Sunday, April 26, 2009

Bonnevilles, Lasagne & Floor Refinishing

The light suddenly turned red and I came to a stop behind the long, wide, maroon car. It made me smile because I'd known cars like that in another life, in another city, in another time. What suddenly caught my eye was the soft blue license plate declaring it an "ANTIQUE". What? That couldn't be an antique because my first car, a 1959 Chevy Impala, was a lot older than this car. It even made Life Magazine's Top 10 List of the worst looking cars ever...with that v shaped rear, red/white paint job, no power steering and 3 blocks long...what were they thinking? And if I'm a lot older than that Bonneville that probably means that I'm an antique too. Certainly not a compliment or even acceptable...just ask anyone that knows me. Then the light turned green, my mind snapped back to the present and I focused on the next thing...my floor.

Within days of moving to Bradenton in 1999, my late husband Rea & I bought a 1910 cottage in the newly declared Village of the Arts, which would become Bonni Bakes. It was the third house we renovated during our marriage. From day one we both hated the ugly carpeting covering the floor of the enclosed front porch. One day we gleefully ripped up the carpeting and were horrified to see craggy 3-D mounds of glue sitting atop badly scratched battleship gray painted floors. No professional was willing to gum up their equipment, so we never scraped the floor and went on to Plan B. The natural rattan floor covering was a foot short in width. Rea spent almost an entire day hand-stitching a 12" wide panel to make it fit our odd-sized room. His handiwork lasted longer than the rattan. I was determined to restore that floor and finally I found someone willing to dissolve and scrape off the glue by hand. Over the weekend Michael and I did the rest. And the lasagne? In order to paint a border around the room (covering the part of the floor the sander couldn't reach), it turns out that a box of dry lasagne is exactly the right width of the border. Who needs a ruler when pasta will do? Check out the transformation the next time you're at Bonni Bakes...it's dazzling.

This would be a particularly good week to stop by since Steph is hosting A Traditional Ethiopian Dinner tonight 4/28 at 5:30 & 7:30. The next one won't be until May 12th, call 746-6647 for reservations. Amy welcomes you to her Southern Comfort Supper Club this Wednesday evening between 5:30 & 8:30. With entree choices of Roast Sirloin, Cajun Shrimp & Grits, Chicken Pot Pie or Bourbon Glazed Pork it will be hard to pick just one. For details and reservations call Amy at 266-4665.

One last thing. On Saturday May 9th the Village of the Arts will be throwing a party for the entire community, called Arts Alive. Over 100 styrofoam sculptures, called Funky Men, will be on display (done by Manatee County art classes). Each gallery will have free interactive art experiences for you to participate in...appropriate for all ages. Bonni Bakes will have our artist friend Karen out front teaching you how to paint on rocks and turn them into works of art. WE STILL NEED SOME VOLUNTEERS TO MAN WATER STATIONS (selling bottles of water, our only fundraiser). IF YOU WANT TO SPEND A FEW HOURS ENJOYING THE AMBIANCE & HELPING US BRING ART TO MORE CHILDREN, PLEASE CALL BONNI AT 746-6647.

We're winding up April's lunches with Amy's Southern cuisine on Tuesday; Steph's French farmhouse on Wednesday and her Turkish table on Thursday. No need to scream "May Day" 'cause Bonni has Friday & Saturday covered with New York City favorites. The answer to Life's great question "What's cooking at Bonni Bakes this week?" starts here:
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Tues April 28 Amy’s SOUTHERN COMFORT Menu served 11-2

Shrimp n' Grits $9
Large Gulf Shrimp swimmin' in a kicked up garlic cream sauce and ladled over hot
Cheese Grit Casserole + choice of side dish

Bradentucky Boil $7
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

Roasted Broccoli n' Swamp Cabbage Salad $8
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

Roast Pork Po' Boy $8
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

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

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

Side Dishes $3
Bradentucky Boil, Cheese Grit Casserole, Cracker Mac n' Cheese, Swamp Apple Slaw

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

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

TAKE-OUT AVAILABLE, call 746-6647....
CASH ONLY, NO CREDIT CARDS
===============================================================

