by Cinottis Bakery | Jul 12, 2018 | Sandwich Shop
National Hot Dog Day!
July 18th is National Hot Dog Day and we’ve got a hot deal for you.
For this one day, our hot dogs will be Buy One Get One free. That’s right, two hot dogs for the price of one! And, just because it’s National Hot Dog Day, we’re not skimping on the size either. We’re giving away the same 4-ounce, all beef hot dogs you get in our sandwich shop all year long.
We do have a slight twist though.
While we won’t be skimping on the size, we will ADD a wide selection of toppings. We’ll also be baking up fresh buns in a variety of flavors.
On July 18th only, you can get any of our hot dogs with any toppings for this incredible deal.
National Hot Dog Day Options
Aside from our basic hot dog, in honor of this All-American holiday, we’ll be offering four premium hot dog combinations. We’ll have Chili Cheese Dogs– everyone’s favorite. A Slaw Dog– the Southern classic. A Chicago Dog and a Reuben Dog.
The only trouble will be deciding which one to try first.
Basic Hot Dog
There’s nothing basic about these dogs. We use Thumann’s 4-ounce all beef hot dogs. There are no fillers or by-products so you can be sure you’re getting the very best. We only use bread baked fresh every morning in our bakery. With fresh bread and the best quality all beef hot dog, you know you’re getting the good stuff in every bite.
Our Basic hot dog toppings include:
Mayonnaise, Mustard, Ketchup, Relish, Chopped Onions, & Cheese.
Of course, you can add other toppings too.
Chili Cheese Dog
On your choice of any of our freshly baked buns, we’ll pile our homemade chili over two slices of American cheese. Add onions if you’d like, we’ve got those too.
Want more chili?
Add a side of chili cheese fries to your order. Just be sure to grab a cold drink or an iced cookie to cool your taste buds.
You can also check out this video on how to eat a chili dog while you wait.
Slaw Dog
With the popularity of coleslaw and hot dogs, there are very few Southerners who don’t know about the Slaw Dog. Served on your choice of bun, we’ll pile our sweet slaw onto the all-beef dog. And, you can add any of the basic toppings you’d like at no extra charge.
Grab a Hummingbird Cupcake to top off this truly southern delight.
Chef Salad
With a balanced blend of romaine lettuce and spring mix, our chef salad is full of nutrients. Fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and carrots increase the health factor as well. And with the addition of ham and turkey rolls as well as protein rich boiled eggs, this salad will keep you full for a while.
If you’re in the mood for grilled or fried chicken on your salad, we’re happy to swap out the proteins. Top this one off with one of our many dressing choices to create daily salads you’ll actually like to eat at every meal.
Chicago Dog
Our version of a Chicago style dog will be pretty close to the original. On a poppy seed bun, we’ll top these dogs with mustard, chopped onions, tomato slices and pickle spears.
And don’t worry, we’ll layer them just right so you taste every element in each bite.
Hot Dog! What a Day
As American as baseball and apple pie, hot dogs are Summer’s signature meal. Americans consume more than one million hot dogs on July 4th alone. So, it’s only fitting that the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council dubbed the third Wednesday in July National Hot Dog Day.
While we’re not sure everyone will eat a hot dog every day this month, perhaps you could consider enjoying the iconic summer sandwich on National Hot Dog Day.
Whether you spread your condiments on your bun or squirt them directly on your dog, we’re ready to celebrate with you.
Swing in all day on July 18th to share in this All-American holiday.
Cinotti’s Bakery & Sandwich Shop
by Cinottis Bakery | Jul 5, 2018 | Bakery
Summer has arrived in full force. Can you feel it? We sure can. But, nothing beats the hot Florida heat better than our refreshing Key Lime Donuts. We’ve brought our summer signature flavor back for a few short months and this year, they’re better than ever.
We’ve spent the last nine months waiting for the perfect day to release our Key Lime Donuts. And, we’re happy to announce, we’re ready. Starting Friday, July 6th we’ll be creating our Key Lime Donuts for everyone.
