Bonni Brown, Bonni Bakes

Name: Bonni Brown.

Title: Owner/Executive Chef.

Restaurant: , 930 12^th St. W. (in the Village of the Arts); 941-746-6647.

Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (lunch); monthly Village ArtWalks; special dinners.

Specialty: NYC thin-crust gourmet pizza & Chocolate Orgasm cookies.

How long have you been cooking? My earliest attempts were making after-school snacks to enjoy while watching “American Bandstand." I am a self-taught “foodie” inspired by watching classic TV cooks like Julia & Jacques, reading tons of cookbooks and experimenting.

Do you cook at home? Yes, otherwise I’d have to depend on my 14-year-old dog Muffin, who is more of a taster than a cook.

What is your favorite comfort food? An oven-charred baked potato topped with lightly cooked broccoli and oozing cheddar cheese.

Other than your restaurant, where else do you like to eat in Bradenton? I love the way that cooks fish perfectly, especially their Chilean sea bass.

A message from Bonni: I host a fundraiser known as "C.A.F.E." (Community Art Funding Event) where all of the money that diners pay for a special dinner becomes a grant for the arts which is given out that evening. Artistic projects are presented to the diners, who then vote on their favorite presentation. So far we have given away over $1,000 in grants. We will have another C.A.F.E. in May.

Other information: I’m a “Master Gardener” and love to grow herbs and veggies in my organic garden to incorporate into my cooking. I appreciate pure, local and natural ingredients so the true flavors can shine. Most of the menu selections are vegetarian and some change weekly. I send out a weekly blog detailing the menu, upcoming events in The Village and my musings about life. I also offer cooking and baking classes, ethnic dinners, private parties and catering.  

Note:  Bonni Bakes does not accept credit cards.  You can join their mailing list by sending an email to bonnibakes@gmail.com.