Wed April 29 Steph’s FRENCH Menu served 11-2

Fish Soup Provencal: Fish, white wine, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, red and yellow peppers simmered with fresh herbs from our garden with a touch of cream, served with home made French bread. $4

Cheddar Potato Soup: V Potatoes, onions simmered in vegetable stock, blended with cream and cheddar cheese, served with French bread. $4

Tossed Salad: V Mixed salad greens, tomato and carrots from my organic garden, tossed with vinaigrette, served with home made French bread. $4 Add chicken $2

Spinach, Caramelized Onion, and Feta Quiche: V Fresh free range organic eggs whisked with spinach, onions and feta cheese, light cream baked in pie dough, served with French bread. $4

Goat Cheese, Roasted Garlic and Tomato Croutes: V Toasted French bread smeared with roast garlic and goat cheese spread, topped with home grown organic tomatoes. $4

Choose two: pick 2 items from above. $7.50

French Baguette: Home baked fresh French bread. Take home a loaf! $3

V indicates vegetarian
Beverages:
Coffee or Hot Tea $1.50
Iced Tea $1.50
Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke, Bottled Water $1.00

Desserts
Vanilla Cream-Filled Éclairs $3.50
Strawberry Tart $3.50
Chocolate Chip Cookies $1.25

TAKE-OUT AVAILABLE, call 746-6647
CASH/LOCAL CHECK, NO CREDIT CARDS
==========================================================

Thur April 30 Steph’s TURKISH Menu served 11-2


Lentil Lemon Soup: V A traditional lentil soup with spinach, mint and lemon, served with Pita bread. $4

Turkish Salad: V Mixed salad greens from my organic garden, red beans, tomato, mint, parsley, with lemon-mustard-olive oil dressing served with Pita bread. $4 Add chicken $2

Turkish Zucchini Pancakes: V Zucchini, feta cheese, walnuts and fresh herbs fried golden brown served with cucumber sauce n the side. $4

Baba Ghanoush: V Roasted eggplant pureed with tahini. lemon and garlic served with a dollop of roasted red pepper sauce and Pita bread. $4

Choose two: pick 2 items from above. $7.50

Lamb Burger Pita: Seasoned ground lamb grilled stuffed into Pita bread with home grown organic lettuce, tomato and topped with cucumber sauce. $6

V indicates vegetarian

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

Desserts
Baklava $3.50
Chocolate Chip Cookies $1.25
TAKE-OUT AVAILABLE, call 746-6647 CASH/LOCAL CHECK, NO CREDIT CARDS
=====================================================

Fri & Sat MAY 1 & 2 Bonni’s NYC Menu served 11-2

Sweet Potato Bourbon Bisque
Fresh roasted sweet potato, assorted veggies, chicken stock & a hearty splash of Bourbon, simmered until smooth & mellow. Served with a homemade Cranberry Cinnamon Twist $4


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

Chicken added to your salad $2

That N.Y.C. Salad (V)
Organic baby greens, cranberries, crisp apple, goat cheese, caramelized nuts & red onion. Served with our Raspberry Poppyseed Dressing $7.50


Pick Two: Bowl of Soup, House Salad OR A Stromboli* $7.50
*Florentine (spinach/tomato) Roast Veggies or NEW Mexican Chicken


HANDMADE 8” INDIVIDUAL 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
Chocolate Orgasm Cookies, an ecstatic chocolate experience (V) $4.50/pkg
Key Lime Pie made with FRESH REAL KEY LIMES (V) $3
Homemade Muffins (V) $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 Flavored Coffee $1.50
(V) = Vegetarian
TAKE-OUT AVAILABLE, call 746-6647 CASH/LOCAL CHECK, NO CREDIT CARDS

Hugs from the kitchen,
Bonni

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

A SHAGGY DOG TALE PLUS GOOD EATS

It was a dark and stormy night...okay, late afternoon around 3:30. Bradenton hadn't gotten any significant rain in months but today the sky seemed to have a never ending supply of the wet stuff. The crackle of lightening, sometimes very close by, broke the sound of water hitting pavement. This is the weather that makes my dog Muffin quake. At one point I left him in my house and sprinted over to Bonni Bakes, where Amy (Southern Comfort Tuesday chef) was packing up. The rain got harder. I stayed longer than expected. When Amy & Kirk pulled their car out of the driveway I locked the gate and returned to the house. The door was open. My heart sunk. Muffin had made his great escape and was off on an adventure in the rain forest that was Bradenton.

