I don't know why this week has left me such an emotional wreck. My mood has been mercurial and I cry at the slightest thing. Someone sharing their story of survival against cancer...hearing the National Anthem while our flag flies high in the background...food on a hot grill triggering succulent memories of Gambas a la Plancha in Mahon...looking at Rea's original Life Magazine campaign for Foster Grant after someone tells me they just saw Raquel Welch reprising her role on tv...mastering something new for the first time, alone...and realizing that it's been almost six years since Rea went into the hospital for the last time. I know it couldn't possibly be that long ago because I can still feel his arms around me. And then the phone rings...and I'm back.
It's awful to lose someone you love. Particularly if they were the other half of how you defined your life as a couple for over 25 years (my ying to your yang). We even signed telegrams to our dear friends in Spain "Bonnirea", in part to save the cost of paying for another word, in part because it defined us. A nano-second later I'm flooded by visions of us dancing at Peter Landau's 50th and the rumors that followed. Honestly, Peter, we didn't do that at your party, but it made us smile for years knowing that you believed the rumors. So, I'm very glad that I'll be flying up to NYC for a few days next week to celebrate my delightful daughter-in-law Erin's graduation from Columbia University with her Master's in Psychology.As part of today's long-distance commemoration of Mother's Day, my kids Rob & Abby jointly called to wish/sing/laugh their love and gratitude that I carried them forth into this world. It was, and is my pleasure. Being their mother has given me incredible joy and provided an amazing journey as I watch their individual lives evolve.
In the midst of this phone call there suddenly appeared a lot of background noise & commotion on Rob's end. Seems he & Erin were in front of the train station on W125th Street when a bus stopped and the driver frantically tried to get their attention. Back in the day it wouldn't have taken Ralph Cramden that long to turn the spotlight on himself. The driver asked them to help his blind passenger cross the street safely. That's so New York! Anyone who's lived there gets it. It's a place with a big heart where millions of wonderful folks are your small town neighbors. When we used to split our time between Manhattan & Warren, VT years ago, I always loved returning to the City. You could feel its pulsating energy & taste the air as you got closer. The Upper West Side always tasted better to me than acres of grass laden ozone in the Green Mountains. I think it's genetic.
This week at Bonni Bakes we'll be traveling, gastronomically speaking. Tuesday Amy covers the Deep South with her special brand of down-home cooking. May will be the last month that you can find her cooking lunch here on Tuesdays, so don't put it off, come on down! Tuesday night at 5:30 & 7:30 it's A Traditional Ethiopian Dinner prepared by Stephanie, based on her mother-in-law's family recipes. Since her daughter Rahel is now studying in Gainesville, I'll be helping out, so save your questions for Steph. Wednesday bring your appetite to Turkey with Steph's all vegetarian menu! Thursday Steph is presenting French fare featuring produce from her organic garden & check out her pastries. And as for me, my mood draws me toward memories of wonderful times we spent with friends on Spain's island of Minorca, surrounded by laughter, white sand, beach bars and lots of local gin (con hielo for me). Friday & Saturday I'll recreate those flavors of summer in Spain, in addition to my NYC pizzas. Please join us...no passport required. Lunch is available daily from 11-2 and although we love you, we don't take debit/credit cards.
A very special evening event will be held on Sat May 16 at Bonni Bakes. It's a Capital Campaign Fundraising Dinner for The Manatee Players. Artistic Director Rick Kerby puts aside his megaphone & whip, dons a starched apron and will produce an incredible French menu in 3 Acts (Amuse-Bouche, Dinner and Dessert). Limited Seating, 5:30 & 7 pm. $50 per person. Call Janene at 941-749-1111 for reservations. It's a great cause and he's a great chef!!
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Tues May 12 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 266-4665 ....CASH ONLY, NO CREDIT CARDS
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Wed May 13 Stephanie's TURKISH Menu served 11-2
Lentil Lemon Soup: V A traditional lentil soup with spinach, mint and lemon, served with homemade 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 homemade 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
Falafel: V Spicy chickpea croquettes stuffed into homemade Pita bread with organic home grown lettuce, tomato, and topped with cucumber sauce. $4
Hummus V Chickpeas pureed with lemon, olive oil and garlic served with homemade Pita bread wedges, cucumber slices. $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
Desserts
Baklava $3.50
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting $3.50
Bread Pudding with Whiskey Carmel Sauce $3.50
Mom’s Apple Pie $3.50
TAKE-OUT AVAILABLE, call 746-6647 ....CASH ONLY, NO CREDIT CARDS
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Thurs May 14 Stephanie'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
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
Mom’s Apple Pie $3.50
Bread Pudding with Whiskey Carmel Sauce $3.50
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting $3.50
TAKE-OUT AVAILABLE, call 746-6647 ....CASH ONLY, NO CREDIT CARDS
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Fri & Sat MAY 15 & 16 Bonni’s NYC Menu served 11-2
Minorcan Gazpacho
Sun-drenched red & green peppers, tomatoes, sweet onions, cucumber & garlic blended with extra virgin olive oil & served iced cold with crunchy homemade croutons. Doesn’t get more refreshing than this! $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
Tortilla de Patatas (Espanol) (V)
Spain’s classic potato & onion pie...crusty on the outside, creamy on the inside. Served with a side salad, just like the Santo Tomas Beach Bar $6
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
(V) = Vegetarian
Dessert
Almendrados (Spanish Almond Cookies) with my homemade Strawberry Ice Cream & Fresh Fruit (V) $3.50
Large crunchy cookie (ask for today’s flavors) (V) $1.25
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
TAKE-OUT AVAILABLE, call 746-6647 CASH/LOCAL CHECK ONLY
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For more information or reservations call Bonni Bakes at 941-746-6647
Bonni Bakes in the Village of the Arts
930 12th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34205
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