It's a great time to be in Bradenton

It looks like most of the "dead of winter" weather may have past. I usually ascertain this by counting the number of viable blossoms left on my Keitt mango tree when February rolls around. Right now things look great. If only all of those tiny green globes could hang on & mature, I would corner the mango market with my single tree. Of course, that's never happened in my almost ten years of being a mango tree-hugger. Like Rosanne Rosannadanna used to say, "it's always something". And indeed, it always has been. In the past those mango wannabes have been destroyed by "the storm of the century" (which happens every 3 years); unusually low winter temperatures (which happen every 2 years); bitchy weather folks (every other night depending on the tv channel), or nothing distinguishable at all. Bottomline Score: Mango Tree 100/Me 5. Stay tuned to see if incredible Mango Shakes & Ice Cream are in our future this year.

A few updates: Chef Walter is detained another week in NY/NJ, which is probably great for his Mom, but sad for us. Looking forward to your quick return, and for what it's worth, the new grill is set up and ready to roll. For Parvin's fans (Persian Weds), although it was too much for her to continue on a weekly basis, she will be doing a Persian Dinner on Wed evening, March 18, two seatings at 6pm & 8pm for only $15/pp. The menu will be posted soon, but we know this will sell out, so you might want to make your reservations soon. Call me at 746-6647.

Stephanie & Rahel will bring Ethiopia alive with another incredible Traditional Ethiopian Dinner on Tues Feb 24. Only 2 seats left at 8pm at this moment. Two more dates have been set, Tues March 10 & 24 (reservations open) so don't miss out. Look for the upcoming article about them in the next Sarasota SRQ Magazine. Makes me feel like a proud Mama Hen, enabling you to share the delicious & loving food that our chefs have produced. Cluck...cluck!!

Following our tradition of UNIQUE LUNCH MENUS each day, this week Amy will be providing Southern Comfort Cuisine, featuring Shrimp 'n Grits & other classics on Tuesday, Feb 17th. I'll be in charge for the rest of the week with changing menus each day. I've considered putting a psychiatrist on retainer to deal with my Multiple Personality Orders but think doing what I love, cooking, will be therapeutic. Come enjoy, share, join, laugh, bring CDs you like to hear, encourage, learn, accept and be part of our family. There's always room at the table for you.

Hugs from the kitchen,
Bonni
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Tues Feb 17 Amy's Southern Comfort Cuisine lunch served 11-2:

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

Bradentucky Boil
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 $7

Roasted Broccoli n' Swamp Cabbage Salad
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 $8

Roast Pork Po' Boy
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 $8

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

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

Side Dishes
Bradentucky Boil, Cheese Grit Casserole, Cracker Mac n' Cheese, Swamp Apple Slaw $2

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

Take out available...cash only

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

Right now I'm making soup stock from scratch and contemplating THINGS ON STICKS that I can grill outside. Here is Wed's menu & I promise to email the others.

Wed Feb 18 Bonni's New York City menu

Soup: Chicken Minestrone served with crunchy fresh bread $4

Ses Salinas Salad romaine, red onion, cucumber, tomato, Spanish olives, Feta + House Dijon Vinaigrette (V) $4

Dorothy's Big Salad with mixed greens, red onion, roasted veggies, toasted nuts, goat cheese + House Dijon Vinaigrette $6

Chicken added to your salad $2

Pick Two: Soup, House Salad (V) OR Stromboli (Florentine or Roast Veggie) (V) $7.50


Handmade 8" Individual 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 $6
Mahon mozzarella, spinach, tomato, red onion, red sauce, oregano (V) $7
Margherita mozzarella, red sauce, tomato, parmesan, basil, olive oil (V) $7
Mushroom Pizza mozzarella, roasted garlic, goat cheese, grilled onions, parmesan(V) $7
Chinese Chicken hoisin, roast garlic, chicken, broccoli, mozzarella, scallions $7

Dessert
Large crunchy cookie (ask for today’s flavors) (V) $1.25
Texas-size Muffin (V)$1.75
Chocolate Orgasm Cookies (Pkg/4) (V) $4.50

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

Bonni Bakes
930 12th St W in The Village of the Arts
Bradenton

941-746-6647

Open for lunch Tues-Sat 11-2 & ArtWalks
Cash or local check (sorry, no credit cards)

Beware of Flying Cherubs Sporting Arrows

With Valentine's Day coming up this weekend, I'm once again reminded how hard it is to avoid the commercialism of every "holiday" in this country. This is a pretty benign one...tell someone (anyone & everyone) you love them. It's easy to recognize the universal symbol of the heart=love, so let's slap it on everything in sight. Candy bars, pajamas, drinking glasses, sun visors, golden jewelry, pencils, sequined t-shirts, note pads and flags (so we can communicate our intimate feelings to total strangers...at a safe distance).

