It's a great time to be in Bradenton

It looks like most of the "dead of winter" weather may have past. I usually ascertain this by counting the number of viable blossoms left on my Keitt mango tree when February rolls around. Right now things look great. If only all of those tiny green globes could hang on & mature, I would corner the mango market with my single tree. Of course, that's never happened in my almost ten years of being a mango tree-hugger. Like Rosanne Rosannadanna used to say, "it's always something". And indeed, it always has been. In the past those mango wannabes have been destroyed by "the storm of the century" (which happens every 3 years); unusually low winter temperatures (which happen every 2 years); bitchy weather folks (every other night depending on the tv channel), or nothing distinguishable at all. Bottomline Score: Mango Tree 100/Me 5. Stay tuned to see if incredible Mango Shakes & Ice Cream are in our future this year.

A few updates: Chef Walter is detained another week in NY/NJ, which is probably great for his Mom, but sad for us. Looking forward to your quick return, and for what it's worth, the new grill is set up and ready to roll. For Parvin's fans (Persian Weds), although it was too much for her to continue on a weekly basis, she will be doing a Persian Dinner on Wed evening, March 18, two seatings at 6pm & 8pm for only $15/pp. The menu will be posted soon, but we know this will sell out, so you might want to make your reservations soon. Call me at 746-6647.

Stephanie & Rahel will bring Ethiopia alive with another incredible Traditional Ethiopian Dinner on Tues Feb 24. Only 2 seats left at 8pm at this moment. Two more dates have been set, Tues March 10 & 24 (reservations open) so don't miss out. Look for the upcoming article about them in the next Sarasota SRQ Magazine. Makes me feel like a proud Mama Hen, enabling you to share the delicious & loving food that our chefs have produced. Cluck...cluck!!

Following our tradition of UNIQUE LUNCH MENUS each day, this week Amy will be providing Southern Comfort Cuisine, featuring Shrimp 'n Grits & other classics on Tuesday, Feb 17th. I'll be in charge for the rest of the week with changing menus each day. I've considered putting a psychiatrist on retainer to deal with my Multiple Personality Orders but think doing what I love, cooking, will be therapeutic. Come enjoy, share, join, laugh, bring CDs you like to hear, encourage, learn, accept and be part of our family. There's always room at the table for you.

Hugs from the kitchen,
Bonni
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Tues Feb 17 Amy's Southern Comfort Cuisine 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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Right now I'm making soup stock from scratch and contemplating THINGS ON STICKS that I can grill outside. Here is Wed's menu & I promise to email the others.

Wed Feb 18 Bonni's New York City menu

Soup: Chicken Minestrone served with crunchy fresh bread $4

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

Dorothy's Big Salad with mixed greens, red onion, roasted veggies, toasted nuts, goat cheese + 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
Mushroom Pizza mozzarella, roasted garlic, goat cheese, grilled onions, parmesan(V) $7
Chinese Chicken hoisin, roast garlic, chicken, broccoli, mozzarella, scallions $7

Dessert
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

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)