Sunday, June 21, 2009

A SALUTE TO FATHERS I'VE KNOWN & LOVED

I was always known as "Daddy's Little Girl". That may be why I married men 17 years older than me, twice. The men in my family were solid, loving, dependable, funny, tender, smart and talented. Good looking goes without saying. On this Father's Day I find myself thinking back to a simpler time when my father, and his father, were part of my daily routine. I took it for granted that I would spend time with my parents, brother & grandfather for hours each day. I grew up in a family where no one worked 9-5...the self-employed worked sun-up to sun-down and beyond, under the twinkling stars.

After a brief stint in Tucson, Arizona when I was four, we returned to Brooklyn where my parents were unemployed. In an effort to liquidate something for cash, my Mother put an ad in the local paper to sell our old upright piano. When several people called and wanted to buy it, she figured if she had two pianos she could have sold two. So, my ever-enterprising Mother started the family piano business, Primack Pianos. No matter that neither she nor my Dad knew anything about the instrument, my Mother knew how to sell and provided incredible personal service. I'll always remember Miss Francis, the lovely customer aged 60+ whose doctor told her to "do something" with her hands to counteract her debilitating arthritis. Mom sold her a piano and she practiced religiously for years as her hands regained their flexibility. We even attended a concert she gave a few years later... my Mother was so proud!!

But it's Father's Day, so back to my Dad. The piano business was housed in the same building as his drugstore (which he sub-let to someone for 10 years, before the trip west). Owning property doesn't necessarily mean you're rich. Usually, it means that unless you pay the mortgage on time, you're apt to lose everything you invested. Because he couldn't work at his profession, he and my grandfather (and later my brother, uncle and I) went to work in the piano business. My Grandfather's strong arms taught me how to use a drill press when I was eight. I ultimately came to appreciate the family lore that proclaimed "if you can't build things with your hands, you're not a true Primack". Funny that I've gravitated to a profession where my achievements are measured by what I can create with my hands. Thanks to the men in my family for years of encouraging that little girl, and Happy Father's Day!

So even if my Father and Grandfather (a proud member of the Carpenter's Union) aren't here to hug anymore, I often feel them close by guiding my movements. And in case you're wondering if I think it's possible to ruin kids by giving them too much love, praise and attention...my lifelong experience says "NO!" Hope you and yours have had a wonderful time sharing the day and your love with the special people in your life.

Yesterday I enjoyed a wonderful evening with members of a Bradenton group who love to cook, eat and party. There's no fee to join, no requirements to participate. Each month you're invited to join a communal dinner at someone's house and only have to bring a part of the meal. If you'd like to learn more, and possibly join us, check out www.gettogethergourmets.com or email Scott for information on upcoming events.

There are two classes coming up in June at Bonni Bakes. "MOMMY (OR DADDY) & ME IN THE KITCHEN" is Sat June 27 at 3pm. I'll be doing a hands-on workshop for kids (6-12) and an accompanying adult, where we'll have fun & cook together. Limited to only 6 family pairs, $30/per pair, reservations required. "BAKING WITH FILLO" Tues June 30 at 7pm stars Stephanie teaching you how to handle paper thin fillo dough, fillings (sweet & savory), rolling and baking. Adults, $20/per person, recipes and taste samples over a cup of tea or coffee. Reserve now.

We look forward to seeing you this week and celebrating the beginning of summer...

Hugs from the kitchen,
Bonni

Tues June 23 Steph’s ETHIOPIAN LUNCH served 11-2

Spicy Chicken (Doro Wet)
Chicken stewed with lots of onions, tomatoes, Ethiopian spices, and a hard boiled egg. $8

Mild Beef Stew (Zigni Alicha)
Beef stewed with lots of onions, garlic, ginger and Ethiopian spices. $8

Both served with:
Chickpea Sauce (Yeshiro)
Collard greens (Yeabesha gomen),
Mixed Vegetable Stew (Yeataket alicha) Carrots,potatoes, and cabbage
Red Lentils (Yemisir kik wet)
A spongy sourdough pancake like bread (Injera) to scoop up the food.

