Sunday, June 28, 2009

Let's Celebrate a Week of Independance


I fear that I must be in a time warp because somehow the month of June has been condensed, like a can of Campbells soup, and it's suddenly July! That means that this is an ArtWalk weekend in the Village of the Arts. Join us this Friday night 6-9:30p and Saturday 11-4 and stroll through the various galleries & studios as we collectively celebrate America's birthday. Of course we hope you'll stop in to say "hi" and maybe have something to eat or munch on. I haven't checked the weather report yet but I'm hoping that Mike & I can fire up the grill and have some tasty "things on sticks" available Friday night. We'll see. But we'll always have pizza!

Saturday was a fun day for me. I shared it with several lovely families who participated in my cooking class, "Mommy (or Daddy) & Me in the Kitchen". In two hours we did a lot. Each family made a batch of bread dough to take home; created their own designer pizza & ate it, then left with their hand-crafted crusty loaf of bread (see above picture). Seeing them work together on a common goal made me smile. I wonder if my own kids remember making bread with me when they were younger than 5, during our summers in Warren, VT? It was a good thing to do when the summer rains came and we were stuck in the house for long periods. We also had a huge garden where everything grew like Jack's Magic Beans. The property had been a horse farm for 20 years so wherever a seed dropped, it grew up strong & healthy. That was my first real garden and why I mistakenly came to believe that "gardening" was an incredibly easy thing to do. I learned the truth years later, during my lengthy Master Gardener training. We're about to solarize our organic raised beds and are planning crops for our Fall garden. Things always taste great when they're fresh, like the herbs we cut just before serving you lunch each day.

Stephanie & I continue the tradition of ethnic food and changing menus through most of July. We'll be closed for vacation after Sat July 25...re-opening for the evening ArtWalk Fri Aug 7th. The printed schedule of July's menus will be available in a few days. If it's too expensive to travel widely this summer, save money by having an ethnic lunch (or dinner) with us then watch a movie with subtitles from NetFlix. Foreign dress optional.

Hugs from the kitchen,
Bonni

======================================================
Tues JUNE 30 Steph’s TRADITIONAL 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
Strawberry cheesecake $3.50
Baklava $3
======================================================
Wed July 1 Steph’s INDIAN LUNCH served 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

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

Stuffed Pepper V
Bell pepper stuffed w/potato, eggplant & yogurt spiced with coriander, cayenne, garam masala and cilantro baked to perfection served with fresh mint chutney 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

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, Diet Coke, Sprite, Bottled water $1

Desserts:
Fresh Peach Pie $3.50
Chocolate Rum Ball $2
Strawberry cheesecake $3.50
Baklava $3
========================================================
Thur July 2 Steph's Greek Lunch served 11-2

Chick Pea Soup V

A hearty soup of chick peas with lemon, parsley and onions, served with Farmer’s bread. $4


Greek Salad V

Tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese with my own Greek dressing; served with Farmer’s bread. $4


Spinach pie V
Fillo dough filled strudel style with spinach, onions, parsley, eggs, feta cheese baked to a golden brown. $4

Bread & Cheese V

Slices of Farmer’s bread served with Feta cheese, Kalamata olives and a slice of cantaloupe. $4


Choose two:
pick 2 items from above. $7.50

Farmer’s Bread V

A rustic, crusty bread baked right here. Take some home! $3.50/loaf


Beverages:

Coffee $1.50
Iced Tea $1.50
Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke, bottled water $1


Desserts:
Fresh Peach Pie $3.50
Chocolate Rum Ball $2
Strawberry Cheesecake $3.50
Baklava $3

===================================================
Fri & Sat JULY 3 & 4 Bonni's NYC & Holiday Lunch served 11-2

Celebrate our country's birthday by enjoying menu items I served at our 1976 Op-Sail Party, as we toasted the "Big Ships" sailing past our 11th floor windows on Riverside Drive, facing the Hudson River.