I drove all over looking for him but there wasn't even a grasshopper to be seen outside, let alone a cat or dog. Numb, but trying to be positive, I went home and kept looking out the window for some sign of him. It was also the evening of an Ethiopian Dinner. At 7pm amidst the platters of steaming food, happy chatter and clinking glasses the phone rang. His voice was so soft I could barely hear him and his English was obviously limited, but he said "I have a dog". I came alive, wrote down the address, grabbed a friend and was in the car in under a minute. The search for Muffin was complicated by a street address on Manatee and 23rd but a house that wasn't visible from the road...and was actually at the end of a gravel path. I rang the bell. The soft-spoken man had an enormous smile as he opened the door and pointed at a once grey shaggy dog that was now more water than body. He was alive and completely unhurt. Days later my friend Jim recalled seeing a confused dog of Muffin's description dodging cars as he drove down Manatee Ave. in the rain that afternoon. He's sure one lucky puppy...and so am I.

If you haven't received our weekly email over the past few weeks, I apologize. Success is a two edged sword. When the email list was around 300 Google couldn't care less. Now that over 550 people have requested to be on the list, Google is concerned about sending out spam. You may receive an email from Google asking if you'd like to be on the Bonni Bakes Group List, that's what it's about. Meanwhile, I'm struggling to send out emails in small batches so they don't close down my email account for 24 hours and we don't alarm Dick Cheney (who I believe is in charge of Google's anti-spam unit). If you have any suggestions how to get around this, I'd love to hear them.

Now for the lucky part that effects you. It's another glorious week at Bonni Bakes, filled with a great variety of foods made just for you. The lunch menus are: Tuesday Amy's Southern Comfort; Wednesday Steph's Lebanese; Thursday Steph's Irish; Friday & Saturday Bonni's New York City. In addition, Tuesday evening is our Traditional Ethiopian Dinner (some seats available for 7:30) and Wednesday evening is Parvin's Persian Dinner (some seats available at 6 & 8pm). Next week on Wednesday evening April 29th Amy is hosting her Supper Club will rolling reservations from 5:30-8:30pm. Details below.
============================================================
Amy’s Southern Comfort Cuisine Tues April 21, 2009 (lunch served 11-2)

TODAY'S SPECIAL:

Sloppy Joe Sliders $7
served with homemade Trio Potato Salad and Amy's Coleslaw

Shrimp n' Grits $9
Large Gulf Shrimp swimmin' in a kicked up garlic cream sauce and ladled over hot
Cheese Grit Casserole + choice of side dish

Bradentucky Boil $7
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

Roasted Broccoli n' Swamp Cabbage Salad $8
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

Roast Pork Po' Boy $8
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

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

Side Dishes $3
Bradentucky Boil, Cheese Grit Casserole, Cracker Mac n' Cheese, Swamp Apple Slaw

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

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

EVERYTHING AVAILABLE TO GO 266-4665 CASH ONLY

===================================================================

Wed April 22 Steph’s LEBANESE Menu served 11-2

Lentil Lemon Soup: V
A traditional lentil soup with spinach, mint & lemon, served with Pita bread $4

Fattoush Salad: V
Mixed salad greens from my organic garden, red beans, tomato, cucumber, mint, parsley, torn bits of Pita bread with lemon-mustard-olive oil dressing $4
Add chicken for $2

Falafel: V
Spicy chickpea croquettes stuffed into Pita bread with organic home grown lettuce, tomato, and topped with cucumber sauce $4

Chicken Pita:
Spicy yogurt marinated shredded chicken breast stuffed into Pita bread with home grown organic lettuce, tomato and topped with cucumber sauce $4

Baba Ghanoush: V
Roasted eggplant pureed with tahini. lemon and garlic served with a dollop of roasted red pepper sauce and Pita bread $4

