MÄNI'S BLOG CAFÉ
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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.” 
02.11.08
Tune in this Thursday, February 14th to see Mani’s vegan wedding cakes featured in a KTLA TV, channel 5 news segment about green weddings! Our fabulous pastry chef Kristina Montaine was interviewed about how she has perfected our vegan cakes and why it is something everyone should try. We were told that the story will be airing a few times throughout the day so we hope you catch it!
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
12.20.07
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Get a Mani’s Card in any amount
from $5 to $500.
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What do you get the Mani’s lover on your list? Easy! A Mani’s Card. You choose the amount and we put it together for you. You give it to your friends, colleagues, boss, and loved ones. It’s easy and the recipient of your thoughtful gift will love you for it! Best of all, what you’re giving is “good and good for you” (and your recipient!). Call now to purchase and pick it up at your convenience any time before Monday, December 24 at 3:00 p.m. 323-938-8800 Remember, we now have free parking in the lot behind Mani’s so it’s easier than ever to run and and run out to pick up your gifts. Happy Holidays and all the best for 2008!
Posted by Larry Maiman in
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12.01.07
Our holiday gifts will be available to order starting Tuesday, December 5, 2007
You’ll be able to specify an amount to spend, which will determine the size and approximately how many people it will serve.
Or you can select which mini products from our list you’d like. Our cool assortments start at $50 and include 4 of the following mini Mäni’s products in a clear ribboned cellophane bag:
Choose from:
-chocolate chip cookies
-peanut butter cookies
-snickerdoodles
-triple chocolate brownie bites or walnut brownie bites
-macaroons
-chocolate dipped almond shortbread
-cherry almond scones
-cranberry walnut scones
-raisin scones
-raisin barley scones
-blueberry coffee cake
-apple spice cake
-breakfast loaf - pumpkin cranberry or morning glory
-granola 12 oz bag
-assorted chocolate truffles Other sizes available:
$60
$75
$85
$100
$110
$120
$135
$150 Questions: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 323 938-8800
11.09.07
Some of you may have noticed the absence of one of our most popular vegan cakes from our pastry case.
The Caramelized Apple Cake has been missing for a couple of weeks and we wanted to let you know why. As happens from time to time in the natural foods business, the soy cream cheese used for the frosting and filling has been discontinued by the company.
There aren’t many choices for a non-hydrogenated, sugar free, and vegan cream cheese substitute out there, but we are searching high and low.
We are confident we will find one that will live up to our high standards and make the Caramelized Apple Cake even better than before. In the mean time, you can still enjoy our famous Carrot Raisin Cake.
And if you haven’t yet tried our amazing, vegan German Chocolate Cake, we can highly recommend it. We will keep you posted on the status of the Caramelized Apple Cake, and we apologize for the inconvenience.
It will be back!
10.18.07
We are very aware that many of you out there are patiently awaiting the return of Mäni’s Famous Pumpkin Yam Pies.
Well, the holidays are around the corner and we’re bringing it back just in time.
Our amazing Pumpkin Yam Pies are wheat-free, vegan, and fruit juice sweetened making them a very healthy alternative to the usual sugary holiday treats. Every year we sell hundreds of these pies. So if you need to order one for your holiday table, make sure to get your order in early. If pumpkin is not your thing, we have Pecan, Antique Cherry, and Apple Maple Streusel pies too.
All of our pies feature our new and improved organic wheat-free pie crust, and most are vegan (the Pecan pie contains eggs). So come on in to Mäni’s on Fairfax for a slice of pie, or order a whole one for your next holiday gathering.
10.16.07
As many of you know I wrote a story entitled: Organic Sugar OR Fruit Juice Sweeetened Desserts…Or Both? a few weeks ago.
Lots of you commented on the story, actually there were 44 comments posted!
