So, I guess my sweet tooth is very apparent with my most recent blog posts! Cincinnati is full of so many fantastic sweets, you can’t blame me.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sharon Butler, one of the founders of the iconic BonBonerie Caféin the heart of O’bryonville . After a long visit full of fun conversation, a tour and samples, I’m more in love with this adorable spot than I was before! BonBonerie is an iconic bakery where you go to buy a beautiful pastry, and you leave with a pretty pink box with a doily placed at the bottom. Sharon said a cookie or a cupcake shows joy in a day or a time in someone’s life, so it should taste great and look beautiful.

Lucky for us they have a menufull of wonderful breakfast and lunch meals, so you can clean your plate and earn a treat at the end!

After being in business for 35 years, they keep evolving; however, they keep the quaint neighborhood vibe that makes it a place you want to keep coming visiting. Sharon and her business partner, Mary Pat Pace, actually started in Walnut Hills next to St. Ursula in 1983, in a little pastry-making space that was shared with a chef. At that time, they just sold to restaurants. After four years, they decided to get their own space so they moved to Madison Road…a hard to find spot on a little one-way street facing a small back parking lot. At that point, they decided to make more than fancy cakes. They had a young British guy who suggested they make breakfast scones. They had never heard of them at the time, but it eventually became the item they were known for.

They then added the adorable tearoom in the back. As space became available, they added on, bringing the main café to the street. Sharon loves the idea that you can sit in the window and watch the city bustle outside while enjoying a wonderful breakfast or lunch.

With a new, bigger tearoom available for events and parties, still decorated with old tea pots and eclectic tables, Sharon says it has been an organic growth that all seemed to fall in place over the years. As it all transitioned, it always felt like the right time.

Because of the new space on the side of the café, they’re able to host more events. They have sell-out character teas with Disney characters. They also have fun, adult cupcakes & cocktail events, cookie making parties and more. Click herefor the calendar of upcoming events. You can enjoy an afternoon tea in either the café or the Tea Room with 24- hour notice. Grab an awesome meal in the café anytime of day, or just drop in and grab a coffee to-go (although you’ll have a hard time not grabbing a treat).

Cool Spotlight!

I know you know the book Goodnight Moon. Well, there was an unpublished book by the author Margaret Wise Brown that was brought to life by best selling local illustrator Loren Long, Good Day, Good Night.  The cool connection is his love for the BonBoneri is highlighted in the book as a little bakery called “Bonbunnyrie”! It is precious and you can pick up a copy in the bakery.

Things to know:

•2030 Madison Rd.

Bakery Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30am -5:30pm, Saturday 8:00am-4:00pm, closed Sunday (Sharon says every space needs a quiet time…love this)

•Café Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:30pm, Saturday 8:00am-5:30pm, Closed Sunday, except for private parties

•They have an extensive tea collection with high teas offered for adult and children… for small and large parties.

•The bakery can be accessed from the back parking lot or you can go through the front of the building. They also sell sweet treats in the café that you can take home

•They take orders for custom cookies and cakes, and they do amazing wedding cakes!

•Thank you, Sharon for the fantastic conversation and wonderful stories. It was a delight to spend time with you!

•Thank you as always for the awesome photography Amy Elisabeth Spasoff!