I was thinking about baking up some cookies, maybe even heart shaped ones, and decorating them. But, just as I don't like greeting cards pre-printed with someone else's sentiments, I'd rather encourage you to express your own thoughts. So look for the cookies with the hard white icing and use my edible ink markers to decorate & personalize your own cookie. I'll even give you a free cellophane bag & ribbon to wrap up your masterpiece. And if you're really serious, nothing makes a woman smile like some Chocolate Orgasms...okay, maybe it's only Plan B.

Just a reminder that Stephanie & her daughter Rahel will be serving up a Traditional Ethiopian Dinner on Tuesday evening Feb 24th. The 6pm seating is sold out but there are still a few seats left at 8pm. The entire meal is just $15 per person and you can bring your own beer & wine. We plan to host these dinners twice a month, depending on Steph's schedule. Call 746-6647 for reserations.

In this past Sunday's Bradenton Herald, Donna Wright wrote a comprehensive article about strategies to enable you to eat well in economically challenging times. I was one of the people interviewed, and mentioned that I think a lot of people today don't know how to cook. I volunteered that if there was sufficient interest we would offer a Basic Cooking Class. If you're interested send an email to bonnibakes@gmail.com. I just bought a new grill and plans are underway for some exciting outdoor food. Coming from New York City (where street food is a way of life) I can't wait to start experimenting. We'll be grilling outside on the patio, which will be fun during the ArtWalks. There is the small detail of getting all of those itsy-bitsy, mostly threaded pieces together to become "the grill", but with Mike's help we hope to get that done this week.

If the current economic climate is depressing you, stop by Bonni Bakes this Tuesday for Chef Amy's uplifting, down home Southern Comfort Menu at lunch from 11-2. If last week was any example, there was joyful laughter and yummy food everywhere. Here's what she's cooking up:

Look what's Amy's cooking up for you on Tuesday (lunch served 11-2):
Shrimp n' Grits
Large Gulf Shrimp swimmin' in a kicked up garlic cream sauce and ladled over hot
Cheese Grit Casserole + choice of side dish $9

Bradentucky Boil
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 $7

Roasted Broccoli n' Swamp Cabbage Salad
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 $8

Roast Pork Po' Boy
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 $8

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

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

Side Dishes
Bradentucky Boil, Cheese Grit Casserole, Cracker Mac n' Cheese, Swamp Apple Slaw $2

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

Take out available...cash only.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'll be cooking the rest of this week at lunch, basically using my New York City menu, with changes as the mood suits me. At 12:00 Wed we're hosting a group of ladies with boas so don't expect fast service until around 12:30. But we'd love to see you Wed - Sat 11-2.

Bonni's New York City menu

Butternut Bourbon Bisque served with crunchy fresh bread $4

Ses Salinas Salad romaine, red onion, cucumber, tomato, Spanish olives, Feta + House Dijon Vinaigrette (V) $4

Bonni's Spinach Salad with red onion, hard boiled egg, bacon and garbanzo beans + House Dijon Vinaigrette $6

Chicken added to your salad $2

Pick Two: Soup, House Salad (V) OR Stromboli (Florentine or Roast Veggie) (V) $7.50


Handmade 8" Individual 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 $6
Mahon mozzarella, spinach, tomato, red onion, red sauce, oregano (V) $7
Margherita mozzarella, red sauce, tomato, parmesan, basil, olive oil (V) $7
White Pizza mozzarella, roasted garlic, broccoli, grilled onions, parmesan(V) $7
Chinese Chicken hoisin, roast garlic, chicken, broccoli, mozzarella, scallions $7

Dessert
Chocolate Orgasm Individual Cheesecake (V) $4
Large crunchy cookie (ask for today’s flavors) (V) $1.25
Texas-size Muffin (V)$1.75
Chocolate Orgasm Cookies (Pkg/4) (V) $4.50

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

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

Hugs from the kitchen,
Bonni


Bonni Bakes
930 12th St W in The Village of the Arts
Bradenton

941-746-6647

Open for lunch Tues-Sat 11-2 & ArtWalks
Cash or local check (sorry, no credit cards)

What Else is Cooking this Week Feb 4 - 7, 2009

To those of you who had me in your prayers, sent positive emails & phone calls, and the lovely mysterious person who sent the beautiful Bromeliad potted plant...it worked!! I was able to leave Moffitt Cancer Center knowing that my mammogram was wonderfully, boringly, happily negative. Whooooosh. That's the sound of me taking a relieved deep breath.