Brandied Butternut Bisque
Roasted baby butternut squash simmered with spices, cream & French Brandy, then pureed until velvety smooth. Served hot with a dollop of Ginger Cream & crisp Breadstix $4

A Shrimp Cocktail
Very retro, but always delicious. An appetizer of perfectly poached shrimp on mixed greens with vodka-spiked red cocktail sauce $5

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

Grilled Chicken Breast added to your salad $2

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

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, garlic, chicken, broccoli, mozzarella, scallions $7
(V) = Vegetarian

Dessert
Assorted Mini-Pastry Plate $3.50
Frozen Key Lime Pie w/Whipped Cream $4
Chocolate Orgasm Cookies $4.50/pkg of 4
Bonni's "Biscotti To Die For" $2.50/pkg of 2
Large crunchy cookie (assorted flavors) $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/Caff Flavored Coffee $1.50
============================================================

The JULY 2009 Bonni Bakes Menu List (in PDF form) will be available in the next few days. For a copy, email your request to bonnibakes@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

Monday, June 15, 2009

Live a Little...Learn a Little

It occurs to me that I've been forced to learn a lot of new things of late. Usually I embrace the opportunity to expand my horizons, as long as it isn't in a formal classroom over the course of months or years. I outgrew that when I went back to graduate school to get my MSW 20+ years after receiving my BA. It felt like alien territory initially, surrounded by some classmates who were contemporaries of my own children. But within a short time our class bonded into a focused core group which was strengthened and enhanced by the variety of our ages, religions, ethnicities and sexual orientation. Hunter College School of Social Work's admission committee makes sure that at least 10% of each class is gay/lesbian, in order to accurately reflect the greater society.

Probably the most remarkable student I met there was a nun, about 70 years old. She had been a member of an Order that sent her to Africa many years earlier. While there, her community realized that they needed a dentist. When one wasn't able to be found, they decided to send her back to the US for dental school. For several decades thereafter she was the sole dental provider in that region and trained many native Africans to assist her and expand the ability to offer services to neighboring areas. When the Order realized that they needed to confront new social issues and no one had the training to do that, they sent her back to get her MSW. The lesson was clear and simple: they identified a need and did something about it...utilizing the resources they had available. I met her just as she was preparing to fly back and begin the next chapter in her life.

Because of the vast variety of life experiences we each brought to the classroom, I learned as much from my classmates as I did from the core classes. There was an overriding attitude of DOING...if you saw that something needed to be done, jump in and volunteer to make it better. It's how I came to write the first "Book of Social Services Resources for the Bronx", all 75 pages of it. When I worked with a client in a counseling session, I was frustrated that there was no list of resources I could consult in order to make a referral for them. I became a "resource junkie", amassing lists of agencies & services within the borough, which I shared with my co-workers. Ultimately, I turned it into a book and was able to self-publish a modest number of copies. I didn't get paid. I didn't get extra credit. I just did it because it needed to be done. When Montefiore Hospital (where I spent the year as an MSW intern in the country's first hospital Employee Assistance Program) decided to fund future updating/distribution of my book, I grinned from ear-to-ear. That was payment enough!

During these multi-stressful times, I encourage you to "jump in" and help when you see something or someone whose life you can improve. Along these lines, I want to restate my offer for local non-profit organizations to hold a free fund-raiser at Bonni Bakes. Just call me at 941-746-6647 or email bonnibakes@gmail.com and we can discuss it.

IF YOUR'E UP FOR EXPERIENCING SOMETHING NEW & DELICIOUS, WE'RE OFFERING 3 CLASSES THIS MONTH, AS WELL AS AN ETHIOPIAN DINNER JUNE 23. ALL REQUIRE ADVANCE REGISTRATION. FOR DETAILS, OR TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE, CALL 941-746-6647.

Tues June 16 @ 7pm "EASY AS PIE!"
Stephanie shares her love of baking & 30 years of experience as a pastry chef as she shows you how to make a pie that you'll be proud to present to family & friends. Everything from how to make the dough, rolling, filling, lattice crust and baking will be discussed. Enjoy coffee/tea and pie, plus recipes, for only $20/per person.

Tues June 30 @ 7pm "BAKING WITH FILLO"
Overcome your fear of fillo as Stephanie walks you through the process of building layers of this paper-thin dough, fillings (both sweet and savory), rolling into strudels or appetizers and baking. Enjoy coffee/tea and strudel, plus recipes, for only $20/per person.

Sat June 27 @ 3pm "MOMMY (OR DADDY) & ME IN THE KITCHEN"
Join Bonni for a hands-on workshop for kids (6-12 years old) accompanied by their choice of adult (any age). Have fun cooking together and making delicious food favorites, like pizza, while creating lasting memories. Perfect Father's Day gift. Limited enrollment (so everyone gets individual attention) only $30/per pair.

