MÄNI'S BLOG CAFÉ
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09.17.09
“Good & Good For You” now applies to Mäni’s packaging! Many of you have seen our made-of-corn biodegradable cups; we’ve extended that eco-friendly purchasing attitude to all of our to-go coffee cups, soup containers, salad/sandwich/burger boxes, straws, etc. Although the city of Santa Monica has legally bid adieu to all Styrofoam and non-biodegradable packaging, the city of Los Angeles has yet to make any city-wide regulation official (though they have taken a step in the right direction by banning the future use of plastic bags, and of polystyrene in city buildings). Mäni’s is taking a stand in the anti-Styrofoam movement by committing to our new biodegradable packaging! What makes them eco-friendly, you ask? Read on to find ways to get involved, and for a description of PLA, the biodegradable material that makes it all possible!  Polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable, thermoplastic, aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources, such as corn, wheat or rice (in the U.S.) or sugarcanes (rest of world). Although PLA has been known for more than a century, it has only been of commercial interest in recent years, in light of its biodegradability. When the resource is harvested, it is made into bio-based resin pellets through a polymerization process. Manufacturers then take the resin and convert it to a useful & sanitary single-use foodservice item. After the product is used, it is ideal for it to be returned to a compost facility where it can turn into rich compost within 60-180 days. However, PLA materials will also biodegrade in a standard landfill (but at a longer rate of time). All PLA products must meet standards for compostability and carry the stamp of approval from an official US-based organization. For more information on Santa Monica’s ban of polystyrene, see this blog entry from the Times:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/emeraldc ity/2008/02/santa-monica-sa.html For a complete list of local ordinances, and ways to get involved, see Californians Against Waste’s website:
http://www.cawrecycles.org/issues/plasti c_campaign/polystyrene/local
http://www.cawrecycles.org/take_action
08.06.08
While we are over-indulging in our new menu’s offerings (mmm…tempeh bacon…), we know that some of our rookie plates had a rough takeoff.
Not to be discouraged, we took a glass-half-full approach with the constructive criticism we’ve received by realizing our devoted customers care enough to let us know where our shortcomings are. One customer told us via blog comment that she was disappointed by the Vegan Black Bean & Plantain Quesadilla. Not satisfied by the consistency or moisture of the plantain, this customer’s high hopes for our new quesadilla were a bit dashed. In the same letter, she wrote that our veggie patty was not cutting it. It “used to have a nice ‘meaty’ consistency, with great flavor”, she said, while she’d experienced our new patty to “mush and crumble meekly out the side of the bun”. Her comments were a buzz through the cafe this morning, and immediately ideas were exchanged. What can we do to make sure the plantain in the VBBP Quesadilla is consistently delicious? What’s up with the veggie patty, and how can we fix it? While opinions were voiced and potential changes were planned, we realized this customer’s insights (like many we’ve received from you) were just what we needed. It still stings a little to hear a customer’s tale of an unsatisfactory meal, but we can take it! Your input helps us focus on what you want for your next Mani’s meal. So let us know; don’t hold back. The good and the bad, we want to hear what’s on your plate.
03.13.08
Wax Orchards is a wonderful company located in Washington state that makes natural fruit sweeteners. These recipes are quite similar to the blends of fruit juice reduction we use at Mäni’s to make many of our desserts and snacks.
In additional we’re carrying syrups and fudge sauces have at home on all kinds of foods. Come by and check them out. Wax Orchards was founded in 1920 by August and Johanna Wax. With origins in fruit farming, the family began processing upscale natural foods in 1981. We pioneered the use of concentrated fruit juices instead of sugar and coined the term “fruit sweetened.” This led to the production of unique preserves and toppings that filled the niches shown above and brought nationwide attention from the media. Wax Orchards Fruit Sweet® and Pear Sweet™—natural fruit sweeteners—provide the basis for our entire product line. Our fruit-sweetened preserves and condiments contain only fruit. The result is unusually fresh, intense flavors as well as fiber on the nutrition label, unusual in preserves. The sugars on the nutrition label are the natural sugars in fruit, a complex blend. The American Diabetes Association featured Wax Orchards products in their “Gift of Hope” holiday catalogues for the eight years that they were printed. USA TODAY: “Delicious all-natural fruit butters, toppings, sauces ... luxuriously thick and fruity.” DALLAS TIMES HERALD: “A no-sugar fudge sure to fill our sweet dreams. Even joggers stop for this one, a hot fudge with no refined sugar in it.” 