Enough about me, what's on the menu? This is a particularly hectic week with Steph's Ethiopian Dinner tonight (a few spots still available at 8pm), Amy settling in to rave reviews about her delicious Southern Comfort food on Tuesdays and the upcoming Village ArtWalk Friday 6-9:30pm & Sat 11-4. I'll be cooking Wed-Sat this week, so stop in and say "hello" to some old favorites like those thin crust pizzas & that finger-lickin Dijon Vinaigrette.

BONNI'S NEW YORK CITY MENU (lunch served 11-2)

Soup of the Day served with crunchy fresh bread $4

Ses Salinas Salad romaine, red onion, cucumber, tomato, Spanish olives, Feta + Our Dijon Vinaigrette (V) $4

New York City Salad mixed greens, cranberries, caramelized pecans, goat cheese + our Raspberry Poppyseed Dressing (V) $6

Chicken added to your salad $2

Roast Veggie Lasagne served with side salad and crunchy fresh bread (V) $7.50


Pick Two: Soup, House Salad (V) OR Stromboli (V) $7.50


Handmade 8" Individual 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 $6
Mahon mozzarella, spinach, tomato, red onion, red sauce, oregano (V) $7
Margherita mozzarella, red sauce, tomato, parmesan, basil, olive oil (V) $7
Eggplant Parm mozzarella, roasted garlic, fresh tomato, red onion (V) $7
Chinese Chicken hoisin, roast garlic, chicken, broccoli, mozzarella, scallions $7

Dessert
Chocolate Orgasm Individual Cheesecake (V) $4
Large crunchy cookie (ask for today’s flavors) (V) $1.25
Texas-size Muffin (V)$1.75
Chocolate Orgasm Cookies (Pkg/4) (V) $4.50

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

================================
Bonni Bakes
930 12th St W in The Village of the Arts
Bradenton

941-746-6647

Open for lunch Tues-Sat 11-2 & ArtWalks
Cash or local check (sorry, no credit cards)

The Steelers Win The Super Bowl so that means...

it's time to throw out that leftover crummy junk food. I don't know why most sporting events make me think of food but I could be having worse thoughts. Eric Cartman reminds me of that whenever I watch South Park...maybe that's why I watch, hummmmm.

Today is one of the most stressful days in the year for me. Tomorrow, Monday, I'll spend most of the day at Moffitt Cancer Center having my annual check-up & mammogram...hoping that none of those rascal cancer cells have decided to take up residence in me again. If you've survived a potential brush with death, you know how long it takes to reshuffle your life so that it isn't primarily defined by an illness or tramatic event. It took me several years to finally be able to look forward to what's next, rather than waiting for the other shoe to drop. But once a year that balance shifts. It's the only time that "Negative" is positive. So I think you'll cut me a little slack this week regarding the menus.

In December we began experimenting at lunch by having a different chef, cuisine and menu daily. It's been fun, exciting and delicious, although a logistical nightmare for me. I didn't realize how many details I'd have to juggle simultaneously, but luckily I love doing lots of diverse things at once. Today begins a new month and that means a new line-up in the kitchen.

Let me introduce you to Amy Scott, a bubbly food-saavy gal who'll put you at ease in a Bradentucky minute. Born into a family of accomplished cooks going back four generations, during her stint at The University of Florida she worked in restaurants "where I started to acquire a taste for Old Florida Cuisine". At lunch on Tuesdays Amy will be cooking up a storm of " Southern Comfort Cuisine because I think that we are all looking for little ways to feel warm and secure during this rough American transition. And what better way to nurture your heart and feed your soul than with some Peace, Love, and Mac & Cheese!" Stop in and say "welcome y'all" to Amy!

Many of you already know that Walter (French Thurs) will be spending the first half of February up north but we look forward to his quick return to his ever-bubbling stock pot. It will be deja vu all over again for me as I command the kitchen on Wed - Sat for those weeks. I'll send out another email with the menus after I get my medical results back. There's only so much stress I'm willing to put myself through! I'll also have a lot of exciting information about ARTS ALIVE, the interactive all day art fest here in The Village of the Arts on May 9th. If you thought the GeckoFest was something wait until hundreds of colorful Funky Men, Dogs, Cats, Geckos, Guitars and a lot more join all of Bradenton for a day of creative expression!