Did you know there are a ton of health benefits from key lime juice? For sure. From fighting infections, rejuvenating skin, and easing digestion, key lime juice works wonders.
So, it’s easy to see why we would put it in a donut…right?
As unbeneficial to health as a donut may be, the emotional effects of eating these sweet summery treats far outweighs anything bad. Take a few for yourself or take more and spread the love. Because cheering someone up with a Cinotti’s treat is never a bad idea.
And, besides, our Key Lime Donuts are only here for a short time. So, they won’t affect your diet too much…will they?
Made with real key lime juice and a blend of our own signature concoctions, our Key Lime Donuts are made on site from scratch every morning. We work tirelessly to create the signature flavor you’ve come to love. And, we’ve been told these Key Lime Donuts cause a Jimmy Buffet song to automatically play in people’s heads as they eat them.
You can get our Key Lime Donuts starting Friday, July 6th at 6 a.m.
If you’re not able to stop by Friday, don’t worry too much. We’ll be serving our delightfully refreshing (and somewhat healthy) Key Lime Donuts until September 28th.
Order ahead or swing in a get a couple dozen. Bring the spirit of summer everywhere you go with a box of Key Lime Donuts from Cinotti’s.
Cinotti’s Bakery & Sandwich Shop
by Cinottis Bakery | Jun 29, 2018 | Bakery
4th of July Celebrations for the Whole Family
Most of our customers know the deep love we have for our beloved nation. This 4th of July, we will be closed a few extra days to allow our entire staff to enjoy America and all her beauty. And, while our hometown favorites won’t be available for your 4th of July celebrations, we do have a list of places and items you may find helpful.
The Jacksonville Zoo and gardens is offering special priced tickets through July 8th. Take the entire family on the 4th of July! And, don’t forget to feed the giraffes.
For indoor activities check out the Museum of Science and History downtown. MOSH is honoring America with half price admission tickets. Spend the day in the planetarium or admiring the collection of artifacts from the Roman empire.
For a bit of action, head to Adventure Landing in Jacksonville Beach. They’re offering an amazing deal for the 4th of July. For only $40, you can have all the fun you want for 3 hours.
Once you’ve had your fun around town, be sure to check out the local foods. These are a few of our recommendations.
Culhane’s Irish Pub offers a taste of Ireland right here in Atlantic Beach. Don’t forget to try the pretzels!
SunDeli has been a staple in Jacksonville Beach for over 15 years. Serving Boar’s Head meat on fresh bread will certainly keep the crowds coming. We recommend Bab’s Best.
Engine 15, in Jacksonville Beach serves food everyone will love. Try the flatbreads, they’re delicious.
Angies & GROM are both well-known food establishments in Jacksonville Beach. We recommend any of their subs.
Salt Life Food Shack in Jacksonville Beach has some of the best desserts in town. Try their Hot Blonde or their Drunkin Sailor. You won’t be disappointed.
After exploring Jacksonville and eating your weight in local food, make your way back out to the beach. Spread out a blanket and watch the fireworks light up the sky.
Fireworks displays:
Jacksonville Beach: 9pm
Mayport Naval Station: 9pm
Downtown Jacksonville: 9:45
No matter where you celebrate our Nation’s birthday, we hope you have fun and stay safe. If you’re at the beach or park, remember to clean up after yourself and fill any holes.
We wish you all a very happy and safe 4th of July. As always, we’re thankful to those who have served and continue to serve our great nation. To the men and women in uniform, police, fire, and rescue workers keeping our borders and streets safe this night and every night, we thank you.
Happy 4th of July everyone.
Cinotti’s Bakery & Sandwich Shop
by Cinottis Bakery | May 25, 2018 | Bakery
Memorial Day: A Day for Remebrance
This time of year, television commercials abound with ‘Memorial Day’ deals on furniture, cars, and mattresses. And, while it’s not a bad idea to save a few dollars, Memorial Day is about remembering our fallen heroes.