And it’s important you know what all your input means to us. First we are assured that our customers enjoy our desserts made with alternative sweeteners as much as ever. Then we see that people like choices, and we have choices, as we mentioned previously, many choices in sweeteners and products. So we will continue to offer quality products made with several different sweeteners, like we’ve been doing for years and years. 18 of them to be exact. Thanks for all your input. And in case you haven’t tried everything we make yet, please ask for a sample tasting of any product we have in our bakery cases. Or even the soup of the day for that matter!
09.13.07
The wait is finally over. Our Very Berry and Apple Maple Streusel pies are back and better than ever. 
Several months ago, we removed most of our pies while we worked on developing a pie crust worthy of Mäni’s.
Our hard work has paid off. The new crust is tender and flaky. It is also wheat-free and vegan!
The Very Berry Pie is aptly named. It has peaches, blackberries, cherries, and strawberries making it sweet, tangy and delicious. The Apple Maple Streusel Pie is full of tangy Granny Smith apples and piled high with a maple pecan streusel.
Both of these pies are sweetened with our wonderful fruit juice reduction making them “Good and Good For You”.
Check back tomorrow to get your coupon for a free slice. We know you’ll agree, it was worth the wait.
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…?
08.17.07
But Barbie here is Mänized. No refined sugar.
She’s sweetened with fruit juice reduction. And made of Chocolate Fortress Cake with a custom dairy-free frosting. We added bananas because that’s what her sponsor wanted. To see the back of her fab dress, read on 
Sure must be difficult to make the first cut into that cake!
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!
07.09.07
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.
05.18.07
A few of our baked goods contain organic evaporated cane juice, but what is it? Evaporated cane juice is the dried or crystallized, unrefined juice of sugar cane and a healthy alternative to refined sugar.
While both evaporated cane juice and sugar are made from sugar cane, evaporated cane juice does not undergo the same degree of processing that refined sugar does. Therefore, it retains more of the nutrients found in sugar cane.
Compared with refined sugars which are about 99.9% pure, evaporated cane juice is about 96% sucrose and 4% minerals. In an amazing demonstration of the power of nutrition, studies have shown that, in comparison with white sugar, this scant 4% difference actually does slow down blood sugar changes at a statistically significant level.
So, if you must have your fix of our Strawberry Forever Cake, go ahead. Know that we, at Mäni’s, are looking out for you by providing you healthier, more nutritious, and delicious cakes, cookies, and pastries.
05.15.07
Still handcrafted, made with fresh lime and fresh mint, ice and lemonade. Cold & refreshing. Because you asked for it back, you got it.
04.17.07
We’ve been lax in getting the soup menus up on the blog. But, we’re still serving fabulous soups, courtesy of Chef Jose. Here’s the menu through April 22. Monday: Chicken Noodle
Ingredients: Chicken broth, Chicken Breast, Onions, Carrots, Celery, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Chives, Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Egg Noodles. Tuesday: Tomato Basil
Ingredients: Vegetable Stock, Potatoes, Basil, Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Onions ,Garlic, Sea Salt, Black pepper, Oregano. Wednesday: Quinoa & Vegetable (New)
Ingredients: Vegetable Stock, Canola Oil, Tomatoes, Carrots, Carrots, Celery, Onions, Yellow Corn, Quinoa, Sea Salt, Cumin, Black Pepper. Thursday: Cream of Asparagus
Ingredients: Vegetable Stock, Canola Oil, Asparagus, Celery, Yellow Onions, Spinach, Sea Salt, Tamari, Soy milk. Friday: Pasta Fagioli (NEW)
Ingredients: Vegetable Stock, Tomato, Yellow Onions, Celery, Basil, Parsley, Garlic, Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Olive Oil, Vegan Penne Pasta. Saturday: Chunky Vegetable (NEW)
Ingredients: Vegetable Stock, Yellow Onions, Carrots, Celery, Zucchini, Spinach, Tomatoes, Green Cabbage, Tofu, Thyme, Oregano, Sea Salt, Garlic, Cumin, Tamari. Sunday: Black Bean
Ingredients: Vegetable Stock, Canola Oil, Tomatoes, Black Beans, Carrots, Celery, onions, Garlic, Cumin, Cayenne Pepper, Oregano, Jalapeño Pepper, Chili Powder, Paprika, Cilantro.