Choose Two: pick 2 items from above $7.50

V indicates vegetarian

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

Dessert
Baklava $3.50

CASH OR LOCAL CHECK EVERYTHING AVAILABLE TO GO 746-6647
==========================================================

Thur April 23 Steph’s IRISH Menu served 11-2

Potato Soup V
Velvety potato soup made with my home grown organic onions, topped with Cheddar cheese and veggie bacon bits, served with Brown bread $4

Cabbage and Mixed Greens Salad V
Mixed salad greens from my organic garden, cabbage, tomato and green onions tossed with a honey mustard vinaigrette served with Brown bread $4

Cheddar Sandwich V
Shredded Cheddar cheese mixed with hot mustard, onion and mayo spread between two slices of Brown bread $4

Choose Two: pick 2 items from above $7.50

Irish Stew
A hearty stew of beef, potato, home grown organic carrots, turnips, leeks, and Guinness Stout served with Brown bread $6

Brown Bread: A wholesome bread made with white & whole wheat flour and oats. Take home a loaf! $3.50

V indicates vegetarian

Beverages
Coffee or Hot Tea $1.50
Iced Tea $1.50
Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke, Bottled Water $1.00

Dessert
Irish Bread Pudding with caramel-whiskey sauce $3.50

CASH OR LOCAL CHECK EVERYTHING AVAILABLE TO GO 746-6647
=============================================================


Fri & Sat April 24 & 25 Bonni’s NYC Menu served 11-2

Mom's Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup (aka Jewish Penicillin)
Long simmered stock flavored with fresh vegetables and dill with egg noodles, carrots & pieces of chicken. Served with homemade Challah bread $4

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

Chicken added to your salad $2

Brooklyn Blintzes
Thin delicate crepes filled with creamy cheese or other fillings and served with fresh sour cream or fruit topping (V) $7.50

Pick Two: Bowl of Soup, House Salad OR A Stromboli* $7.50
*Florentine (spinach/tomato) Roast Veggies or my NEW Mexican Chicken stromboli

HANDMADE 8” INDIVIDUAL 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
Chocolate Orgasm Cookies (V), an ecstatic chocolate experience $4.50/pkg
Key Lime Pie made with FRESH REAL KEY LIMES (V) $3
Homemade Muffins (V) $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 Flavored Coffee $1.50
(V) = Vegetarian

CASH OR LOCAL CHECK EVERYTHING AVAILABLE TO GO 746-6647

==================================================================
UPCOMING DINNERS:

PARVIN'S PERSIAN DINNER WED APRIL 23 reservations: 746-6647

Baba Ghanoosh with Pita
Classic homemade dip of eggplant, onion, garlic, tomato and olive oil

Tossed Salad
Baby greens, romaine, baby spinach and iceberg with cucumber and tomatoes, served with House Balsamic vinaigrette

Sheereen Polo-Ba-Morgh
Tenders of chicken served over basmati saffron rice cooked with dried cranberries, barberries, orange julienne strips with almonds and pistachios

Homemade Baklava
Classic mid-eastern pastry of layers of fil dough filled with almonds and walnuts in a honey sugar mix

Persian Tea, Iced Tea or Sweet Tea

BRING YOUR OWN WINE OR BEER

$20 per person seatings at 6pm & 8pm cash or check, no credit cards

=================================================================
AMY'S SUPPER CLUB WED APRIL 29 5:30-8:30 RESERVATIONS 266-4665

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Indian & British Menu for Wed & Thurs

Time is running short and I don't want you to miss out on some very unique and yummy things.

Steph’s Indian Menu served Wed April 15 from 11-2

Spiced Carrot Soup: V A creamy, coriander, cumin and turmeric spiced carrot soup made with my home grown organic carrots served with pappadum. $4

Samosa: V Diced potatoes, peas and broccoli spiced with cumin, fenugreek, ginger, turmeric, coriander, asafetida, cloves, and cinnamon fill a golden pastry turnover. $4

Stuffed Pepper: V Bell pepper stuffed with potato, eggplant and yogurt spiced with coriander, cayenne, garam masala and cilantro baked to perfection served with fresh mint chutney served with pappadum. $4

Cucumber Yogurt Salad : V Shredded cucumbers in cumin, garam masala spiced yogurt dressing served with pappadum. $4

Choose Two: pick 2 items from above, served with pappadum. $7.50

Pappadum: V A thin crispy cracker type bread. 2/$1

V indicates vegetarian.

