A SAD FAREWELL...

I just came back from a funeral in NJ for my close cousin Krista. We've been friends since childhood, lived together my last year of college and fulfilled the role of "sister" for each other. Earlier this year she sought medical care for a lump on her neck and was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer that also spread to her spine. During these last two weeks her life was in a downward spiral yet we weren't prepared when she suddenly died on Thursday. Krista never had an easy life but she exuded a radiant optimism that propelled her forward instead of allowing her to wallow in past pain. Problems were merely challenges to be overcome, and she always tackled them creatively & outside the box. When she needed to earn more money she took in female foreign exchange students, who also enriched the life of her 12 year old adopted daughter. She wanted to be a "mother" more than anything else. In 2000 I found myself accompanying her to China to pick up her daughter, since her husband couldn't go. Some of the families we met during those three weeks became her extended family and they were also there mourning at her grave. A co-worker from Bloomingdales shared, through her tears, how Krista's friendship & support helped her move her life forward despite an awful childhood. Another friend remembered their initial meeting at the off-Broadway theatre group La Mama and the 30+ year friendship that followed. A neighbor originally from Ecuador spoke of the bonding & closeness that made them ultimately embrace each other as "sister". And then there was the woman standing next to me who said she “had to sing”. And in time, sing she did...as only Krista's very longtime friend Roberta Flack could. Her song brought most of us to tears. Krista seemed to have lived many lives and yet she found a way to remain friends with the eclectic cast she met along the way. At her funeral we all met and heard each other’s stories for the first time. Theatrical to the end, this finale wove together all the strands of her life. Krista, I’ll miss hearing your voice and sharing your friendship, energy, laughter, honesty, love and compassion. Oh no, I’m not ready to say “good-bye”, it’s way too soon. Take a minute to call that person you’ve been thinking about; surprise someone you love; give them a flower; make them laugh; tell them how you feel. Every day is a gift. You could even take them out to lunch...look what’s cooking at Bonni Bakes this week. Hugs from the kitchen, Bonni ============================== STEPH’s DOWN HOME SOUTHERN LUNCH Served Tues 10/6 -- Thur 10/8 from 11-2 Alabama Pulled Pork Sandwich Pork picnic slow simmered with apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, red and black pepper, chili powder and garlic; on a pair of home made biscuits and topped with white barbecue sauce.$5 Shrimp n Grits Shrimp sautéed with mushrooms, green onions, garlic, a touch of lemon and hint of hot sauce spooned over very cheesy grits sprinkled with crumbled bacon.$6 Chicken Pot Pie with Rosemary Chicken breast stewed up with garlic, celery, carrots, green beans, tiny pearl onions, rosemary, chicken gravy baked with a flakey pie crust on top.$5 Frogmore Stew Sausage, shrimp, Corn on the cob and little red potatoes oiled up with Old Bay Seasoning, served with down home cornbread. No frogs have been injured in the making of this dish.$6 Ham n Greens Pot Pie Ham, collard greens and black eyed peas baked into a pie with cornbread crust on top.$5 Sides: Country Apple Slaw Green, red cabbage, granny smith apple, cucumber, dried cherries, vinegar, honey, olive oil, roasted shelled pumpkin seeds make for a great balance of sweet, sour and salt.$3 Divine Macaroni n Cheese Sharp Cheddar cheese and elbow macaroni baked up into a melted, cheesy, make your mouth happy. $3 Down Home Cornbread $1.50 Alabama Biscuits $1.50 pair Take some home! Desserts: Red Velvet Cake $3.50 Sweet Potato Pie $2.50 Key Lime Pie $3 Drinks: Sweet or Unsweetened Ice Tea $1.50 Lemonade $1.50 Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke, Bottle Spring Water$1 Hot Coffee or Tea $1.50

========================================= Bonni’s NEW YORK CITY LUNCH Served Fri Oct 9 & Sat Oct 10 from 11-2 JULIA CHILD’S ICY COLD VICHYSSOISE SOUP(V) The perfect blend of leeks, potatoes & cream yields an unbelievably delicious soup that numbs the heat. Add my Breadstix and you’re bound to smile $4 QUICHE, SALAD & FRUIT PLATTER (V) A hearty slice of today’s homemade quiche: Lorraine w/Bacon & Gruyere OR Broccoli/Cheddar (V), surrounded by organic greens, red onion, cuke, tomato & sweet pepper plus fresh fruit & Rosemary Parmesan Breadstix $7.50 SES SALINAS SALAD (V) Organic greens, cukes, tomato, red onion, Spanish olives & Feta cheese served with Bonni’s Honey Dijon Vinaigrette $4 Add Chicken $2 PICK TWO Bowl of Soup, House Salad OR A Stromboli* $7.50 *choose Florentine w/spinach & tomato) (V) or Roasted Veggies w/Feta (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 Chocolate Orgasm Mousse Pie $3.50 Large Crunchy Cookie (assorted flavors) $1.25 Chocolate Orgasm Cookies (pkg of 4) $4.50 Chunky Muffin $1.75 DRINKS Mango Lassi the Indian “smoothie” made with organic mango & homemade preservative-free yogurt $3 With organic protein powder $4.50 Bottled Spring Water $1 Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dr Pepper, Diet Dr Pepper $1 Brewed Raspberry Iced Tea or Hot Tea (assorted bags) $1.50 House Blend of Half-Caff/Half-DeCaff Flavored Coffee $1.50

DOGGIE DINING ON THE FRONT PATIO Let your leashed dog keep you company during lunch on our patio. Free water always available. "Muffin's Menu" of homemade doggie entrees offered on Friday & Saturday.

	Bread & Dessert baked on-site Always offering Vegetarian Options We don't take credit or debit cards Lunch served TUES-SAT 11AM-2PM All dinners by RESERVATION ONLY To join our emailing list and receive a weekly menu update, send a request to bonnibakes@gmail.com. BONNI BAKES in the Village of the Arts 930 12 ST W (just south of 9th Ave/MLK) BRADENTON, FL 34205 (941) 746-6647 bonnibakes@gmail.combonnibakes.blogspot.com