Look what's Amy's cooking up for you on Tuesday (lunch served 11-2):
Shrimp n' Grits
Large Gulf Shrimp swimmin' in a kicked up garlic cream sauce and ladled over hot
Cheese Grit Casserole + choice of side dish $9

Bradentucky Boil
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 $7

Roasted Broccoli n' Swamp Cabbage Salad
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 $8

Roast Pork Po' Boy
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 $8

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

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

Side Dishes
Bradentucky Boil, Cheese Grit Casserole, Cracker Mac n' Cheese, Swamp Apple Slaw $2

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

Take out available...cash only.

Thanks to all of you who came out to Chef Walter's Hors D'Oeuvres class this past Saturday. I'm working on other classes, so if there is something you'd love to learn (food or otherwise) let me know. If you're in the mood for Ethiopian food there are still a few seats available at 8 tomorrow night, Tues Feb 3. It's a party atmosphere, no silverware needed, $15 per person for the full meal and you can bring beer or wine if you'd like. Give me a call at 746-6647 and I'll fix you up. Currently we're also taking reservations for the Feb 24th Ethiopian Dinner, both 6pm & 8pm available. We accept cash & local check, sorry no credit cards.

Hugs from the kitchen,
Bonni

Bonni Bakes
Village of the Arts
930 12th St West
Bradenton, FL 34205

941-746-6647
bonnibakes@gmail.com

What's Cooking this Week Jan 27 -31, 2009

I've been distracted for the moment from the swirling economic news by the arrival of Chinese New Year, the Year of the Ox. The lunar year 4706 in the Chinese calendar began January 26th and it's comforting to think in terms of something strong, steady and solid. Ever since my trip to China in 2000 with a group of anxious adoptive parents, this annual celebration triggers visions of giggling girls, all of them 9 to 11 years old now. My terrific little cousin Melanie is one of them. I honor all of the kids & parents who bridged the culture gap and nurtured desperate babies (at age 2 Melanie weighed 21 lbs) into the beautiful, talented, reassured people they are today. This past weekend those families gathered in MA to celebrate together, as they do every year. When I heard that the "China Sisters" made the wontons, I thought, "if they can do it, so can I". This isn't the first time I've prepared Chinese food. Last time was in an ancient kitchen in Menorca, Spain where we washed everything down with Spanish champagne (cheaper than bottled water at the time). Growing up in NYC meant lots of wonderful meals in Chinatown, especially if you were lucky enough to be accompanied by a Mandarin speaker who ordered without a menu. I'll be adding some Chinese items for lunch Saturday, when it's my turn in the kitchen.

This coming Saturday evening, Jan 31 at 6:30pm, Chef Walter (graduate, French Culinary Institute) will be teaching how to make show-stopping Hors D'Oeuvres w/a French Touch. Relax with a glass of wine, taste everything and take home the recipes so you can duplicate it in your own kitchen. $25 per person, reservations required. Call Bonni at 746-6647. Limited seats available.

We're hosting another Traditional Ethiopian Dinner on Tuesday evening, Feb 3, prepared by Stephanie Peterson & her daughter Rahel Manna, using family recipes handed down by Steph's mother-in-law. It's all inclusive, only $15 per person. Two seatings: 6pm and 8pm (last time the 8pm sold out quickly). The meal consists of a large platter covered with injera (thin sourdough bread), spicy chicken stew, chick pea sauce, mustard greens, spiced cottage cheese, mild beef stew, mixed vegetable stew, spicy red lentils and traditional drinks (bring beer or wine if you'd like). Vegetarian Platters available upon request! Reservations strongly suggested.

But what's cooking THIS week you ask...so here is the yummy lineup.