We're offering LUNCH TIME DELIVERY SERVICE Tues-Fri between the Manatee River/17th Ave/W 14th St/ E 9th St. The plan is for deliveries to leave every 30 minutes (11:30, 12, 12:30, 1, 1:30 & 2pm). We've gotten a new fax machine so you can fax your order in early (from 9am) and we'll have it ready to deliver at your specified time. Same phone number: 746-6647

Hugs from the kitchen,
Bonni
==================================================================
Tues JUNE 16 Steph’s TRADITIONAL 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:
Mom’s Apple Pie $3.50
Chocolate Walnut Rum Ball $2
======================================================
Wed JUNE 17 Steph’s MOROCCAN LUNCH served 11-2

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

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

Moroccan Chicken Sandwich
Saffron, cinnamon & ginger spiced chicken served on Home made Country Bread $4,

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

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

V indicates vegetarian

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

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

Desserts:
Mom’s Apple Pie $3.50
Chocolate Walnut Rum Ball $2
===========================================================
Thurs JUNE 18 Steph’s INDIAN LUNCH served 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

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

Stuffed Pepper V
Bell pepper stuffed w/potato, eggplant & yogurt spiced with coriander, cayenne, garam masala and cilantro baked to perfection served with fresh mint chutney 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

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, Diet Coke, Sprite, Bottled water $1

Desserts:
Mom’s Apple Pie $3.50
Chocolate Walnut Rum Ball $2
========================================================
Fri & Sat JUNE 19 & 20 Bonni's NYC & Upper Eastside Grazing Lunch served 11-2

Thinking about some of those fun cocktail parties we frequented on the Upper Eastside of New York, where grazing was the game and an icy martini was the drink, inspired this week's menu.

Bloody Mary Soup
A concentration of roasted fresh tomato in homemade stock with Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, lemon & vodka (of course!). Served w/Horseradish Cream on the side & crisp Breadstix $4

Cocktail Party Hors d’oeuvre Platter
A sampler plate filled with an assortment of delicious hors d'oeuvres, available also as a Vegetarian plate $7.50

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

Grilled Chicken Breast added to your salad $2

Pick Two: Bowl of Soup, House Salad OR A Stromboli* $7.50
*Florentine (V)(spinach/tomato) Roast Veggies (V) or 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, garlic, chicken, broccoli, mozzarella, scallions $7
(V) = Vegetarian

Dessert
Chocolate Orgasm Cookies (V) $4.50/pkg of 4
Bonni's "Biscotti To Die For" (V) $2.50/pkg of 2
Large crunchy cookie (assorted 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
============================================================

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

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

June 2009 Complete Menus @ Bonni Bakes

Tired of the same old lunch? How about Greek, British, French, Moroccan, Indian, Ethnic NYC, Lebanese, Irish, Turkish, Ethiopian cuisine and a fine dessert for lunch in our quaint 1910 cottage, or delivered to your workplace? Eating vegetarian or just cutting back on meat? Every day we have lots of vegetarian items on our menu. We include our own organically grown veggies and herbs in our dishes according to what is growing in the garden. All of our bread and desserts are baked right here daily. Minimum Delivery Order $15 (ask about our delivery zone). And remember, we love you, but we don’t take Debit/Credit Cards...or your first born! Call us at 746-6647 if we can answer questions about lunch, monthly ethnic dinners, catering, specialty cakes/baking, hosting your special event here or a favorite non-profit that would like to hold a free fundraiser at Bonni Bakes.

Sign up for our newsletter & get weekly menus delivered directly to your inbox, just send a request to bonnibakes@gmail.com

Peruse our daily menus for June. Enjoy life & the variety that it offers...and let us be part of it.
===================================================================

6/9 TUES. ETHIOPIAN LUNCH
Spicy Chicken $8, Mild Beef Stew $8, Vegetarian Platter $6 (all served with Chickpea Sauce, Collard Greens, Mixed Vegetable Stew, Red Lentils & Injera (spongy sourdough bread).

