MARCH MADNESS...FLORIDA STYLE

During the nine years that we lived in New Bern, NC it was very obvious when MARCH MADNESS struck. Guys in suits looked a little groggy in the morning; bloodshot eyes were hidden behind Foster Grants all day; animated conversation never extended beyond MBA stats, and thriving businesses closed for days during the FINAL FOUR (knowing their employees wouldn't show up for work anyway). It was impressive. All about a ball, some sneakers, a rim and a gazillion bucks. God Bless America!!

So now I'm living in Florida, and it's "March Madness", but it's different. Almost everyone wears sunglasses and lots of them looked dazed 24/7. Businesses are closing but for more than a few days. The world as we've known it has morphed into something we've never seen before. So it's March. And it's Madness. But different, because this won't be over in 4 or 8 or 12.

I think it's a perfect opportunity to refocus on yourself. What makes you happy? How can you help make someone else happy? What can we learn from each other? Why can't I train my dog to walk calmly on a leash (when I'd be willing to do it for him)? They're all important questions to ponder deep in your soul. In the meantime I'll share the answer to one of Life's great all time questions: what's there to eat?

Over the past few months Bonni Bakes has hosted numerous wonderful chefs, preparing a wide variety of ethnic cuisines...all to rave reviews. Organizing it has been a logistical challenge and learning experience for me. We've figured out how to offer you unique menus that are never boring at a reasonable price and offer a delicious experience for you. You've embraced the concept and I've figured out how to do it without making myself crazy. Fewer chefs, more cuisines.

Let's talk lunch:
Starting in April we'll continue Amy's Old Florida Southern Comfort lunch on Tuesday. Midweek on Wednesday & Thursday will be rotating ethnic menus, all prepared by Stephanie Peterson of Ethiopian Dinner fame. Friday & Saturday Bonni takes over the kitchen reins with her handmade pizza, soup, salads & baked yummies.

Let's talk dinner:
Join us on Monday April 6th for "Around The World Dinner" featuring Baba Ganoush, Insalata Mista, Boeuf Bourguignon, Curry Basil Shrimp and Mango & Raspberry Sorbet With Fresh Berries. Details to follow soon.

Due to popular demand Stephanie will be cooking A Traditional Ethiopian Dinner every Tuesday at 5:30 & 7:30 seatings, starting April 7th.

Ever drooled over pictures of a gourmet dinner in a glossy foodie magazine and wished someone would cook it for you? Your prayers have been answered. On Saturday April 25th Bonni & Steph will re-create one of those meals for a limited group of people. Menu & details to follow.

In order to get set-up for the changes, Bonni Bakes will be closed for a few days after Amy's March 31st "Southern Comfort Lunch". We'll reopen for the April 3rd ArtWalk, 6-9:30pm, featuring that thin crust pizza and other surprises. Also our back garden and my personal residence, The TreeHouse, will be open to the public on Saturday April 4th during the Village Garden Walk from 11-4.

Here's what's cooking at Bonni Bakes this week, March 23 -28, 2009:

Tuesday AMY'S SOUTHERN COMFORT LUNCH MENU served 11-2:

Amy's "almost famous" Hambone Corn Chowder
A creamy cheesy blend of potatoes, corn, smoked ham chunks, broccoli and some other good stuff served pipin hot by the cup and when it's gone.......it's gone! $3.50

Roasted Chicken Salad Sandwich
Topped with crisp maple bacon, lettuce, tomato and served on a toasted whole wheat roll. Choice of side $8

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 $3

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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WEDNESDAY BONNI'S N.Y.C. LUNCH MENU served 11-2

Lentil Soup with Ginger Cream served with our homemade roll $4

Ses Salinas Salad mixed greens, red onion, cucumber, tomato, Spanish
olives, Feta plus Bonni’s Dijon Vinaigrette (V) $4

Dorothy’s Big Salad mixed greens, roasted veggies (squash, peppers,, eggplant),
red onion, Feta, roasted almonds & parmesan (V) $6

Chicken added to your salad $2

Pick Two: Soup, House Salad 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
White & Green mozzarella, roast garlic, broccoli, onions, ricotta (V)$7
Margherita mozzarella, red sauce, tomato, parmesan, basil, olive oil (V) $7
Chinese Chicken hoisin, roast garlic, chicken, broccoli, mozzarella, scallions $7

Dessert
Large crunchy cookie (ask for today’s flavors) (V)$1.25
Homemade Muffins (V) $1.75
Chocolate Orgasm Cookies (V) $4.50 (pkg of 4)

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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THURSDAY BONNI'S ASIAN LUNCH MENU served 11-2

Homemade Wonton Soup served with crunchy fried noodles $4

Asian Spring Roll Platter -- Shrimp, Chicken or All Veggie (V)
served with side salad and fresh fruit $8

Dessert
Homemade Fresh Strawberry Mini Ice Cream Cone (V) $1
Large crunchy cookie (ask for today’s flavors) (V)$1.25
Luscious Frosted Cupcake (V) $2.50
Homemade Muffins (V) $1.75
Chocolate Orgasm Cookies (V) $4.50 (pkg of 4)

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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FRIDAY BONNI'S LIGHT & FRESH LUNCH MENU served 11-2

Carrot Ginger Soup served with Bonni's Rosemary Breadstix $4

Ses Salinas Salad mixed greens, red onion, cucumber, tomato, Spanish olives,
Feta cheese plus Bonni's Honey Dijon Vinaigrette (V) $4

That N.Y.C. Salad mixed baby greens, cranberries, crisp apples, caramelized nuts,
goat cheese and Bonni's Raspberry Poppyseed Vinaigrette (V) $7.50

Grazing Salad (for people who just like to nibble) mixed greens, fresh fruit, cheese
& breadsticks (V) $6

Dessert
Homemade Fresh Strawberry Mini Ice Cream Cone (V) $1
Large crunchy cookie (ask for today’s flavors) (V)$1.25
Luscious Frosted Cupcake (V) $2.50
Homemade Muffins (V) $1.75
Chocolate Orgasm Cookies (V) $4.50 (pkg of 4)

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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Saturday BONNI'S N.Y.C. LUNCH MENU served 11-2

Soup of the Day served with homemade bread $4

Ses Salinas Salad -- mixed greens, red onion, cucumber, tomato, Spanish
olives, Feta plus Bonni’s Dijon Vinaigrette (V) $4

Chicken added to your salad $2

Pick Two: Soup, House Salad 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
Chinese Chicken hoisin, roast garlic, chicken, broccoli, mozzarella, scallions $7

Dessert
Large crunchy cookie (ask for today’s flavors) (V) $1.25
Homemade Muffin (V) $1.75
Bonni's Frosted Cupcake (V) $2.50

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

We love you but we don't take debit or credit cards. Hope to see you soon.

Hugs from the kitchen,
Bonni

Bonni Bakes
in the Village of the Arts
930 12th St West
Bradenton, FL 34205

941-746-6647