Legendary local caterer and Cal Poly graduate Bonnie Bardin recently opened a new retail location in Santa Margarita with kitchen enthusiasts and self-proclaimed "foodies" in mind. Bonnie's Kitchen, located at 2200 El Camino Real in the historic Gasoline Alley Antique Barn, is a retail store that offers tasty gifts and delicious foods ranging from marinades, sauces, jellies, candies, and chocolates to lotions and anything else a kitchen enthusiast would need. Bonnie's Kitchen is also the home of the renowned Bonnie's Catering, 438-5015.

After six years of success in downtown San Luis Obispo, Porch Home & Garden has announced that it will be closing its doors in May. Store owner Katy Davis stated that the reason for the closing comes in the wake of a growing trend among big box stores selling lower-end mass furniture and a 25-year low in the furniture industry. She said she'll miss her customers and staff, but she's looking forward to retirement so she can enjoy her garden and spend more time with family and friends. Though Davis intends to shut the shop down soon, she said there's the potential for someone else to revive the retailer.

Enjoy cooking naked? For those who aren't particularly looking to barbecue in their birthday suits, nutritionist Cory Quigley offers another form of "naked" cooking with whole, natural foods and ingredients. "Cook Naked" is a special event that will be hosted by Quigley, a graduate of the California Culinary Academy who currently teaches for Cuesta College's Culinary Arts Program. Quigley will offer expert guidance on the world of fresh, whole foods, while guests can learn about "nutritional secrets" and sample the "benefit of delicious whole food." The menu for the event will include several enticing dishes, such as Soba noodle and vegetable spring rolls, goat cheese crostini, citrus marinated salmon, and other whole food servings. Cook Naked is scheduled for May 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. at The Studio in the Marigold Shopping Center. Reservations are $30 per person. Call 541-1100 for more details.

Intern Tyler Wise compiled this week's Strokes and Plugs. Send your business news to [email protected].