It’s about taking a few moments of our privileged day to be grateful to the men and women who died for our freedom.
Often, Memorial Day is confused with Veteran’s Day. It’s certainly understandable as both honor military heroes. However, Memorial Day is a day to remember our fallen. Those who placed their lives on the line for us. Those who we have to thank for our continued security and freedom.
Memorial Day originally started as a day honoring those killed during the Civil War. It wasn’t until after World War 1 that ALL states of the Union accepted it as a National day of remembrance.
Moina Michael read the poem “Flanders Field” by Colonel John McCrae. The poem tells of fallen soldiers who live on through the field of poppies. Moina wrote her own poem, “We Shall Keep the Faith” and was also inspired to where a poppy of her own. Soon, she began selling poppies to her friends and co-workers.
The money made from selling poppies was used to benefit service men in need.
Later, a French woman named Madame Guerin followed Moina’s example. She approached the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) to begin the “Buddy Poppy” program.
This program allows disabled veterans to create artificial poppies to be sold Memorial Day weekend.
How Can We Celebrate Memorial Day?
Before we fire up the grills, take that camping trip, or go on a shopping spree, let’s take a moment to pause and thank those who fought for our freedom…to think about their families left behind…and how their sacrifice allows us the freedoms we take for granted today.
We can honor their sacrafice in many ways:
- Hang Old Glory in your yard or on your door
- Often members of the VFW sell poppies outside of busy stores-Pick one up and wear it proudly
- Visit the grave of a fallen hero
- Visit one of our National Memorials
- Be kind to others
- Help widows and children of our fallen
- Show others the importance of our fallen heroes
In our torn society, it’s easy to cast blame and let hate fill our souls. During Memorial Day, let’s set aside our differences and take a moment to remember why we love our great Nation. Let’s put ourselves in the shoes of the families left behind.
Let’s remember what it’s like to love our country and each other.
God Bless America!
Cinotti’s Bakery & Sandwich Shop
by Cinottis Bakery | May 1, 2018 | Bakery
Battle of the Cookies!
Iced cutouts vs. Decorated Cookies
Which side of the sweet tooth are you on?
There’s one ingredient that reigns supreme when it comes to our cookies.
The icing.
Whether you like fluffy buttercream or a firmer vanilla dip, we’ve got you and your cookie covered.
But what’s so special about each one? What defines a decorated cookie vs. iced cutout? More importantly, which one’s better?
We’ll let you decide in this cookie face off.
Iced cutouts are a delicious treat for any occasion. We offer these cookies in a variety of shapes, colors, and styles. Each cookie is hand iced with warm vanilla dip. Once the icing sets, our decorators add the finishing details that makes each cookie unique.
Looking for a party favor or school treat?
Look no further. Our vanilla dip icing sets up with a firm foundation making packaging easy. Set these out at your next event and give your guests an added sweet memory.
Our iced cutouts hold up in transit making them ideal for shipping to loved ones across the country.
We’ve made decorated cookies in this location since 1990. Like our iced cutouts, decorated cookies are a delicious treat for any occasion. Each design is offered on a round cookie with our homemade buttercream icing. This cookie is recommended for those who LOVE our sweet icing.
While we don’t offer as many design options on our decorated cookies, we can create designs to match your decor. Best of all, every element of our cookie is edible! From edible sand to sugar surfboards and sea creatures, we keep it sweet ’til the last bite!
Our decorated cookies make great party favors too! However, unlike the iced cutouts, decorated cookies do not set up firmly. Great care must be taken to keep our homemade buttercream designs intact.
With so many cookie options in our store, it’s certainly hard to pick one favorite.
In this cookie face off, we highlighted the major differences between our two most popular cookies in hopes to give you a better understanding of their names and attributes.
What makes our cookies so special?
Unlike packaged cookies sold elsewhere, our cookies are fresh and made by hand daily.