03.03.08
WiFi on Fairfax
We’re close to getting all the bugs worked out in our new service here at Mäni’s. Watch for an announcement on the blog in the next few days.
If you’ve been using the WiFi during this development and have some feedback for us, please let us know. Happy Browsing.
02.01.08
On behalf of all our hard working, talented pastry chefs and our head pastry chef, Kristina Montaine, we’re extremely pleased to present this years most fabulous cakes, tarts, mousse and cookies… E V E R ! ! !
See for yourself:
 This year we’re also featuring individual truffles, handmade of course, 4 in a box: COCONUT, COCOA, CHERRY, AND PECAN
 Two kinds of chocolate dipped strawberries!
Either:
Organic white and dark chocolate (organic cane sugar)
And Of Course our famous barley malt sweetened chocolate
01.15.08
We will be installing a WiFi system so guests can log-on to the net and be connected while at Mäni’s. This will happen within the next few weeks. The service will require guests to obtain permissions from their server. Please be mindful that we cannot offer this service during peak times or when other guests are waiting for a table. We’ll be asking for your help in drafting these new policies to be able to offer you this FREE service. This would be a great time to offer suggestions, ask questions and be part of the process of making this exciting new service work for everyone. Join us and ask your friends their ideas on WiFi at Mäni’s on Fairfax. Just click on the comments hyperlink below and tell us what you think. Thanks! Larry
09.12.07
If you’re a long time Mäniac, you may remember those rich, decadent brownies.
Here’s a look:
 Brownies will be available before the end of September. If you’re reading this now, then you’ll also know that Kristina has just crafted a new cookie, also to be released shortly. Oatmeal-Granola anyone…?
09.06.07
Yesterday we promised it; today it’s here. Download your coupon for a free juice from Mani’s brand new juice bar! We are now serving fresh squeezed Valencia Orange, Apple and Carrot juices—all organic. For our loyal blog readers we’re offering you a free juice with any $5 purchase. The coupon is good through September 21. We look forward to seeing you at Mani’s and serving you a fresh glass of juice! Download your free juice coupon here.
08.01.07
Sometimes I like to share a wonderful product with everyone. This is one of those products.
Pomegranates have become quite popular and its juice produces high levels of polyphenols and ellagic acid which are protective antioxidants. Some say that its properties may be more powerful than green tea. Plus it tastes great. So all this good stuff and our juice bar won’t even be up and running for at least another week! August may be the month to make a special visit to Mäni’s on Fairfax. Our new menu will be out shortly, our new colors are gleaming, there’s new staff to meet and all those great products both in the restaurant and the bakery. So ENJOY and EAT WELL!
07.18.07
Loyal blog readers: you heard it here first…get a free slice of our NEW Wheat Free Lemon Poppyseed cake! Last week we introduced our latest new cake… a gluten-free Lemon Poppyseed Cake. Here’s the deal: Click on the link to download and print your coupon. Take it to Mani’s Bakery Cafe on Fairfax. Spend $10 or more in the bakery or cafe and get a free slice of Lemon Poppyseed Cake. OR Get $10 off any whole Lemon Poppyseed cake. Cake must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance of pickup. $10 Coupon for Lemon Poppyseed Cake
07.09.07
How about fresh organic Valencia oranges, squeezed to order! Or fresh pineapple juice, made when you order it. Or apples, pure and just crushed!
Yes, within two weeks our juice bar will be up and running. But we need your help. What are you favorite juices and vegetable drinks? Tell us and your first one is on us! That’s right.
Send us your suggestions now. Then check back at this site next week and download your coupon for a free juice drink. Just order anything and you can use your coupon for a free juice beverage. All details will be listed here next week. And best of all you’ll be able to have your favorite juices made to order right here at Mäni’s on Fairfax.
06.01.07
Pineapple Danish - Fruit Juice Sweetened
Now, only at Mäni’s Famous Bakery Cafe on Fairfax
05.30.07
Say goodbye to the ordinary carrot muffin. It’s history. Say hello to our newest muffin: The Morning Glory Muffin.
It’s made with fresh apples, carrots, raisins and pecans.
And…
It’s sweetened with Mäni’s famous fruit juice reduction. No sugar. And IT’S VEGAN
And most importantly, it’s delicious. But see for yourself. AND, for those of you who’ve read all the way through this entire story, just print this, and get two Morning Glory muffins for the price of one. Limit 2 free muffins per customer per day. But you can get up to 2 free each day starting tomorrow, Thursday May 31st, thru Wednesday June 6th 2007. Supplies are limited, we may run out, but we’ll be making a bunch fresh every day.