Beverages:
Coffee $1.50
Iced Tea $1.50
Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke, Bottled Water $1.00

Desserts
Ginger Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Lemon Curd $3.50
Organic Manzana Bananas with Honey $2.50

==========================================================

Steph’s British Menu served Thursday April 16 from 11-2

Irish Potato Soup: V Potatoes, my home grown organic Florida sweet onions, in smooth hearty soup topped with Cheddar cheese and served with Brown Bread. $4

Suffolk Waldorf Salad: V Apples, dried cranberries and walnuts tossed with mayo, peanut butter, lemon dressing on a bed of my home grown organic greens served with Brown Bread. $4

Shepard’s Pie: Beef, my home grown onions, mushrooms, peas, tomatoes in a rich sauce topped with cheese and home grown organic carrot mashed potatoes baked in individual casseroles served with Brown Bread. $4

Beef Pasties: Beef, potatoes and my own home grown organic Florida sweet onions encased in a pastry turnover. $4

Choose Two: pick 2 items from above, served with Brown bread. $7.50

Brown bread: V Whole wheat, oats hearty bread. $3.50/loaf Take some home!

V indicates vegetarian.

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

Desserts
Ginger Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Lemon Curd $3.50
Cranberry-Orange Scones $1.75

==========================================================

Bonni’s NYC Menu served Fri & Sat April 17 & 18 from 11-2

Basque Potato & Sausage Soup
A hearty soup filled with onion, celery, tomato, sausage & potato from Spain blended with garden herbs and served with homemade bread. $4


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

Chicken added to your salad $2

Curried Chicken Salad
Mandarin orange, celery, raisins, coconut, scallions, toasted walnuts & gently poached chicken mixed with our homemade curry sauce. Served with mixed organic greens, ripe tomato, cucumber and Bonni’s mini muffins (V) $8


Pick Two: Bowl of Soup, House Salad OR A Stromboli* $7.50
*Florentine (spinach/tomato) Roast Veggies or NEW Mexican Chicken Stromboli


HANDMADE 8” INDIVIDUAL 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
Bonni’s Frosted Cupcake (available to go)(V) $2.50
Homemade Muffins (V) $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 Flavored Coffee $1.50
(V) = Vegetarian

Hugs from the kitchen,
Bonni

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Celebrate Obama's Cuban Policy Change

What better way to support this long overdue decision to make travel to Cuba more accessible for Americans, than with food! Amy's got it covered at lunch with today's Cuban Specials: Black Bean Soup, Hot Pressed Cuban Sandwich and Roasted Mojo Pork Platter. All that in addition to her Southern Comfort Cuisine Menu, made fresh for you on Tuesdays only, from 11-2.

Today's Cuban Specials:
Black Bean Soup $3
Served over Saffron Rice and topped with chopped onions and a dollop of sour cream

Hot Pressed Cuban Sandwich $8
Slow roasted Mojo Pork Louin & Hand Carved Baked Ham topped with swiss cheese, dill pickle chips and mustard served on pressed cuban bread with Black Beans & Yellow Rice
Roasted Mojo Pork Platter $8
Sliced Mojo Pork Louin served with Black Beans & Yellow Rice and side of Swamp Apple Slaw

Shrimp n' Grits $9
Large Gulf Shrimp swimmin' in a kicked up garlic cream sauce and ladled over hot
Cheese Grit Casserole + choice of side dish

Bradentucky Boil $7
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

Roasted Broccoli n' Swamp Cabbage Salad $8
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

Roast Pork Po' Boy $8
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

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

Side Dishes $3
Bradentucky Boil, Cheese Grit Casserole, Cracker Mac n' Cheese, Swamp Apple Slaw

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

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

TAKE-OUT AVAILABLE, call 746-6647....
CASH ONLY, NO CREDIT CARDS
===============================================================

Tonight join Stephanie & Rahel for A Traditional Ethiopian Dinner (seats only available at 5:30). $15+tax/per person, bring your own beer or wine.