We take pride in offering top notch product with superior ingredients. We us non-GMO flour and never add preservatives or fillers to any product.
We work hard to insure you get only the best.
If you’re still on the fence as to which cookie is better, why not give them both a try? Our friendly sales staff is standing by, ready to take your order.
…Taste and see….
Cinotti’s Bakery & Sandwich Shop
by Cinottis Bakery | Apr 26, 2018 | Bakery
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo: Family Style
Cinco de Mayo is fast approaching. If you’re struggling to create a menu that’s fun for the entire family, look no further. We’ve heard your cries. We understand the stress you’re under to make this year’s party a hit!
With our Cinco de Mayo menu, this year will certainly be sweeter than ever.
Cinco de Mayo Iced Cutout Cookies
Our Cinco de Mayo themed iced cutouts are colorful and festive for your party. We offer these is a wide range of shapes and styles to fit your color scheme and tastes.
Cowboy Caviar & Taco Hummus
Grab your favorite brand of tortilla chips and pick up a batch of our Cowboy caviar or Taco hummus!
A smooth thick mixture of mashed chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, and taco seasoning. Pile it on your favorite taco or burrito and dance the night away. Don’t worry if you have a little left at the end of the day, this hummus is made fresh so it’ll last an extra night in the fridge.
This is a refreshing blend of ripe tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions, black beans, corn, & fresh cilantro. One bite of this salsa-like combination and your guests will beg you for the recipe. The fact you picked it up at your favorite bakery will be our little secret.
Are You Ready to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo?
With these wonderful ideas, you’ll be well on your way to having a fun, fiesta of a time May 5th. In fact, once word gets out you’re having Cinotti’s at your party, your only concern will be where to park the cars.
As will all our products, iced cutout cookies, Cowboy caviar, and Taco Hummus are made from scratch in our bakery. We use non-GMO flour and never add any preservatives to our treats.
We believe the only thing that should be left after eating our treats is a smile.
Cinotti’s Bakery & Sandwich Shop
by Cinottis Bakery | Apr 17, 2018 | Bakery
Graduation Fever? Here are 8 Tips for Planning Your Party
As graduation season nears, it’s easy to get caught up in the emotions surrounding the momentous occasion. After all, years of hard work have led to this day. To take the pressure off planning the graduation bash your graduate deserves, we’ve compiled a list of helpful nuggets to keep in mind. Here are 8 things to know before planning your party:
Atmosphere:
Believe it or not, the vibe your party gives off greatly affects the amount of food your guests will eat. If your event is held in a formal setting with heavy foods, your guests may not eat as much. Conversely, if you have an assortment of catered trays such as our chicken drummies or sandwich trays, your guests will graze the food table and consume more.
Timing:
Time plays two roles in determining the number of guests to expect and food to serve. If you’re planning a party during a busy holiday or during a busy time of day for your guests, such as church or work, you should expect fewer guests to attend. On the other hand, if you plan your party around conventional meal times, your guests will expect to be fed. Careful consideration of both date and time should be used prior to mailing those invites.
Venue:
Like the atmosphere, venue plays a role in attendance. If your venue is hard to get to or ultra-crowded, more of your guest may send regrets. If you have a more intimate venue, such as your backyard, you could expect a higher turnout. If you’re unsure where to host your celebration, Eventective has a great list of venues for every celebration every where.
Now we can get into the nuts and bolts of the cake elements:
Servings:
We make cakes to serve eight or up to eight hundred. Knowing the size of your intended crowd is always helpful when planning. If you’re unsure how many guests to expect, a good rule of thumb is to plan on serving 80% of invited guests.
Flavors and Fillings:
Having a general idea of your cake flavor really helps when planning your party. We offer vanilla and chocolate as our base options. However, red velvet, carrot, hummingbird, and sawgrass are also available.
Aside from our famous homemade buttercream, some designs allow for flavored icing as well. These icings include chocolate buttercream, strawberry buttercream, colored buttercream, and our cream cheese icing.
