Courtney Bonning is a sweet staple of our culinary scene. Beginning in the pastry department of the The Ritz-Carlton in 2004, she made her mark with the beloved Bonbon Pastry and Cafe before selling it in 2016. Now, as a co-owner of Terrapin Bakery in Tremont, Bonning combines her experience with an undeniable passion for confections.
Ohio City Sightings: I really like Xinji Noodle Bar. We always get their fried chicken, and their noodle bowls are absolutely outstanding.
Spicing It Up: We have a tendency to go to more ethnic restaurants than go to specific places. So we go to Himalayan Restaurant a lot or order from Fatima’s Grill, which is Lebanese and Mexican. We get Rumi’s Market & Grill, which is Turkish, a lot, too. They’re all super interesting and spicy, and it just teases your flavor palate a little more. I just find them to be super inspiring. It’s food I can’t or won’t make myself.
Taste of Tremont: Fat Cats is always my go-to in Tremont. I’m also really excited to go check out STEAK. I haven’t been there yet, but we have reservations, so that is going to be something that I’m looking forward to.
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Small Shops: Salty not Sweet Boutique in Lakewood is a place I go to get mostly smaller gifts or hand-made jewelry and things that I know local makers are putting effort into. Lion and Blue in Lakewood is a place that I go to a lot. I really enjoy their vibe. I’m a big candle purchaser. I love STEM Handmade Soaps.
Baked by Others: I usually make my own things, but there are some things like Kathy’s [Kolacke and] Pastry Shop in Rocky River. Her kolaches are just absolutely fabulous. For poppy rolls and stuff, I’ll go to Farkas Bakery & Pastries because they do it the best.
Sips: We go to Rozi’s which is actually a wine and beer shop that you can consume on the premises. So we can try all different kinds of wine, and they sell it at retail price. It has an incredible amount of selection, and you can taste so many things while you're there. If it's just a typical Friday night, you can catch me and my husband at Funhouse.
Casual Comfort: We love to go to the Dinerbar on Clifton. That place just makes me happy. They’re all comfort food. I’ve been getting their cobb salad for 20 years now, even before they were in their new space. My college best friend who doesn’t even live in the city reminds me of their artichoke dill bake every now and again.
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