for lunch Tues-Sat 11-2 & ArtWalks
Cash or local check (sorry, no credit cards)

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