Our fillings are not available for every flavor or design. Some of the popular fillings include strawberry, raspberry, lemon, strawberry/cream cheese, raspberry/ganache.
Design:
The internet is full of amazing designs for graduation cakes. From elegant three-tiered masterpieces to an easy to serve sheet cake, the design choice is completely up to you.
While a tiered cake acts as a beautiful centerpiece to any event, there are some things to consider prior to settling on this design. Tiered cakes require a skilled server. They also require a steady hand when transporting from place to place. In some cases, they require a cooler temperature.
If ease of serving is more your style, a sheet cake may be the way to go. While not as ‘glamorous’ as their tiered counterpart, sheet cakes can be made with many special features. We can place a personal photo of your graduate on the cake. School colors and logos fit better on a sheet cake than a tiered cake. A sheet cake is also the winner when it comes to putting multiple schools on a single cake.
Can’t decide which option is best? Why not consider another approach? Mixing cakes and cupcakes can solve a multitude of potential issues.
If you want more flavor options, fancy cupcakes can fill the need. Or, if you’re looking for an alternative to a large cake, cupcakes designed to match your decor colors may be just the answer.
Cake not your thing? Our cookies are a tasty alternative.
We have several shapes for graduation. Our skilled decorators can match almost any school colors and party themes. Our bachelor buttons may also be ordered to match your decor.
Setting up a dessert table with our iced cutouts and bachelor buttons that all coordinate with the cupcakes or cake of your choice is a great way to provide options for all your guests.
In any case, our staff will work hard to create a plan to fit your serving and design ideas. We have a full listing of our cake servings and pricing on our FAQ page.
Budget:
This is the topic least discussed but is the most important element. Knowing your budget ahead of time allows us to make suggestions well within your desired price point. We wouldn’t want to build up a cake design with every fondant bell and whistle you could imagine only to come in way over budget. When we know a price area you want to stay around, we can create packages that keep your guests and wallet happy.
Space:
Before you finalize flavors, sizes, and catering trays, there’s one more element to consider. Space. Do you have the space in your refrigerator to hold the trays until the party? Do you have room on your kitchen counter to house the elaborate display of foods you’ll be ordering from us? Can you borrow your neighbors fridge? While space may not be the deciding factor for your event, where you’ll store your food is important to know ahead of time.
So Let’s Party!
With these eight tips by your side, you’ll be on your way to planning the most memorable celebration yet. We have a great sales team standing by to answer any of your graduation party needs. Get ahead of the rush! Give us a call or stop in today!
by Cinottis Bakery | Apr 12, 2018 | Bakery, Legends Interview
Faith, Family, and Fruitcake. A Closer Walk with Mike Cinotti Part 2
Mike Cinotti and his wife Doodle have worked hard to build their business into the renowned fixture that it is today. In this week’s post, we’re talking with Mike about his life in the bakery he loves so much.
Describe your typical day.
Mike at the school he and his wife, Doodle helped build in Plaisance, Haiti
My alarm goes off about 3:00 a.m. I get here about 3:25 a.m. and unless I have something pressing, I use the early morning for my quiet time, my prayer time. About 4:00 a.m. I get in there and get rolling. My primary job in the morning is baking the numerous racks of breads and cookies and pies and cakes that the other guys are producing at the other end of the shop. I enjoy it because it’s a challenge because of the hundreds of pans that must be baked. Some are breads that have to be proofed, some don’t and there’s two different ovens back here, so it’s a lot. I enjoy it because it challenges my mind and that’s important to me. I still enjoy seeing the product when it comes out. And smelling it too.
My afternoons, I spend a lot of time doing things at our church or missions trips. We leave in a few days to go back to Haiti on our first trip of this year. We missed getting over there in February, so I’m looking forward to next week. One of these days, I wanna do some fishing again.
Please note: At the time of this posting, Mike and Doodle had just returned from their Haiti trip where they rebuilt homes and spread God’s message to those in the village of Carries, Haiti. Mike often preaches a sermon or two to the congregation.
