Bona Sera to relaunch later today with booze

BonaSeraInsideOur friends at Bona Sera Cafe, as you may have noticed, have been closed for the past few days. I’m told there’s no reason for concern, though. It’s not like that time, a few years back, when Dave Curtis closed up his businesses along Washington Street, and snuck out of town under cover of darkness. No, this is something different altogether. This is a good thing. Bona Sera, one of Ypsi’s best restaurants, just recently got word, after almost six months of waiting, that they’ll be able to start selling alcohol, and they decided to shut down for a few days to build out a bar, and make some much needed improvements. And they’ll be back open on Friday, September 26 for dinner… They were busy, but I had an opportunity to ask a few questions.

MARK: Not having a liquor license was clearly holding Bona Sera back. I think you’d admit as much, right?

BONA SERA: Yep, it’s definitely going to expand our ability to book events for holiday parties, weddings, etc. in our space.

MARK: Well, given that, what took so long? Was it just coming up with the $25,000, or whatever it is, for a redevelopment liquor license, or where there other hurdles as well?

BONA SERA: The entire process took from March until now. The city of Ypsi has been great at helping us and giving us all we need really quickly. Lansing was much pokier. We came away from the process wishing that Lansing would put redevelopment licenses at a higher priority than others since it ends up benefitting real communities that need redevelopment.

MARK: Not only will you be able to drink at Bona Sera when it reopens for dinner service on the 25th, but I hear that things will look a little different inside as well. What have you got in mind?

BONA SERA: We’re busy repositioning things so that we can have a usable bar and lounge area, and to improve the flow of service in general.

MARK: I hear there’s going to be a Bloody Mary Bar this weekend. Can you describe it to me?

BONA SERA: The Bloody Mary Bar will be a list of options available when ordering that will allow you to create your own specialized drink.

MARK: Are there any drinks in particular that you’re looking forward to serving?

BONA SERA: We’re looking forward to serving Pisco, Absinthe and Wine.

MARK: Will the addition of alcohol lead to any menu changes?

BONA SERA: No menu changes in particular but we are going to start monthly Sunday Suppers with wine/beer pairings, a set menu and a limited number of people.

[Bona Sera’s hours will remain the same after reopening, but extended hours may be considered in the future. A Sunday Funky Brunch Buffet (with DJ Selina Style) is planned for September 28th with a Bloody Mary Bar, Mimosas and Bellinis. For more information, or to make reservations, call 734-340-6335, or reach out through Facebook.]

This entry was posted in Uncategorized, Ypsilanti and tagged , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. Post a comment or leave a trackback: Trackback URL.

8 Comments

  1. blueeyedpupil
    Posted September 25, 2014 at 10:29 pm | Permalink

    so very pleased that they are doing well. Good luck

  2. SFC
    Posted September 26, 2014 at 7:15 am | Permalink

    Sad to admit, but the no-drinking thing was the only thing keeping me away.

  3. Anonymous
    Posted September 26, 2014 at 10:57 am | Permalink

    Good for them. I hope this puts them over the top. Their food is so good it pains me that they aren’t more busy. Maybe this will do it.

  4. Posted September 26, 2014 at 11:29 am | Permalink

    Not only is their food great, but Barb and Annette have been huge supporters of so many folks in Ypsi. For my part, Go! Ice Cream would maybe not even exist if not for their support and guidance. Lara and I have been helping them with a few new photos and decorations as they prep for the re-opening and it has been amazing to go there and see all the folks who have rallied to help them address the space needs required by the liquor license. Also?! I got to sample the new drinks last night and their version of a Dark & Stormy is top-damn-notch. I can’t wait to chug one or three of those along with some Shrimp & Grits.

  5. Glen S.
    Posted September 26, 2014 at 1:42 pm | Permalink

    I didn’t think Bona Sera could get any better … but now it has!

  6. Lynne
    Posted September 26, 2014 at 3:10 pm | Permalink

    Oh yay. Now when I have brunch there, I can have a Bloody Mary but I hope they’ll make it for me because I’ve decided that those Bloody Mary bars are stupid. :)

  7. MF
    Posted September 27, 2014 at 10:09 am | Permalink

    Went to the reopening last night the food drinks and music were awesome!

  8. Posted September 27, 2014 at 11:24 am | Permalink

    After a tough day at work & an even harder workout, I love having several options for my members to WALK to from Ypsi Studio. Adding to the downtown experience is nothing but good news. And yeah, I took a peek & the decor got a nice lift; more cohesive, more charm. Woohoo!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Connect

BUY LOCAL... or shop at Amazon through this link Banner Initiative American Under Maynardism