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
10.26.06
 This item is awesome. It is called the Garden Patch and it is on the Smart and Simple 400 Calorie menu. Larry turned to me yesterday and said, “I should probably order something else, but I really want the Garden Patch again.” Then later in the day, I was taking a bite of my very own Garden Patch at my desk when Cassie laughed out loud. I turned to see what was so funny. She said, “You want to hear something funny. You, Larry, and I all ate the Garden Patch for lunch today.” Warmed pita with roasted turkey breast, tomatoes, cucumbers & sprouts, topped with turkey bacon bits & ranch dressing.
As I was walking out last night with a quart of Minestrone Soup for my 3 year old son who is home sick, Cassie looks at me and says, “Guess what I just ordered to take home for dinner?”
09.11.06
After weeks of a shortage of Almondmeal, the finely ground nut has finally returned! We’re not quite sure where all the almonds went during the almost two weeks when no one could get us almondmeal. So, thanks for being so patient. We look forward to our shortbread cravers coming back. See you soon.
08.08.06
Have you tried any of the 400 Calorie Menu items we introduced in June? We’d love to get your feedback! What’s your favorite item? Has the introduction of these healthy meals changed the way you think about portion size? Do you find the portions satisfactory? Is there anything you’d like to see changed or added to the menu?
Your feedback is important to us. Please click on the Comments link below to share your experience, ideas and feedback with us.
01.09.06
I grew up, or at least from the age of 10, in a small town in Pennsylvania. Having lived in Austin, TX, Laramie, WY, and then State College, PA, it was a huge change of pace, scenery and lifestyle. My mother had grown up in State College, around the same age as me, and then moved away, at the same age I moved away. So we shared alot of childhood experiences. One of them being our once or twice monthly trips to Way Fruit Farm. It’s about a half hour ride into the country, on a curvy road with a few hills that make your stomach drop when you went over the crest. Year round there are apples. Seasonally, they have everything else you can imagine. We would comb the fields in June to pick strawberries. Get cider in the fall. And every visit, I would look through the jams, and fruit butters, and when i needed it, I would always settle on the Apple Butter.  Looking back, its funny that I always picked the jams and spreads that didn’t have sugar, but relied purely on the sweetness of fruit. I never thought at the time, how that inclination would become so important in my life, now that I am at Mäni’s.
 I have a great appreciation for small businesses, and the passion they put into their products. And because it was part of my childhood, I think highly of them. This Apple Butter is perfect. It isn’t too sweet, and it is amazing on any toast. I am sure there are dozens of ways you could use it. You can find the Apple Butter on our shelves, next to a few other fruit butters and our Maplized Granola. Maybe you can share your own ideas with us!
12.08.05
Well... it's that time again. It's hard to believe another Spring, Summer and Fall have come and gone already. We say that every single year at this time and still, the next Holiday Season comes even faster. Recently, one of our customers said we should name the Holiday Seasons like we do Hurricanes. The Holidays, like the blizzards that accompany them in certain parts, are like giant storms that take on a life of their own -some years they hit us hard and some years we get lucky and sail right on through. In fact, some people do evacuate to "safer" ground, but for those of us who don't have time to leave it's a good idea to stay close to family and friends. Think of our neighbors... we're all in this together after all, and they may need some assistance! Of course, to be fully prepared, you need to stock up on food and drink!!! So, in the spirit of helping our fellow man, Mäni's wants to be a part of the solution... and since we can't offer you cheaper gas prices, we thought Gift Boxes would be the way to go! This year Mäni's is offering...
click to continue reading 
11.21.05
Final order reminder... Thanksgiving is just 3 days away. It's time to get your order in for your Thanksgiving pies and
other holiday treats. ================================
All orders must be placed by 12:00 p.m. (noon) the
day before you want to pick up. That means final
order for Thanksgiving Day pick up must be in by
Wednesday at 12:00 p.m.