Was there ever a technique you wish you’d mastered?
Let me tell you about that. I remember as a young kid, watching my dad bagging out eclairs. His were perfect- like everyone of them! He just ‘zoom’ ‘zoom’ ‘zoomed’, everyone of them-perfect. And, when I tried to do it, mine looked like- well, I can’t even describe. They looked like they’d been in an accident. But, then after about thirty years, something clicked. And, for the past twenty years, mine look nearly perfect like his.
I’ve been doing this a long time and I think I’ve got a pretty good handle on most things by now. There is one item, I’ve been trying recently. That’s the Lobster tail. My wife loves them, and I’ve never made them. So, for her, it’s an item I’m working on.
How do you stay abreast to current trends?
That’s what my daughters are for! Staying involved in organizations, attending workshops are a great way to connect. Social media and TV shows have really enhanced the craft of the baker.
What are the advantages of running your own place as opposed to the bigger stores?
We can create something special for our customers that bigger companies cannot. Some of these stores have such strict corporate rules that don’t allow tweaking. If the product doesn’t come out of the box the way the customer wants it, they can’t make it. We can do whatever we want within our moral and legal code.
What are the disadvantages?
Employee benefits, I wish I could provide our staff with all the bells and whistles bigger companies offer. Buying power, we certainly buy a lot, however, we pay more for ingredients than bigger companies. Traffic flow is another disadvantage because we are more of a destination than a convenience. Facilities maintenance is another big one.
Mike and his wife, Doodle in the bakery in the 90’s
In terms of running your business, what aspects are most rewarding?
We have built up a very good name in this community. Part of that is our product, part of that is how we run our business. When I hear of the impact this business is making on the community or meet people I would never have met outside this bakery, it fills my heart.
We’re able to provide livings for over 30 employees working here. We’re able to pay our staff a decent salary. The financial impact we have on people’s lives is healthy.
With our younger staff, we’re able to mold them into great workers later in life. The work ethic we instill in them here is helpful in so many aspects of their future.
How would you say the baking industry has changed over the course of your life?
Back in the day, breads didn’t last a week. It used to be, early in the morning, ladies would come to the bakery, get product, and head back home to their families. Now, our speed of life is so busy, everything is fast food. Because of this, some people say our industry is dying, I’m here to say, no, I don’t think so. On the upside, however, social media and TV shows have put such a spotlight on our industry and craft, they see what goes into making a cake. It allows people to appreciate what we do more.
“Some people say our industry is dying, I’m here to say, no, I don’t think so.”
What period of your life has been your favorite?
The past 20 years, absolutely. I enjoyed my childhood and got to spend quality time with my parents. Life is hard, but it’s good. When you’ve got your eternity wrapped up, it makes this pain of life a little easier. When God got a hold of me 20 years ago, I became a different person.
I’ve fallen deeper in love with my wife. I work with my kids every day. I see my grandchildren. I love my church. I go on mission’s trips Haiti multiple times a year. Twenty years ago, I was hard; more of a vocal corrector rather than a loving corrector. Now, I’m a better listener, I live my life right. My relationship with Jesus has changed me.
“Life is hard, but it’s good. When you’ve got your eternity wrapped up, it makes this pain of life a little easier.”
Was there a time you wanted to give it all up?
There’s been a couple times when I wasn’t sure this was what I’m supposed to do. It’ll wear you down, you get tired, but I don’t know that I ever wanted to give it up.
If you didn’t bake, what would you do?
Well, if I had the money, I’d be doing full time ministry.
If you could go back in time to give yourself advice, what would it be?
I’d tell myself to get in the bible earlier. I’ve made wiser decisions when I seek God’s word first.
Do you have any knowledgeable nuggets for newcomers to the industry?
