Business & Tech
Bonjour Café: Gracious French Ambiance in Siesta Key
Nothing beats walking into a new café than being greeted by a tall dark and handsome man with a foreign accent…
Dropping in to Bonjour Café for a quick look-see turned into an hour long dawdling with friends, complete with croissants drizzled with chocolate, warm crispy baguettes with a selection of freshly made butter and jams, excellent coffee and intriguing conversation.
We watched people come and go, listened to light-hearted laughter, heard a variety of languages, and got to know a very nice young couple in the process.
Newcomers Thierry and Marie Zanon moved here from Provence, France, eight months ago after visiting Sarasota on holiday. They smile when they talk about falling in love with our beautiful beaches and friendly residents. The visit affected them so much that they went back to Provence, closed their shop and moved here to Siesta Key. Now open for five months, Bonjour Café is filled with happy customers, friendly people, and outstanding fresh food.
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The Zanons make a point of supporting local farmers and they make their food fresh daily. Marie wants customers to know that they shop locally daily and they pride themselves in using all natural products for their meals.
A quick glance at the menu is tempting. Farm fresh salads, soups, quiche, panini’s, crepes, omelets and baguettes will engage you in a lengthy discussion with your friends on what you should get this time and what should be saved for the next visit. There is even The Enfant’s Menu for the petite ones, desert crepes for lingering lunches, French wines by the glass and a good selection of beers.
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Once season kicks in, Thierry is planning a special dinner menu and the cafe will stay open into the evening for dinner. For now, you can visit the café seven days a week from 7 a.m. till 4 p.m.
The café seats 40, with charming upstairs seating for those who want privacy. Or, if you want to people watch, there are several tables out front.
The Zanons are thrilled with the support of local residents and marvel at the friendliness of Americans.
Stop in for excellent authentic French cuisine from Provence, stay a bit and get to know Thierry and Marie.
They are thrilled to be here and want to meet you and they enjoy conversing in English.
Both are enjoying learning the language and welcome conversation because they feel (erroneously) that they don’t speak English well.
A side note, their staff is happy and friendly, too. It seems that things are percolating well at Bonjour Café. Come now. Come often. Be happy.
Details:
7am – 4 pm, Daily
5214 Ocean Blvd. on Siesta Key, Sarasota, FL 34242
Phone: 941-346-0600
Free Wi-Fi
Free parking behind the cafe