05.14.07
If you owned and operated Mäni’s Famous Bakery Cafe on Fairfax and you thought you had a star baker, young and enthusiastic, what would you do? Yes, you’re correct, that’s the situation I found myself in, so I said: “How would you like to take a course a California’s formost institution of higher learning for bakeries?” OMG! was the reply, so Joel is off to San Francisco Baking Institute
You see, I’m aware that I’m living vicariously through my amazing staff. That’s why we have so much fun here and do new things. Actually at this point we have more new products coming online than ever before in such a short period of time. But back to Joel. I think we have a win-win situation on our hands. He has a bakery to create and succeed in and Mäni’s has a new star, maybe even a super star. Joel is just back from the city by the bay and very anxious to put his new ideas into new products for YOU, and me too, since I love trying every single new product. It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it! Gee, am I the lucky one or what!
04.16.07
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are making a comeback. Little Indigo was turning the big 5, so we made something different for him. This is actually 24 mini chocolate cupcakes iced together like one big cake. At Mäni’s, we can help you design a fun cake for your child’s birthday party. A cake that looks as cool as any other, but without the sugar….something you will surely appreciate when you have dozens of little ones running around your house. Just call our Pastry Chef, Kristina, at 323.964.0840 ext. 19 and she will assist you in designing an awesome cake. Or email her at: kristinam [at] manisbakery.com Related Posts
Pastry Chef Joins Mani’s Bakery
Wedding Season is Around the Corner
02.08.07
Due to popular customer requests, this year we’ll have Valentine’s Day products starting on Friday February 9th! Most of our special items will be available, so why wait until next Wednesday? When you come by anytime between Friday and Valentine’s Day, you’ll be pleased to find these tasty new items.
Many our of our special items are designed for two servings, but who says you can’t buy one, eat half and save the other half for the next day? FYI, the 4” sweetheart cakes may become a new standard item, if you really like them. Imagine a mini cake for one or two for only 14 bucks? In chocolate with chocolate truffle cream, a fruit juice sweetend raspberry forever cake or a vegan carrot raisin cake. So let’s hear from you. Now’s your chance. We need your input. Thanks!
12.18.06
 We created 3 different holiday cookies to help you celebrate the holidays. Mäni’s created a Christmas Tree, a Dradle, and a Star of David. Each are made with our organic maple sugar sweetened butter cookies. Then we add our awesome chocolate truffle cream, and you have this amazing cookie that is sweetened with fruit Juice Reduction and Barley Malt. They are really delicious. 
Remember Mäni’s hours over the holidays: Christmas Eve:
Bakery 7AM – 4PM
Cafe 8AM – 3PM Christmas Day:
Closed Day after Christmas
Bakery & Cafe 9AM – 10PM
11.21.06
Have a favorite soup? Check out the new menu available through December 4. In particular don’t miss our NEW Chunky Vegetable W/Tofu, served on Sundays. Monday: Chicken Noodle
Ingredients: Chicken broth, Chicken Breast, Onions, Carrots, Celery, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Chives, Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Egg Noodles. Tuesday: Zucchini & Spinach Bisque
Ingredients: Vegetable Stock, Celery, Onions, Zucchini, Spinach, Garlic, Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Cashew Cream. Wednesday: Butternut Bisque
Ingredients: Vegetable Sock, Onions, Celery, Butternut Squash, Garnet Yams, Sea Salt, Anis, Cinnamon, Soy Milk. Thursday: Sweet Yam
Ingredients: Vegetable stock, Garnet yams, onions, potatoes, celery, sea salt, nutmeg, soy milk. Friday: TOMATO LENTIL
Ingredients: Vegetable stock, Green lentils, Cilantro, Celery, Cauliflower, Zucchini, Onions, Tomatoes, Garlic, Canola oil, Sea, Salt, Black pepper. Saturday: JULIO’S ENCHILADA SOUP
Ingredients: Vegetable Sock, Canola Oil, Garlic, Pinto Beans, Onions, Kalamata Olives, Peeled Tomatoes, Organic Yellow Corn Tortillas, Enchilada Sauce, Cilantro, Sea Salt Black pepper. Sunday: Chunky Vegetable W/Tofu ( NEW )
Ingredients: vegetable stock, onions, carrots, celery, Zucchini, Spinach, Tomatoes, yellow corn, green cabbage, tofu, thyme, sage, oregano, sea salt, garlic, tamari.
11.02.06
 It is funny the things that remind me of my Gramma. Today, I was biting into the NEW Chicken Salad Veronique sandwich on our delicious 9 grain bread and she popped into my mind. The picture was crystal clear. It happened every holiday growing up.