Vegetarian Platter $6
Includes:
Chickpea Sauce (Yeshiro)
Collard Greens (Yeabesha gomen)
Mixed Vegetable Stew (Yeataket alicha)
Red Lentils (Yemisir kik wet)
A spongy sourdough pancake (Injera) is served on the side to scoop the food up with.

Beverages:
Coffee $1.50
Iced tea $1.50
Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Bottled water $1

Desserts:
Fresh Peach Pie $3.50
Chocolate Rum Ball $2
Fresh Blackberry Pie $3.50
Baklava $3
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Wed June 24 Steph’s LEBANESE LUNCH served 11-2

Lentil Lemon Soup: V
A traditional lentil soup with spinach, mint and lemon, served with homemade Pita bread. $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.$4 Add chicken for $2

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

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

Desserts:
Fresh Peach Pie $3.50
Chocolate Rum Ball $2
Fresh Blackberry Pie $3.50
Baklava $3
====================================================
Thurs June 25 Steph’s IRISH LUNCH served 11-2


Cheddar Potato Soup: V
Potatoes, cheddar cheese and onions, in smooth hearty soup served with Brown Bread. $4

Pub Salad V
Lettuce, beets, cucumber ,hard cooked egg, celery, onion with a creamy tarragon dressing topped with cheddar cheese served with home made Brown bread. $4

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

Egg Salad Sandwich: V
Free range organic eggs, mayo, mustard, celery and seasonings on top of two slices of Brown bread. $4

Choose Two: pick 2 items from above. $7.50

Shepherd’s Pie:
Beef, onions, mushrooms, peas, tomatoes in a rich sauce topped with carrot mashed potatoes baked in individual casseroles served with Brown Bread. $5

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

V indicates vegetarian.
Beverages:
Coffee $1.50
Iced tea $1.50
Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Bottled water $1

Desserts:
Fresh Peach Pie $3.50
Chocolate Rum Ball $2
Fresh Blackberry Pie $3.50
Baklava $3
=========================================================

Fri & Sat June 26 & 27 Bonni’s NYC LUNCH served 11-2


You can’t imagine typical New York City food without including some of the Jewish classics that defined the Lower EastSide immigrant experience.

MOM'S HEARTY MUSHROOM & BARLEY SOUP (V)
A meal in a bow. Fresh vegetable stock is thickened by yellow split peas, then enriched with oodles of imported Porcini & fresh mushrooms, onions, limas, carrots, pearled barley and fresh herbs. Served with homemade Challah. $4

2nd AVENUE BLINTZES (V)
A platter of delicate cheese and fruit blintzes (crepes) gently browned in
butter and served with a dollop of sour cream & fresh fruit. $7.50

SES SALINAS SALAD (V)
Mixed organic greens, cucumber, tomato, red onion, Spanish olives & Feta cheese, served with Bonni’s Honey Dijon Vinaigrette & Breadstix $4

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST added to your salad $2

PICK TWO (V) Bowl of Soup, House Salad OR A Stromboli* $7.50
*choose either Florentine (spinach/tomato) (V) or Roast Veggie (V)

HANDMADE 8” 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(V) $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, garlic, chicken, broccoli, mozzarella, scallions $7

(V) = Vegetarian

DESSERT
Handmade Rugelach (filled with fruit or chocolate)
Individual 4” Frozen Key Lime Pie (V) $4
New York Black & White Cookie (V) $2
Chocolate Orgasm Cookies (V) $4.50/pkg of 4
Large crunchy cookie (assorted flavors) (V) $1.25

DRINKS
Bottled Spring Water, cans of soda $1
Brewed Raspberry Iced Tea or Hot Tea (assorted bags) $1.50
Our House Blend of Half-Caf/Half-DeCaf Flavored Coffee $1.50
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For a copy of our JUNE 2009 Bonni Bakes Menu List (in PDF form), just email a request to bonnibakes@gmail.com

BONNI BAKES
in the Village of the Arts
930 12th Street West
Bradenton, FL
(941) 746-6647

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