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

Walter's Light French Menu for Tues Jan 27 (served 11-2)

Potage Culivateur
Soup of Blended Organic Vegetables $4

Salade Compose aux Saumon Fume et Chevre Frais Vinaigrette et aux Noix
Organic Fleld Greens w/ Smoked Salmon, Walnuts & Chevre Vinaigrette $5

Jarret de Agneau aux Demiglace
Lamb Shank with Demiglace $8

Filet de Mahi aux Bette Arc-En-Ciel
Mahi Fillet on Organic Rainbow Chard $8

Dessert du Jour $4

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Parvin's Persian Tea House Menu for Wed Jan 28 (served 11-2)

Soup-e Jow
Cream of Barley Soup, barley, carrots, onions and sour cream (V) $3

Tossed Salad
Mixed romaine, iceberg, cucumber & tomatoes w/House vinaigrette (V) $3

Salad -e -oliveh
Potato salad with egg, potato, peas, carrots, pickle, served with pita bread (V)
Appetizer $4

Polouw Morgh
Boneless chicken tenders marinated with saffron, ginger, olive oil and lime juice served with saffron rice or cranberry basmati rice $9

Polow Khoresh-e-Geymeh
Chunks of beef cooked with tomato, yellow split peas, onions, dried lemons in our special gravy, served with basmati rice $9

Sholeh Zard
Persian Rice Pudding (Sweet Rice, Saffron, sliced almonds, dusted with cinnamon $3

Drinks
Hot tea, Iced Tea, Sweet Tea $2 (refills no charge)
Coke, Diet Coke $1 per can

Extras:
White Basmati Rice $1
Pita $1

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Walter's Modern French Menu for Thurs Jan 29 (served 11-2)

Soupe de Lentilles aux Carottes
Organic Lentil Soup with Diced Organic Carrots (V) $4

Salade de Asperges et Oeufs Mimosa
Chilled Asparagus Salad with Vinaigrette and Eggs Mimosa (V) $5

Poulet Chasseur
Hunter's Style Chicken with Mushroom Cognac Reduction $8

Moules aux Poireaux et Verjus
Mussels with Leeks and Red Verjus $8

Dessert du Jour $4

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Bonnie & Hector's Caribbean Menu for Friday Jan 30 (served 11-2)

Fresco
Fresh pressed fruit, veggies & herbs $3.50 (VG)

La Alfalfa y La Ensalada Carbonizada con Vinagreta de Mandarina
Alfalfa sprout & chard salad w/tangerine vinaigrette, seasonal vegetables and egg $5 (V)

Sopa crema enfriada de Calabaza (V)
Chilled Calabaza Bisque w/ red onion, celery & lime $4

Ensalada de Pollo de Aguacate-Hierba
Avocado-Herb based Chicken Salad w/red onion, citrus mayo &
plantain chips Sandwich $7 Salad $8

Mofongo Llenó Almejas con Arroz Amarillo
Plantain-Red Pepper Mofongo Stuffed Clams & Yellow Rice $8

Pastelillos de Mangos y Piña
Mango-Pineapple Turnovers $4 (V)

Para Beber
Orange Iced tea, coffee, bottled water $2

Delivery & Carry Out available 941-580-8085

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Bonni Brown's New York City Menu for Sat Jan 31 (served 11-2)

Soup of the Day
Grace Chu’s Classic Wonton Soup w/Crispy Noodles $4

Salads
Ses Salinas Salad romaine, red onion, cucumber, tomato, Spanish
olives, Feta plus Bonni’s Dijon Vinaigrette (V) $4

Asian Beer Shrimp on cellophane noodles & veggies, w/mixed green
salad & Chinese Balsamic Vinaigrette $7.50

Chicken added to your salad $2

Pick Two: Soup, House Salad OR Stromboli(V) (Florentine or Roast Veggie) $7.50

Handmade 8" Individual 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 $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
Celebrate w/a Chinese Almond Cookie (V) $1.75
Large crunchy cookie (ask for today’s flavors) (V) $1.25
Texas-size Muffin (V) $1.75
Chocolate Orgasm Cookies (Pkg/4) (V) $4.50

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

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

If you'd like to receive a copy of the weekly menus delivered to your email account, just send a request to bonnibakes@gmail.com

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

What's Cooking this Week Jan 20 -24, 2009

It's only hours before Bush, Cheney & Co high tail it out of Dodge. Around me the hopeful air of anticipated change is palpable...similar to what I experienced as a young college student when John Kennedy swept into office. He opened doors that had been designated as "Adults Only" and inspired millions of us young Americans to look beyond ourselves and see what we could do for our country. And we did. I feel that pulsating energy again, this time spearheaded by a new generation who feel they've personally been invited to become part of the solution. Rock on! Despite the extremely serious economic uncertainly shrouding the world, this surging positive energy could lead us in a positive direction. Not a moment too soon. As a clinical social worker, I feel our country is finally poised to work toward a greater common good.