================================ This year's selection of Thanksgiving Pies includes: Antique Cherry (Vegan)
Apple Blueberry (Vegan)
Apple Maple Streusel (Vegan)
Apple (Wheat Free),
Very Berry Crumble (Vegan)
Peach (Vegan)
Peach Cranberry (Vegan, Wheat Free)
Pecan
Vegan Pecan (Wheat Free),
Pumpkin Yam (Vegan)
Wheat Free Pumpkin Yam (Vegan) Pre-order pies for any special occasion this holiday season. With Thanksgiving coming up, you don't want to arrive without a pie or another delicious dessert. So give us a call, or email the following information to us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address): 1. Your name
2. Your phone number
3. What kind of pie you want
4. Which day you want to pick up your pie, and we'll confirm your pie order If you would like to order other bakery products like cakes, cookies, cheesecakes or whatever hits the spot, please give us a call at (323) 938-8800. New items this year include Chewy Ginger Snap,
Pumpkin Cheesecake, and Zucchini Yam Muffins and Loaves! Just remember, your order must be placed by 12 noon on the day before you pick it up.
11.16.05
ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS WITH DELICIOUS PIES FROM MÄNI'S This year's selection includes: Antique Cherry (Vegan), Apple Blueberry (Vegan), Apple Maple Streusel (Vegan), Apple (Wheat Free), Very Berry Crumble (Vegan), Peach (Vegan), Peach Cranberry (Vegan, Wheat Free), Pecan, Vegan Pecan (Wheat Free), Pumpkin Yam (Vegan), Wheat Free Pumpkin Yam (Vegan) Pre-order pies for any special occasion this holiday season. With Thanksgiving coming up, you don't want to arrive without a pie or another delicious dessert. So give us a call, or email the following information to us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address): - Your name
- Your phone number
- What kind of pie you want
- Which day you want to pick up your pie, and we'll confirm your pie order
If you would like to order other bakery products like cakes, cookies, cheesecakes or whatever hits the spot, please give us a call at (323) 938-8800. New items this year include Chewy Ginger Snap, Pumpkin Cheesecake, and Zucchini Yam Muffins and Loaves! Just remember, your order must be placed by 12 noon on the day before you pick it up.
10.19.05
I have a subscription to RealAge. Often they have some good health info. So I couldn't help but passing this along, since it's about the great healthy properties in pumpkin! It's actually good for our joints, check it out at their daily tip of the day. Love those pumpkins! Larry
08.26.05
It's the end of summer, a time when fresh fruit is abundant in the Golden State. Our tarts, made with the freshest summer fruits resting on a light custard, is sweetened with our famous Fruit Juice Reduction. No sugar in this one. So come by and indulge in a summer treat. Due to the nature of the fresh fruit, we cannot guarantee we're not sold out, but you can check us out, or if you'd like a quantity held for you, place a special order and we'll have them for you when you want them. But remember this is only a limited end of summer special.
08.07.05
Since we track our 45 team members' birthdays, we like to sing them a happy birthday and light a chocolate truffle cupcake to celebrate their special day. Then I was thinking, since we're getting pretty good at singing staff birthday greetings, why not sing a bit to our guests as well? So whether you're meeting friends at Mäni's on Fairfax for a birthday treat, or just there on your birthday, let us know, privately, quietly or however and we'll be happy to be happy with you on your birthday. And if you're lucky, you may hear one or even two of our professional opera singers belt out some notes on your special day. If you'd like to pre-order a birthday cake for someone special or yourself, let us know. Whether you like to celebrate anonymously, or if you'd like us to sing to you or your guest, we're into it! Larry
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