Bonita’s Kitchen Story

Hi and welcome to our website!!

From Upper Island Cove to YouTube: The Bonita's Kitchen Story Hello!

I'm Bonita, the Co-Owner and Chef behind "Bonita’s Kitchen," a beloved show dedicated to Newfoundland cooking.

You might have seen us on YouTube or Eastlink Community TV. Today, I want to give you a glimpse into my life and the origins of "Bonita’s Kitchen."

I hail from the quaint seaside town of Upper Island Cove in Newfoundland Labrador. Surrounded by four sisters and our wonderful parents, my childhood was filled with love and warmth. My father, in his younger days, was both an organic farmer and a steelworker.

My mother, a dedicated homemaker, ensured we were always well-fed and cared for. Together, they cultivated a garden, producing splendid vegetables which they sold locally. One of my earliest memories of work was at the local bakery, baking alongside my sister-in-law, Viola. She wasn't just family; she was my mentor in the world of baking. In 1985, I married my best friend, Raymond.

Two years later, we embarked on a new adventure, moving to the charming northern city of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. It's where we spent 28 beautiful years and where our wonderful sons, Brad and Steven, came into our lives. Even while living up North, we held onto our traditions, especially when it came to food.

We introduced many to our cultural dishes, and I fondly remember preparing our Traditional Jiggs Dinner for various cultural events. As 2012 approached, we began envisioning our retirement. It was during this time that our eldest, Brad, suggested we make a video on baking Homemade White Bread.

Newfoundland White Bread

The idea was to share it with him and Steven, ensuring they could recreate it once they moved out. Little did we know, posting that video on YouTube would resonate with so many others.

That's when we realized: this could be our retirement passion project. Sharing both traditional and modern Newfoundland and Labrador recipes became our mission.

By 2014, we returned to Newfoundland, settling down just a short drive from Upper Island Cove. Retirement has been a blend of family time, weekly "Bonita’s Kitchen" episodes, and visits to our family out West.

With a lifetime of experiences as a chef, baker, mother, and wife, my love for Newfoundland food is evident both on camera and in my two cookbooks: "Traditional Newfoundland Cooking and Recipes" and "A Little Taste of Home."

https://www.bonitaskitchen.com/cookbook

With Raymond's unwavering support, "Bonita’s Kitchen" on YouTube has reached an international audience, boasting over 87,000 subscribers and millions of views. We've been featured on CBC Radio, NTV News, East Coast Living Magazine, Eastlink Community Television, The Telegram, and more.

Thank you for stopping by on behalf of myself, RMHussey Productions and Team!!!

From our Kitchen to yours!!!