You will be served a large platter covered with injera (sourdough sponge like bread) with:

zigni alich'a (mild beef stew) beef,onions,butter,ginger,cardamom,garlic

doro we't (chicken stew spicy) chicken,onions,bebere (red pepper spice),butter,hard boiled eggs,on the side yogurt

ye'abesha gomen (mustard greens)mustard greens,onions,green pepper,ginger,garlic,butter

ye'atakilt alich'a (vegetable stew) cauliflower,carrots,onions.green pepper.tomatoe,ginger,garlic,tumeric

yeshiro (chick pea sauce)

ayib (cottage cheese)

injera is served also on the side for dipping up the food...no forks,knives,spoons!

Drinks
bunna(coffee spiced with cloves,cinnamon)
tea with cardomom
birz (honey soda drink)
coke,sprite,diet coke

Reservations required...call 746-6647
===============================================================

Stephanie will be cooking up Indian food on Wed and British food on Thurs for lunch. Those menus will be posted a little later.

Oh my, it looks like rain...have to go kick off my shoes and get ready to jump in a puddle before it evaporates!

Hugs from the kitchen,
Bonni

Bonni Bakes
in the Village of the Arts
930 12th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 746-6647
bonnibakes@gmail.com

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

THE MENUS FOR APRIL 7 - 11, 2009

Amy’s Southern Comfort Cuisine Tues April 7, 2009 (lunch served 11-2)

Shrimp n' Grits $9
Large Gulf Shrimp swimmin' in a kicked up garlic cream sauce and ladled over hot
Cheese Grit Casserole + choice of side dish

Bradentucky Boil $7
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

Roasted Broccoli n' Swamp Cabbage Salad $8
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

Roast Pork Po' Boy $8
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

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

Side Dishes $3
Bradentucky Boil, Cheese Grit Casserole, Cracker Mac n' Cheese, Swamp Apple Slaw

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

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

===================================================================

Stephanie's Greek Cuisine Wed April 8, 2009 (lunch served 11-2)


Chick Pea Soup (V) (Revithosoupa)
A hearty soup of chick peas with lemon, parsley and onions; served with Farmer’s bread $4

Beetroot and Tops Salad (V)(Patzarosalata)
My own home grown organic beets and beet greens cooked, sliced thin, tossed with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar; served chilled with Farmer’s bread $4

Greek Salad (V) (Horiatiki salata)
Tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese with my own Greek dressing on the side; served with Farmer’s bread $4

Spinach pie with cheese (V) (Spanakipita)
Layers of filo pastry filled with my own home grown organic spinach combined with feta cheese baked to a golden brown $4

Choose two: pick 2 items from above, served with Farmer’s bread. $7.50

Farmer’s Bread(V)V (Xwriatiko psomi)
A rustic, crusty bread baked right here. Take some home! $3.50/loaf

Beverages:
Yogurt Drink (ariani) $2
Coffee $1
Iced Tea $1
Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke, bottled water $1

Desserts:
Baklava (V) (Baklavas)
A traditional walnut filo pastry spiced with cinnamon, lemon zest and soaked in a honey /lemon syrup $3

Butter Cookies (V) (Kourambiethes)
Simple butter cookies covered in confectioner’s sugar. 2/$1.50 cause they are little

(V) means Vegetarian

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Stephanie's Moroccan Cuisine Thur April 9, 2009 (lunch served 11-2)


Moroccan Chicken Pie
Cinnamon, ginger, saffron spiced chicken sandwiched between layers of crisp phyllo pastry with almonds $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; served with Moroccan country bread $4

Orange and Olive Salad (V)
My home grown organic honeybell oranges, green olives and cilantro tossed with a virgin olive oil, lemon juice and orange-flower water dressing; served with Moroccan country bread $4

Pumpkin Soup (V)
Moroccan Ras el Hanout spiced pumpkin pureed with milk and vegetable broth, garnished with plain yogurt and cilantro; served with Moroccan country bread $4

Choose two: pick 2 items from above, served with Country Bread. $7.50

Moroccan Country Bread
A rustic, plain bread. Take some home! $3.50/loaf

Beverages
Coffee $1
Iced tea/mint $1.50
Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke, Bottled Water $1