My dad used to tell me, ‘A good baker with a solid skill set can get a job anywhere in the world.’ I encourage those looking to get into this industry to work for several different places to learn different techniques and procedures. Listen to others. You never know what little nuggets you’ll pick up.
“A good baker with a solid skill set can get a job anywhere in the world.”
Mike is clearly a man in love with his wife, family, faith, and business. Getting a deeper look into the man who’s worked hard for over 50 years has been such a treat. In part 3 of this Legend’s interview, we’ll take a look into the bakery’s most popular items and what inspired Mike and his team to create them.
If you’d like to inquire about Mike and Doodle’s efforts in Carries, Haiti or would like to donate goods to their cause, you can find information here: http://www.southpointcc.com/haiti/
by Cinottis Bakery | Apr 5, 2018 | Bakery, Legends Interview
Faith, Family, and Fruitcake. A Closer Walk with Mike Cinotti part 1
Mike Cinotti is a man revered both professionally and privately. His devotion to faith, family, and business is widely known. He responsible for so many elements of his successful bakery. I had the wonderful opportunity to sit with him this month to learn more about the various aspects of his life. In Part 1 of this interview, sitting in his small office at the bakery on Penman Road, Mike, opens up about his early years.
How old were you when you first started baking?
Up until I was about nine, I really just played around and ate the food. Then my dad started letting me help at the table. I can remember as a 10-year-old, my dad let me make a batch of rye bread.
How’d that turn out?
It actually turned out pretty well. But, at the age of 12, I was able to make cheesecake. And I mean; I scaled it, mixed it, baked it and dumped it all by myself. That was pretty cool. There I was, an eighth grader making cheesecake after school.
Why did you become a baker?
I have enjoyed this since my earliest memories. If you’re gonna do something your entire life, there should be a sense of enjoyment and fulfillment in it. This is what I do. It’s what I enjoy… You know they say sometimes things are in your blood. I’m not sure about flour being in our veins, but it’s what our family does. It’s what we know. The Lord has blessed our hands and I enjoy it. I especially love the aroma. When I leave the bakery and come back, the aroma even from the parking lot is enjoyable.
If you’re gonna do something your entire life, there should be a sense of enjoyment and fulfillment in it.
Were there any influential people in your life that helped propel your baking career?
My dad, of course. But there also was a man, Mr. Draper, who was a flavor salesman for a company. He had extensive knowledge of baking and consulted for many different companies. I was fortunate to know him and learn from him every time he and my dad got together.
We did get an opportunity to meet some bakers from around the country that were quite incredible. Gene Wilson in Georgia; Hanz Nadler in Texas; and Carl Poppingay over at Edgewood Bakery were very influential. And, when I was in Minnesota for a year in school, I worked for Cliff Meyers who added to my love of baking.
Did you go to school to learn the trade or are you self-taught?
Ninety-nine percent of what I learned from my father and from other bakers around the country. I did get the chance to go to Minnesota, to Dunwoody Baking School. It’s funny, I knew how to do almost everything they did there. What I didn’t know was the reasons behind some of the ingredient changes and the effects some of the ingredients had on each other and to the final product. It was a great learning experience from the book side of it. And, I got to make friends with other bakers, some of whom I keep up with even 40 years later. But mostly, it was a great compliment to my father and those I grew up with, having taught me as much as they taught me when I got there at 17 ½ years old, to already have an incredible base for my industry.
If you could pick one product that you love to make start to finish, what would it be?
Well, it wouldn’t be fruitcake, that’s for sure! I don’t think there’s one product in particular, but I really like the holiday special items we put out in November and December. Rainbow Bars, that we don’t make every day. They’re very colorful and tasteful. I still enjoy making breads, but that’s because I like eating it too. You know, I do love apple strudel and making them.
So, I take it fruitcake is something you dislike making?
Not necessarily, fruitcake brings back so many memories from the late 60’s when my dad would let me help. Gosh, I never got to make the topping because that was the special part. And I never got to do the packing part. But there was so much comradery involved in the process. Fruitcake, for me, brings back so many memories. But, no, it’s not my favorite product to make. For me, it’s a personal thing. It has a different meaning.