All holiday dinners were hosted at our house. And every holiday my Gramma would call to ask my mom what she could bring. Every time my mom would tell her not to bother bringing anything. And every single holiday my Gramma would show up with a salad. Well, guess what the Chicken Salad Veronique reminds me of? That’s right, my Gramma’s salad. In the picture above it is served on our 9 grain bread with a side of our Vegetarian Chili. Here are the details: NEW! CHICKEN SALAD VERONIQUE Chicken salad made with pulled chicken breast, green grapes, roasted almonds, celery, chives & mayonnaise. What reminds you of your grandparents?
11.01.06
 Take a look at this new Autumn Chop Salad that Chef Jose created. Yes, it is as good as it looks. He had quite a task ahead of him since this salad was replacing a very popular summer salad. I have heard nothing but compliments from customers who have tasted this item. They love the new fennel vinaigrette. Remember you can always replace the chicken with tofu on any or our salads.
AUTUMN CHOP SALAD
Grilled chicken breast over chopped carrots, cucumbers, scallions, fennel, butternut squash & red beets tossed with french lentils & long grain brown rice, on a bed of green kale. Served with a fennel vinaigrette.
10.31.06
 We heard you loud and clear! You spoke and we listened. Here it is back on the menu. The Red Beet Salad is back and we even improved it. RED BEET SALAD: Marinated chicken breast, red beets marinated in balsamic vinegar, with goat cheese croutons. Served on bed of baby arugula with tropical fruit kiwi, mango & pineapple.
10.14.06
 That must be why it is on our Mani’s Smart & Simple - 400 Calorie Menu (Balanced Meals for Balanced Living) menu. GARDEN PATCH: Warmed pita with roasted turkey breast, tomatoes, cucumbers & sprouts, topped with turkey bacon bits & ranch dressing.
10.13.06
 Can I tell you the truth? I got so excited about this new BBQ Chicken Ranch wrap that I just picked up half and started eating. Then I realized I was supposed to be taking pictures… Please imagine the other half sitting on the plate with this half. Oh, by the way, my excitement was valid. This wrap will keep you coming back.
BBQ CHICKEN RANCH WRAP: Marinated chicken breast with a light organic barbeque sauce, house made ranch dressing, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, lettuce & tomato. What have you tried on our new menu? Or what are you looking forward to trying? Let us know your thoughts in the comment area below.
10.12.06
 Check this out! Chef Jose has created an awesome new pita that is the perfect comfort food for a cool fall meal. Curl up and enjoy this warmed whole wheat pita bread filled with curly carrots, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, turkey bacon, cucumbers, green onions & our ranch dressing.
Are you vegan? Then ask for the veggie bacon and the vegan ranch dressing! Yes, you read that correctly, Chef Jose created an absolutely amazing vegan ranch dressing. I couldn’t even tell it was dairy free. It is kind of like the vegan soups he creates which change every two weeks. Isn’t he awesome?
10.10.06
Chef Jose and his talented staff are whipping up the tastiest menu ever. Stop by anytime for breakfast, lunch, dinner or late night snack and choose any of our popular menu items or select one of our featured new creations. 
During lunch the team works pumping out customers’ favorites, and new items of our expanded 400 calorie selections, now referred to as Mäni’s Smart & Simple - 400 Calorie Menu. There’s something for everyone, either on our regular breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, or our new Smart 7 Simple menu.
Here’s our new No-Stada… Yummm! It’s a baked corn torilla, stacked with black bean hummus, mango and black bean salad, jalpeno peppers (not overpowing at all), lettuce, tomato, and feta cheese. Amazing and only 400 little calories!
Ask for our Smart & Simple menu
C ya all soon at Mäni’s on Fairfax
10.01.06
 NEW! BALI WRAP
Spicy marinated chicken breast with brown rice, peanut sauce, steamed veggies, & mixed greens, in a whole wheat wrap.
If you like peanut sauce you are going to love this wrap! Any thoughts? Can I hear a cheer?