How to celebrate this coming together of people...what says it all in the most delicious manner? For me it has to be the classic New York City Black & White Cookie. In typical New York fashion, it isn't black & white and it's more cakey than cookie. But who cares...it's more accurately descriptive than an Egg Cream (don't ask)!! So I had to bake some to celebrate this moment of unity and hope.

Not to belittle the whirlwind of national events, we have a few exciting events coming up right here at Bonni Bakes.


Tuesday evening, Jan 20th when Obama supporters will be dancing their shoes off, Stephanie will be busting her tootsies providing an authentic Ethiopian Dinner. Without cutlery you'll dive into injera bread, and scoop up stews of beef, chicken & vegetable, spicy sauces & side dishes, then wash it down with classic drinks (but you're free to bring your own beer/wine). Only $15/per person. Seatings at 6pm and 8pm. Reservations suggested.

Saturday night, Jan 31st join Chef Walter (graduate, French Culinary Institute) as he guides you through the secrets of making spectacular Hors D'Ouerves With a French Touch. Relax with a glass of wine while you taste it all, ask questions and go home with easy-to-follow recipes. Limited seating, $25/per person, reservations required.

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

Now that your stomach is rumbling, here's what's cooking at Bonni Bakes this week:

Tuesday Jan 20 Walter’s Light & Healthy French Menu

Creme du Barry
Organic Cauliflower Soup $4

Salade Maraichere au Chevre Chaud et aux Noisette
Organic Market Greens w/ Warm Goat Cheese and Hazelnuts (V) $5

Saumon Cuit dans Son Jus avec Fleurons de Brocoli
Salmon cooked in its own juice with Broccoli Florets $8

Filet de Porc Roti avec Brunoise de Legumes et Pommes de Terre
Roasted Organic Pork Tenderloin w/ Vegetable Brunoise & Potatoes $8

Dessert: Poire Roti au Caramel
Roasted Organic Pears in Caramel Syrup (V) $4
===================================================

Wed Jan 21 Parvin’s Persian Tea Room

Abgusht Soupe
Hearty beef soup with potatoes, garbanzo and white beans $3


Haleem Bademjan
Baked eggplant with tomato, onions, and garlic, served with pita bread (V) $4


Kuku Sabze
Baked omelet with spinach, parsley, scallions and cilantro (V) $4


Salad Balqur
Tubule salad, chopped parsley, tomato and onion (V) $3

Mahi
Sautéed fish filet marinated in ginger, saffron, garlic and Seville Orange $8

Polou Khoresht-e-Karafs
Beef, celery, mint, and onion our special gravy, served with basmati rice $8


Persian Tasting Platter
Haleem Bademjan, Kuku Sabze, and Salad Balqur (V) $9


Fresh Fruit Dessert
Pineapple, cantaloupe, watermelon & strawberry (V)$4

Drinks
Hot tea, Iced Tea, Sweet Tea $2 (refills no charge)
Coke, Diet Coke $1 per can

Extras:
White Basmati Rice $1
Pita $1
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Thur Jan 22 Walter’s Modern French Menu

Soupe de Poireaux et Pommes De Terre
Organic Potato Leek Soup $4


Saumon Fume et Salade Frisee Aux Oranges et Radis
Smoked Salmon w/ Organic Frisee Salad, Oranges and Radishes $5



Crepes au Poulet et aux Chanterelles
Crepes with Organic Chicken and Chanterelles in Mornay Sauce $8



Salmon de Atlantique Poele aux Poireaux
Sauteed Atlantic Salmon with Leeks $8



Cynthia’s Dessert du Jour $4
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Fri Jan 23 Bonnie & Hector’s Caribbean Menu

Fresco
Fresh pressed fruit, veggies & herbs $3.50 (VG)

Ensalada Caribe de Espinaca
Caribbean Spinach Salad with pineapple, tangerines, red onion,
almonds & a celery-cider vinaigrette $5 (VG)

Sopa Caribe de Callaloo
Caribbean Callaloo Soup with spinach, pumpkin squash, shredded
coconut & thyme $5 (V)
Add Chicken $2

Ensalada de Pollo de Aguacate-Hierba
Avocado-Herb based Chicken Salad With red onion, citrus mayo &
plantain chips Sandwich $7 Salad $8

Mussles con Pan Dulce
Mussles in Red Stripe-Thyme-Culantro Broth w/sweet bread $9

Pastelillos de Mangos
Mango Turnovers $4 (V)