Are there any elements of the craft of baking drive you crazy?
To be a successful bakery, you have to be more than just a successful baker. One of the things that bothers me is the abundance of pre-made baked goods readily available to those that call themselves bakers. When all a person has to do is pull an item from the freezer, bake it and it’s done, that’s a big pet peeve of mine. What does that person do when the truck doesn’t arrive? Or if a customer wants a variation of that product? Most people out there today are not trained to make these items from scratch. While I understand the need for consistency, but heating up pre-made items is not an art.
To be a successful bakery, you have to be more than just a successful baker.”
What’s the main thing you want people to take from your product or business?
We try to create an environment that’s loving and enjoyable. We have generations of families that come in. The other day, a lady who wanted a picture of me holding her baby because she came in here as a little girl… That’s impactful.
Takeaway:
In the world of prefabbed meals, it’s easy to see why people flock to the homemade works of art put out by Mike and his staff each day. Cinotti values quality over quantity in each item he and his team create. The love and respect he has for people and his community echoes through his family and staff. In part 2 of this Legends Interview, Mike brings us forward in time to discuss current issues facing his bakery and industry. For more information on Mike Cinotti and his team, head over to 1523 Penman Road in Jacksonville Beach, FL. Once you taste the love from these pastries, you’ll understand why there’s a line out the door every day.
by Cinottis Bakery | Mar 21, 2018 | Bakery, Holiday Events
Celebrate Easter with a Traditional Easter Egg Cake!
With Easter hopping on our heals, most families are busy preparing their traditional celebrations. These traditions are important whether you plan on attending Easter Services, enjoying a large family gathering, or attending the neighborhood Easter egg hunt. And, as much as we plan our day around our faith or traditions, one elemental item seems to be prominent in Easter celebrations. The food. And, with the popularity of the Easter egg, we have an item that fits into both categories… The Easter Egg Cake.
Easter Egg Cake:
Our Easter Egg Cake is a pleasant compliment to any Easter table setting. And, you don’t have to worry about refrigeration. Leave this work of art out during your gathering as added decor to your day. Each cake will serve up to ten guests and is available in vanilla, chocolate, or Kylie cake. You can also have a layer of vanilla and chocolate upon request. This colorful cake can be created in most colors to create your perfect design. We offer these cakes with both traditional and contemporary decorations.
Traditional Decorations
A traditional Easte
r Egg Cake is made with various color combinations, designs, and flavors.
This may include colorful swags, buttercream and sugar flowers, and of course, jelly beans.
Contemporary Decorations:
A contemporary Easter Egg Cake has more of a modern twist. Still available in a multitude of colors, decorations include puffy flowers, underwater scenes, grass and gumpaste flowers, piped bunnies, and more.
Table Add-Ons:
In addition to the beautiful centerpiece our Easter Egg Cake offers, we also offer small dipped eggs. Our dipped eggs, while not available in various decorations, are offered in multiple flavors. Vanilla cake eggs are dipped in fun Easter colors and drizzled with a coordinating color. Our chocolate dipped eggs may be filled with buttercream or you can order them without filling. Both are dipped in warm chocolate ganache. Want a different flavor? We also offer dipped eggs in Carrot cake and Kylie!
These mini eggs are a wonderful twist on custom place settings or as an added dessert to your Easter meal. Using these mini eggs around your table to coordinate with your Easter Egg Cake, you’ll create a decor unlike any other.
Happy Easter!
As always, we strive to create a unique experience for all our customers. We believe time is a precious resource. That’s why, we have created an Easter product menu to encompass a wide range of items. From our Easter Egg Cake and small dipped eggs, to our Deviled egg trays and fresh made breads, we’re confident you will find what you need all in one place.
Ready to plan your Easter meal? Give one of our sales staff a call today. We’re here and ready to serve you in any way possible.
Hoppy Easter!