Dessert
Baklava (V) A traditional walnut filo pastry spiced with cinnamon, lemon zest and soaked in a honey/lemon syrup $3

(V) means Vegetarian
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Bonni's New York City Cuisine Fri & Sat April 10 & 11, 2009 (lunch served 11-2)


Sweet Potato Bourbon Bisque with Cinnamon Crema
A smooth soup with complex flavors, served with homemade bread $4

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

Dorothy’s Big Salad
Mixed organic greens, roasted veggies (zucchini, pepper, eggplant, squash), red onion, goat cheese, toasted almonds & parmesan served with Bonni’s Honey Dijon Vinaigrette (V) $7.50

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 Pizza: mozzarella, red sauce, parmesan, fresh oregano (V) $6
New York Pizza: mozzarella, pepperoni, red sauce, parmesan, fresh oregano $6
Mahon Pizza: mozzarella, spinach, tomato, red onion, red sauce, oregano (V) $7
Margherita Pizza: mozzarella, red sauce, tomato, parmesan, basil, olive oil (V) $7
Chinese Chicken Pizza: mozzarella, roast garlic, chicken, broccoli, Hoisin sauce $7

Dessert
Large crunchy cookie (ask for today’s flavors)(V) $1.25
Homemade Muffins (V) $1.75

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

(V) = Vegetarian

all lunches served at Bonni Bakes in The Village of the Arts
930 12th Street West Bradenton, FL
(941) 746-6647 Sorry, no credit or debit cards accepted

For more information call or email bonnibakes@gmail.com

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

A MONTH OF NEW MENUS & CUISINES

Spring has sprung and we're leaping forward with a month of more exciting flavors & dinners than we've ever offered before. Chef Louis made his first appearance last night with his International Dinner to the applause of delighted diners. We're now offering Stephanie's Ethiopian Dinners EVERY TUESDAY, due to popular demand, seatings at 5:30 & 7:30. Parvin will be having one Persian Dinner on April 22, so make reservations early if you don't want to miss out. Amy will be dishing up a real old time Southern Dinner on April 29, details coming soon. Bonni & Stephanie will be preparing a Bon Appetit Dinner on Sat April 25, recreating a menu from a "foodie" magazine just for you. All of our dinners are reservation only and you're welcome to bring your own beer or wine, with NO corkage charge.

But what about lunch...I'm hungry now!!!!! Here's where it gets to be fun. Amy will be cooking Southern for Tuesday lunch but Steph will focus on a different country each Wed & Thurs, including: Greece, Morocco, India, Britain, Lebanon, Ireland, France & Turkey. As for me, I'm happy to explore the endless foods of NYC.

Tuesday is Amy's Southern Comfort Menu filled with her finger lickin' Shrimp & Grits, Roast Pork Po' Boy, Cracker Mac n' Cheese, Roasted Chicken Salad Sandwich, Bradentucky Boil, Broccoli n' Swamp Cabbage Salad and a special of Spring Mix Salad with Shrimp.

Wednesday is Steph's Greek Menu (all vegetarian) of Chick Pea Soup, Beetroot & Tops Salad, Greek Salad, Spanakipita Spinach Pie and homemade crusty Farmer's Bread (also available by the loaf for just $3.50) plus Greek Sugar Cookies or Baklava.

Thursday is Steph's Moroccan Menu starting with Pumpkin Soup (V), Moroccan Chicken Pie, Couscous Salad (V), Orange & Olive Salad (V) and Moroccan Country Bread and Baklava for dessert.

Friday & Saturday Bonni's NYC Menu takes over with Sweet Potato Bourbon Bisque, Ses Salinas Salad, Dorothy's Big Salad w/roasted veggies, Florentine Stromboli, Handmade Thin Crust Individual Pizza, fresh cookies, muffins and assorted yummy things.

Thanks to all of you who strolled through the Garden Tour in The Village his past Saturday. You saw how Steph has transformed our back garden into an organic edible Garden of Eden. The fruit (& veggies) of her labor will be gracing your plates in the days to come. To keep track of what's cooking at Bonni Bakes I'll post a monthly calendar plus details for all of the dinners shortly.