Para Beber
Orange Iced tea, coffee, bottled water $2
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Sat Jan 24 Bonni Brown’s NYC Menu

Soup of the Day
Mom’s Hearty Chicken & Vegetable, served with homemade bread $4

Salads
Ses Salinas Salad romaine, red onion, cucumber, tomato, Spanish
olives, Feta plus Bonni’s Dijon Vinaigrette (V) $4

Curried Chicken Salad Platter w/raisins, coconut, nuts & mandarins on
mixed greens plus tomato, cucumber, olives, fruit & mini muffins $7.50

Grilled Chicken added to your salad $2

Pick Two: Soup, House Salad OR Stromboli (V) (Florentine or Roast Veggie) $7.50

Handmade 8" Individual 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 $6

Mushroom + roast garlic, caramelized onion, ricotta, mozzarella, 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, roast garlic, chicken, broccoli, mozzarella, scallions $7

Dessert
Celebrate UNITY with a NYC Black & White Cookie (V) $2.25
Large crunchy cookie (ask for today’s flavors) (V) $1.25
Texas-size Muffin (V) $1.75
Chocolate Orgasm Cookies (Pkg/4) (V) $4.50

Drinks
Bottled Spring Water, cans of soda $1
Brewed Raspberry Iced Tea or assorted Hot Tea (bag) $1.50
Our House Blend of Half/Caff Flavored Coffee $1.50
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We're open for lunch Tues - Sat, from 11am - 2pm, and located downtown Bradenton in The Village of the Arts at 930 12th Street West. At Bonni Bakes our chefs, cuisines and menus change daily can call 746-6647 to see what's on the menu today or make reservations. We can accomodate private parties or groups for lunch, brunch or evening events. Payment is by cash or local check. Takeout is available if you can't sneak away and spend a little time in the comfort of our charming 1910 restored cottage. We look forward to breaking bread (homemade of course) with you soon.

Hugs from the kitchen,

Bonni Brown, owner

So Much To Taste, So Little Time

I thought that years of faking my way through foreign languages was over. I was suddenly transported back to that August day in Barcelona when I knew I was in trouble. Alone, after spending a month with friends in Menorca surrounded by Spanish but only speaking English, I mistakenly thought I was bilingual. Yet the only words dancing in my head were "mira...mira" (look...look), commonly shouted by young Puerto Rican kids in NYC while pulling at their mother's skirts. That was followed by a week speaking only menu-French...all of my other attempts at communication with natives in Paris were rebuffed. Germany wasn't much better. Mr. Kiel, who taught me Yiddish as a child, would have winced as I tried to pass that off (somewhat successfully) for the local language. Ultimately on that trip I lucked out in Switzerland. I was befriended by a family I met on the train who had lived in Texas for two years. They took me home with them and filled my ears with English and my tummy with the best breakfast I'd had in years. Now I'm standing in the dining room of Bonni Bakes reading menus and once again I'm perplexed.

How good is your Farsi? Luckily Parvin is happy to translate descriptions of the Iranian specialties she's serving in her Persian Tea Room on Wednesdays. Walter (cooking Tuesdays & Thursdays in January) is all-American (well, there's always his Polish roots). Happily for us he's mastered cooking French cuisine, if not the Mother tongue. Fridays Hector can easily shift between English & Spanish, just like his & Bonnie's Caribbean menu. Feel free to order in one language or the other. And then there's me. As a lifelong New Yorker and Brooklyn native, just tell me to slow down if I speak too fast. And I'm not even discussing the upcoming evening Ethiopian Dinner menu, ask Stephanie or just read the translations!

Thanks for embracing my concept of a different chef, cuisine & menu daily. I'm thrilled, because the more you support the individual chefs, the more time I can stay out of the kitchen. Judging from this week's menus, sitting in the dining room is the place to be!

WHAT'S COOKING AT BONNI BAKES THIS WEEK:


Walter’s LIGHT & HEALTHY FRENCH Menu Tues Jan 13

Salade de Betteraves au Chevre Frais et Aux Noix
Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese, Toasted Walnuts and Walnut Vinaigrette,
all organic and vegetarian, $5

Soupe de Carottes au Gingembre
Carrot/Ginger Soup
all organic and vegetarian, $4

Casserole de Morue Fraiche sur Feuilles d'Epinards Sautees
Baked Cod with Tomatoes, Capers, and Turmeric on Sauteed Spinach $8

Poulet a l'Estragon (organic chicken with tarragon) $7

Dessert:
Fraises Marinees au Porto
Organic Strawberries Marinated in Port $4
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Parvin's PERSIAN TEA ROOM Menu Wed Jan 14

Soup-e Jow:
Cream of Barley Soup, chicken stock, barley, carrots, onions and sour cream $3

Salad e Shirazi: Appetizer
Diced tomato, cucumber, red onion & chopped dill in a fresh lemon and olive oil dressing $2

Morgh:
Grilled chicken with Persian spices & saffron served with Basmati rice or Baghla Polow $8

Mahi-ye :
Fish, lemon & saffron sauté with garlic and oil served with Basmati rice or Baghla Polow $8.