07.11.06
 Mäni’s is proud to support the Los Angeles Free Clinic by participating in the Ninth Annual Extravaganza For The Senses, it’s annual fund raiser. Mäni’s will be one of 30 restaurants and nearly 100 wineries donating their products and services for this wonderful evening. Click here to purchase tickets and more info on the event. Help support our community and have fun by joining Mäni’s at:
20th Century Fox Studios Lot in Century City
Saturday, July 15, 2006
6-10 pm VIP | 7-10 pm General
Mäni’s on Fairfax would like to thank all the supporters of The Los Angeles Free Clinic including it’s hard working board of directors and especially Jonathan Chu from Buddha’s Belly. Jonathan invited Mäni’s to participate while some of us Mäniacs were enjoying a wonderful dinner at Buddha’s Belly. I’ll be there, as well as Carl, Doug, Sergio, Chef Jose, & Amanda. Come to our table for some great salads, our Our Signature Turkey Chili,some wraps, including our new 400 Calorie menu item, ‘The New Mayan’ and of course our famous desserts!  If you haven’t tried our new lemon cake it will be included in the price of admission! But get to our table early before all 2000 servings are gone!!
06.22.06
 Earlier this week we did tasting and training sessions for the new “It’s All About Summer” menu. The Mäni’s team members tasted and learned about every new item. So, please ask them for their thoughts and opinions during your next visit. Everyone is excited and ready to share.
Here is a summary of what is new on the menu: 3 new delicious summer salads, a Breakfast Parfait, a new Lemon cake, and 2 scrumptious cold soups. Here is a summary of what is in the brand new 400 Calorie menu: 2 tasty omelets, 2 amazing scrambles, 2 yummy wraps, and a pita. And finally there are 3 new “It’s All About Summer” drinks: Watermelon Juice, Mint Lemonade, and a Pro Green Shake. (The shake is also a part of the 400 Calorie Menu.) A funny thing happened when the tasting with the team members was over each day. The way it works is that our incredible Chef Jose puts together a plate of each new item in order for the team members to see the presentation. Then he creates mini-portions for each of the team members to taste. It is an awesome way to taste a lot of food and not get too full. It was comical to witness what occurred when the tasting was complete. The team members liked the new items so much that as soon as we were done they rushed the table at the front and immediately started snatching up the preview plates (the full portions of the food we were tasting) to eat them. It was quite a mob scene. Here is the embarrassing part of this story. I was right there with them. And the item I was reaching for was the new Breakfast Parfait. This item is amazing, refreshing, and filled with incredible tastes. Here is how it is presented: 
Breakfast Parfait
Healthy and stunning breakfast with vanilla yogurt, carrot-orange reduction sauce, our famous homemade granola, fresh peach, fresh cherries, and banana.
Make sure that you try this next time you are in. If for some strange reason it doesn’t meet your expectations, let us know and we won’t hesitate to replace it with something else. As you taste the new “It’s All About Summer” items, please log on and share your experience with the rest of the readers of this blog.
06.21.06
We’ve spent the first part of this week training and preparing to bring you new delicious and fun foods to enjoy this summer. 
And I must say we had a pretty good time preparing for it! Here we are training on the menu changes, new items, tasting and discussing… Here is a summary of what is new on the menu: 3 new delicious summer salads, a Breakfast Parfait, a new Lemon cake, and 2 scrumptious cold soups. Here is a summary of what is in the brand new 400 Calorie menu: 2 tasty omelets, 2 amazing scrambles, 2 yummy wraps, and a pita. And finally there are 3 new “It’s All About Summer” drinks: Watermelon Juice, Mint Lemonade, and a Pro Green Shake. (The shake is also a part of the 400 Calorie Menu.)
06.20.06
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Garrett Cooke, Nutrition & Fitness Consultant
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When we first opened on Fairfax in 1990, some were surprised about the flavors and textures of our products and many found it refreshing to find such tastes also good for you, made with wholesome ingredients including organically grown wheat flours. Then in 2000,we became not only a bakery but a restaurant as well, offering even more food that tastes great and healthier than food and baked goods at traditional restaurants and bakeries. We’ve spent the last few days training many of our 35 staff in our new summer menu. Tomorrow, the first day of summer, we launch into our summer menus packed with fresh, wholesome, refreshing soups, salads, sandwiches, appetizers and breakfast and drinks with organically grown fruits and vegetables that taste amazing! But don’t take my opinion, come in and try it yourself. We’re also offering a brand new menu, which is balanced between the three macronutrients; carbs, lipids and protein. We carefully designed this menu to give you a 400 calorie option, based on eating 4 to 5 meals and snacks a day. Many of these items are based on selections from our regular menu, so you’ll find similar great flavors and ingredients like our marinated chicken, breakfast scrambles and select salads. The menu has been a collaboration between our fitness and nutrition consultant, Garrett Cooke and our Chef Jose Aramayo.
We look forward to spending the next three months of summer serving you from these special summer selections. On behalf of all our staff at Mani’s on Fairfax, we wish you a wonderful summer. Enjoy!
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