6/10 WED. FRENCH LUNCH
Fresh Tomato Soup $4, French Potato Salad $4, Spinach/Feta Quiche $4, Goat Cheese & Tomato on French Bread $4. Pick 2/$7.50. Homemade French Bread $2/loaf

6/11 THURS. TURKISH LUNCH
Cold Cucumber Soup $4, Turkish Salad $4, Baba Ganough $4, Falafel $4, Chicken Pita $4. Pick 2/$7.50 Homemade Pita @ $.50

6/12 FRI. & 6/13 SAT. NEW YORK CITY + FOREST HILLS ASIAN LUNCH
Wonton Soup $4, Spring Roll Platter (Vegetarian OR Shrimp) w/salad $7.50, Ses Salinas Salad $4 (add Chicken $2), Pick Two (Soup, House Salad, Stromboli) $7.50, Thin Crust 8” Pizza: Cheese or Pepperoni $6; Margherita, Mahon or Chinese Chicken $7.

6/16 TUES. ETHIOPIAN LUNCH see above menu

6/17 WED. MOROCCAN LUNCH
Moroccan Pumpkin Soup $4, Couscous Salad $4, Moroccan Chicken Sand on Home made Country Bread $4, Moroccan Chicken Pie $4, pick 2/$7.50. Country Bread $3.50/loaf

6/18 THURS. INDIAN LUNCH
Spiced Carrot Soup $4, Cucumber Yogurt Salad $4, Stuffed Pepper $4, Samosa $4, pick 2/$7.50 Pappadum Bread $.50 each

6/18 FRI. & 6/19 SAT. NEW YORK CITY + UPPER EASTSIDE GRAZING LUNCH
Bloody Mary Soup w/Breadstix $4, Cocktail Party Hors d’oeuvre Platter $7.50, Ses Salinas Salad $4 (add Chicken $2), Pick Two (Soup, House Salad, Stromboli) $7.50, Thin Crust 8” Pizza: Cheese or Pepperoni $6; Margherita, Mahon or Chinese Chicken $7.

6/23 TUES. ETHIOPIAN LUNCH see above menu

6/24 WED. LEBANESE LUNCH
Lentil Lemon Soup $4, Couscous Salad $4, Falafel $4, Chicken Pita $4, pick 2/$7.50 Home made Pita Bread $.50 each.

6/25 THURS. IRISH LUNCH
Cheddar Potato Soup $4, Pub Salad $4, Egg Salad Sandwich $4, Cheddar Mustard Sandwich $4, Pick 2/$7.50, Shepherd’s Pie $5, Home made Brown Bread $3.50/loaf.

6/26 FRI. & 6/27 SAT. NEW YORK CITY + LOWER EASTSIDE JEWISH LUNCH
Mushroom Barley Soup w/Challah $4, Blintzes w/Sour Cream $7.50, Ses Salinas Salad $4 (add Chicken $2), Pick Any Two (Soup, House Salad or Stromboli) $7.50, Thin Crust 8” Pizza: Cheese or Pepperoni $6; Margherita, Mahon or Chinese Chicken $7

6/30 TUES. ETHIOPIAN LUNCH see above menu

Always available Drinks: Coffee or Iced Tea $1.50; Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Spring Water $1
Ask about our delicious homemade desserts...also available for take-out.

GOT TIME TO COME IN? JOIN US FOR LUNCH, SERVED TUES-SAT, 11AM-2PM

For a copy of this JUNE 2009 Bonni Bakes menu list, 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

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Tunes, Tarts and Tidbits


It's hard for me to focus on writing right now because I'm watching the Tony Awards Show out of the corner of my eye. As usual, it's a spectacular show filled with magical musical vignettes from a slew of must-see shows. This is why watching the Oscars is so boring by comparison. Nothing compares to the energy of live theater! Makes me proud to be a native New Yorker and lifelong theater goer. If you can't sit on the aisle at a Broadway theater, go to www.manateeplayers.com, the Manatee Players website, and check out their incredible all musical line-up for the 2009-10 Season. You can buy tickets, get show information and even find out how to audition. Recently Rick was the chef for a fun fundraising dinner held at Bonni Bakes. Here he is bringing out an after dinner dessert tray...notice his smile. They're one of the wonderful arts organizations that breathes life into downtown Bradenton after dark. Call their box office at 941-748-5875 for season tickets, but hurry. With all of the awards Rick Kirby has been snagging their shows are selling out quickly!!