Baghla Polow:
Basmati rice, fava beans, dill and saffron $3

Drinks: Persian Hot tea, Iced Tea, Sweet Tea $2 (refills no charge)
Coke, Diet Coke $1 per can

Dessert:
Crem Caramel: Sweet cheese and egg cake, dressed with caramel $3

White Basmati Rice $1
Pita $1
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Walter’s MODERN FRENCH menu Thurs Jan 15

Soupe de Courge Roti
Organic Squash Soup with Maple Glazed Bananas (vegetarian) $4

Salade de Espinard aux Tomate
Organic Spinach Salad with Tomato and Manchego $5

Braised Lamb Shank $8

Moules au Safran et a la Moutarde
Mussels with Saffron and Mustard $8

Dessert du Jour $4
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Bonnie & Hector's Caribbean Menu Fri Jan 16

Juice: Fresh pressed fruit, veggies & herbs $3.50

Caribbean Fruit Salad $7
With mixed greens & yogurt vinaigrette

Coconut Bisque $4
Topped w/toasted Brazil nuts

Garbanzo Bean Stew $5
With tomato, garlic & okra

Avocado-Herb Chicken Salad
With red onion, citrus mayo & plantain chips
Sandwich $7 Salad $8

Grilled shrimp & scallop skewers $9
With pineapple chutney & plantain chips

Rice Pudding $4

Iced tea, coffee, bottled water $2
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Bonni Brown’s NYC Menu Sat Jan 17

Soup of the Day
Cream of Belgium Endive $4

Salads
Ses Salinas Salad
romaine, red onion, cucumber, tomato, Spanish olives, Feta plus Bonni’s Dijon Vinaigrette $4

Dorothy’sBig Salad
mixed greens, assorted roasted veggies, Blue cheese, parmesan, toasted almonds plus Bonni’s Dijon Vinaigrette $6

Grilled Chicken, added to your salad $2

Pick Two
Soup, House Salad OR Stromboli (Florentine or Roasted Veggie) $7.50

Handmade 8" Individual Thin-Crust Pizzas

Naked Cheese mozzarella, red sauce, parmesan, fresh oregano $6
New York mozzarella, pepperoni, red sauce, parmesan, fresh oregano $6
Roasted Veggie mozzarella, pesto, grilled veggies, chevre, fresh oregano $7
Mahon mozzarella, spinach, tomato, red onion, red sauce, fresh oregano $7
Margherita mozzarella, red sauce, tomato, parmesan, fresh basil, olive oil $7
Chinese Chicken hoisin, roast garlic, chicken, broccoli, mozzarella, scallions $7

Dessert
Mini Chocolate Orgasm Cheesecake $4 NEW!
Large cookie (ask for today’s flavors) $1.25
Texas-size Muffin $1.75
Chocolate Orgasm Cookies (Pkg/4) $4.50

Drinks
Spring Water, Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dr Pepper, Diet Dr Pepper $1
Raspberry Iced Tea or assorted Hot Tea (bag) $1.50
Our House Blend of Half/Caff Flavored Coffee $1.50
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Upcoming Events @ Bonni Bakes

Tues Jan 20 A TRADITIONAL ETHIOPIAN DINNER, prepared by Stephanie Peterson using recipes taught to her by her mother-in-law. Two seatings -- 6:00pm and 8:00pm, $15 per person. For more information and reservations call 941-746-6647.

Sat Jan 31 FABULOUS HORS D'OEUVRES WITH A FRENCH TOUCH, taught by Walter Murawinski (graduate, French Culinary Institute). Relax with a glass of wine, learn, ask questions, taste and take home the recipes. 6:30pm, $25 per person, limited seating. For more information and reservations call 941-746-6647.

If you'd like to receive a list of the weekly menus by email, just send your request to bonnibakes@gmail.com or call Bonni at 941-746-6647.