While you're thinking about spending a fun evening out, bring a friend and enjoy Steph's two baking classes this month. June 16th @ 7pm it's "Easy As Pie" where you'll conquer your fear of pastry while learning professional techniques, then taste the baked pies...yum!! Just $20 per person. June 30th it's "Baking With Fillo" showing how to use this versatile pastry to make both sweet and savory delights. Her June 9th Ethiopian Dinner is SOLD OUT, but there's still space for June 23rd, at 5:30 or 7:30. Call 746-6647 to reserve a space.

I'll be holding one class this month on Sat June 27 at 3pm, but there's a catch. Adults can only come if accompanied by a 6-12 year old partner. It's called "Mommy (or Daddy) & Me in the Kitchen" but I won't be checking birth certificates at the door. If you can pony up $30 for the two of you, we'll do hands-on creating of yummy fun food including pizza. Class is limited to 6 pairs and there are only a few openings left. You know the drill, call & reserve.

Steph & I have been working to put together a simple one page calendar that lists all menus for the month. Just like my habit of giving birth three weeks past the due date, this is taking a little more time than I anticipated. I will post it here at bonnibakes.blogspot.com but you can request a copy by sending an email to bonnibakes@gmail.com.

We're offering LUNCH TIME DELIVERY SERVICE Tues-Fri between the Manatee River/17th Ave/W 14th St/ E 9th St. The plan is for deliveries to leave every 30 minutes (11:30, 12, 12:30, 1, 1:30 & 2pm). We've gotten a new fax machine so you can fax your order in early (from 9am) and we'll have it ready to deliver at your specified time. Same phone number: 746-6647

Hugs from the kitchen,
Bonni
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Tues JUNE 9 Steph’s TRADITIONAL 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:
Mom’s Apple Pie $3.50
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting $3.50
==================================================================
Wed JUNE 10 Steph’s FRENCH LUNCH served 11-2

Fresh Tomato Soup: V A light homemade tomato stock with basil , served with home made French bread. $4

French Potato Salad: V Creamy dressed potatoes with egg and bell pepper, 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 Provencial Sandwich: V Homemade French bread smeared with herbed goat cheese and vine ripe tomatoes. $4

Choose two: pick 2 items from above. $7.50

French Baguette: Home baked fresh French bread. Take home a loaf! $2

V indicates vegetarian.

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

Desserts
Mom’s Apple Pie $3.50
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting $3.50
Chocolate Rum Ball $2
===============================================================
Thur JUNE 11 Steph’s TURKISH LUNCH served 11-2

Cacik Soup: V A traditional cold cucumber soup with fresh herbs, 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

Babaganouh: V Eggplant roasted and pureed with tahini and garlic and cumin,served with homemade Pita bread. $4

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

Chicken Pita Spicy yogurt marinated shredded chicken stuffed into homemade Pita bread with lettuce,tomato and 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 $1.00

Desserts
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting $3.50
Mom’s Apple Pie $3.50
Chocolate Rum Ball $2
==================================================================
Fri & Sat JUNE 12 & 13 Bonni’s NEW YORK CITY LUNCH served 11-2

Each week I'll highlight foods from a different part of New York City. When I was in NYC a few weeks ago, the first thing I wanted to eat was good Asian food, so here's my ode to Forest Hills.

Wonton Soup
Homemade Asian chicken stock flavored with ginger plus plump shrimp/chicken wonton, bok choy, water chestnuts, scallions & sesame oil. Served with crisp noodles $4

Spring Roll Platter (Vegetarian or Shrimp Rolls)
Two fresh made Spring Rolls (cellophane noodles, carrot, cucumber & Hoisin sauce) plus salad of mixed greens, veggies, mandarin orange & edamame with our Asian Dressing $7.50

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

Grilled Chicken Breast added to your salad $2

Pick Two: Bowl of Soup, House Salad OR A Stromboli* $7.50
*Florentine (spinach/tomato) Roast Veggies or 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, garlic, chicken, broccoli, mozzarella, scallions $7
(V) = Vegetarian

Dessert
Grace Chu's Chinese Almond Cookies
Bonni's "Biscotti To Die For" (V) $2.50/pkg of 2
Large crunchy cookie (assorted 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